About Des Moines County
Des Moines County is located in the southeastern corner of Iowa, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east. The county seat is Burlington, Iowa's first territorial capital and one of the state's oldest cities. Established in 1834, Des Moines County covers approximately 416 square miles and has a population of roughly 38,000 residents according to recent census estimates. The county is named after the Des Moines River, though the river itself does not flow through the county.
Major landmarks include the historic Snake Alley in Burlington, recognized as one of the most crooked streets in the world, the Burlington Riverfront, and the Crapo Park complex. The county's history is deeply rooted in river commerce, railroad development, and manufacturing. Des Moines County is unique as the site of Iowa's first territorial capital and contains significant 19th-century architecture.
The Des Moines County Recorder's office, located at 513 N Main Street in Burlington, maintains property records and land transactions. The County Auditor serves as the chief elections officer and commissioner of elections. The Des Moines County Assessor's office, also at the county courthouse complex at 513 N Main Street, handles property assessments and valuations.
The county government operates from the historic courthouse and administrative buildings in downtown Burlington, serving residents across the county's six incorporated cities and several unincorporated communities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Des Moines County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. This office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office also provides various community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, which ensures safety on county roads, and the investigations division, which handles more complex criminal cases.
Police Departments
Des Moines County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Burlington Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency within the city of Burlington, handling city-specific crimes and public safety. The West Burlington Police Department serves the city of West Burlington, focusing on local law enforcement and community policing. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Des Moines County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 513 N Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601, provides law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas and contracted services to some municipalities. The Sheriff's Office phone number is (319) 753-8218. The Des Moines County Correctional Center operates adjacent to the Sheriff's Office and houses inmates for the county. Jail inmate information and rosters can be accessed through the county's website or by calling the jail directly at (319) 753-8272.
- To request arrest records, citizens may submit written or in-person requests to the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office or the respective police department that made the arrest.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
- Iowa law requires that agencies respond to public records requests promptly, typically within a reasonable time frame not to exceed a few business days unless the request is unusually broad or complex.
Municipal law enforcement in Des Moines County includes the Burlington Police Department, serving the largest city and county seat, the Mediapolis Police Department, the West Burlington Police Department, and the Danville Police Department. Arrest records in Des Moines County are considered public records under Iowa Code Chapter 22, the Iowa Public Records Law, which mandates that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted. Mugshots and booking photos are typically maintained by the correctional facility and may be available through the jail roster system.
There are no tribal law enforcement agencies operating within Des Moines County, as there are no federally recognized tribal jurisdictions in this area of Iowa.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Des Moines County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Des Moines County Sheriff's Office maintains local criminal records, while the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation provides broader state-level background checks. Residents can request background checks through the sheriff's office or the Iowa Bureau of Investigation, which offers comprehensive criminal history reports.
- These records are crucial for employment, housing, and other background verification processes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Des Moines County are maintained by the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the sheriff's office, typically requiring a formal request under the Iowa Open Records Law. Arrest records provide comprehensive information, including the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and any bail conditions. The Iowa Open Records Law ensures public access to these records, promoting transparency in law enforcement activities.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Des Moines County Correctional Center is the primary detention facility in the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. The facility provides an inmate lookup service online, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule visits in advance and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Iowa state law, allowing for cash bonds or surety bonds through a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Des Moines County are taken and retained by the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases. To search for mugshots, individuals can visit the sheriff's website or use third-party services that aggregate public records. Iowa does not have specific mugshot removal laws, meaning that once a mugshot is part of the public record, it remains accessible unless expunged through legal proceedings.
Courts & Case Records
Des Moines County is served by the Iowa District Court for the Eighth Judicial District, with the Des Moines County Courthouse located at 513 N Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601. The District Court phone number is (319) 753-8272. Iowa's District Court has original jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, probate, juvenile, and domestic relations cases. There are no separate municipal or justice courts; all cases are filed through the District Court system.
- Copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Court's office at the courthouse, with fees typically ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per page for standard copies and higher fees for certified copies.
- Traffic citations and minor infractions are also processed through the District Court system.
The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains an online case search system called Iowa Courts Online, accessible at www.iowacourts.state.ia.us, where users can search for case records by party name, case number, or attorney name for Des Moines County and all other Iowa counties. Most case information is available for free through this portal, though certain sealed or confidential records are restricted. Iowa Code Chapter 22 and Iowa Court Rules govern public access to court records, with the general principle that court records are public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute.
Probate matters, including estate proceedings and guardianship cases, are handled by the District Court in Des Moines County. The courthouse accepts filings in person and has implemented electronic filing systems for attorneys and some pro se litigants through the Iowa Electronic Document Management System.
Property & Public Records
The Des Moines County Recorder's Office, located at 513 N Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (319) 753-8203 and is responsible for recording and preserving documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property. The Recorder's office provides public access to these records during regular business hours, and many counties in Iowa, including Des Moines County, offer online property record searches.
- Recording fees vary based on document type and page count, with standard deeds typically costing between $30-50 to record.
- The Des Moines County Assessor's Office, also located at 513 N Main Street (phone: 319-753-8272), maintains property assessment records, property tax information, parcel data, and ownership information.
- The Des Moines County Treasurer's office handles property tax collection and provides information on tax payments, delinquencies, and tax sale properties.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Recorder's office for a fee, typically $5-15 depending on the document.
The county's property records may be searchable through the county website or third-party vendors contracted to provide digital access. The Assessor's office typically provides an online property search tool that allows users to look up parcels by address, owner name, or parcel number, viewing assessment values, tax history, and property characteristics. Des Moines County maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) that may include an online parcel viewer showing property boundaries, zoning, and other spatial data, accessible through the county's website or planning department.
Vital Records
Vital records for Des Moines County, Iowa, are maintained at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Des Moines County can be requested from the Des Moines County Public Health Department or the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Health Statistics. For births and deaths occurring from July 1880 to the present, requests should be directed to the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Statistics, Lucas State Office Building, 321 E 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0075.
- The state office charges $20 for the first copy of a birth certificate and $15 for additional copies requested at the same time; death certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies.
- Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Des Moines County Recorder's Office at 513 N Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601 (phone: 319-753-8203).
- The marriage license fee is established by state statute and county ordinance.
- Online ordering of Iowa vital records is available through VitalChek, an authorized vendor, at www.vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply.
Birth records are restricted to the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, and legal representatives; death certificates are more widely available but certain requestors receive non-certified informational copies. Iowa has no waiting period for marriage licenses, and licenses are valid for six months from issuance. Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are maintained by the Clerk of District Court at the Des Moines County Courthouse, 513 N Main Street.
Iowa Code Chapter 144 governs vital records, establishing confidentiality provisions and access rights. Requestors must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or tangible interest when requesting restricted vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Des Moines County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Des Moines County Recorder's Office at 513 N Main Street, Burlington, handles the filing of fictitious business names (Doing Business As or DBA certificates) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under assumed names. These filings are required under Iowa Code Chapter 547 and are public records searchable at the Recorder's office.
- This searchable database is available free online at sos.iowa.gov under the Business Services section, allowing users to look up business names, registered agents, formation dates, and status.
The Iowa Secretary of State maintains the central business entity database for all corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities operating in Iowa. The Secretary of State's office is located at Lucas State Office Building, 321 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50319. Sales tax permits are issued by the Iowa Department of Revenue and are required for businesses selling tangible goods.
Professional and occupational licenses are typically issued by state licensing boards rather than county offices, though some local business permits may be required by individual municipalities within Des Moines County. Building permits, zoning approvals, and construction-related licenses in unincorporated Des Moines County are handled by the Des Moines County Planning and Zoning Department at the county administrative offices. Cities within the county, including Burlington, Mediapolis, West Burlington, and Danville, maintain their own building inspection and business licensing departments.
The Greater Burlington Partnership serves as the regional chamber of commerce and economic development organization, located at 610 N 4th Street, Suite 200, Burlington, IA 52601, with a website at www.growgreatergBurlington.com, providing business resources and networking opportunities for Des Moines County enterprises.
Elections & Voter Records
The Des Moines County Auditor serves as the Commissioner of Elections and administers all elections within the county. The Auditor's office is located at 513 N Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601, and can be reached at (319) 753-8272. The county elections website and information can be accessed through the county's main website or by visiting the Iowa Secretary of State's election portal at sos.iowa.gov.
- Iowa law requires voters to register at least 10 days before an election, though same-day voter registration is available at the polls on Election Day with proof of identity and residence.
Voter registration in Iowa can be completed online through the state's website at mymvd.iowadot.gov for residents with an Iowa driver's license or non-operator ID, or by submitting a paper voter registration form to the County Auditor's office. Voters can find their polling place by using the Iowa Secretary of State's online polling place locator or by contacting the Des Moines County Auditor's office. Election records that are public in Iowa include voter registration lists (though some information is restricted), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and certified vote totals.
Des Moines County typically experiences voter turnout of 60-75% in presidential general elections and 40-55% in midterm elections, consistent with Iowa's relatively high participation rates. The 2024 general election saw strong turnout across Iowa counties including Des Moines County. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for Iowa's congressional districts, one U.S. Senate seat, Iowa state constitutional offices including Governor, and Iowa General Assembly seats. Absentee voting is available to all Iowa voters without excuse requirement; voters can request an absentee ballot by submitting a written request to the Des Moines County Auditor's office by mail, email, fax, or online through the state portal.
Iowa Code Chapter 48A governs absentee and mail-in voting procedures. Absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor by the close of polls on Election Day to be counted. Election transparency in Des Moines County is supported by Iowa's public records laws, which allow citizens to request precinct results, registration statistics, absentee ballot data, and other election administration records under Iowa Code Chapter 22.
Economy & Demographics
Des Moines County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and service industries. Major employers include Great River Medical Center, Case New Holland Industrial (CNH), Winegard Company (antenna and satellite equipment manufacturer), and Shearer's Foods. The manufacturing sector has historically been central to the county's economy, with Burlington's location on the Mississippi River facilitating transportation and logistics operations.
- The median household income in Des Moines County is approximately $52,000-55,000 according to recent American Community Survey estimates, somewhat below the Iowa state median.
- Key economic sectors include advanced manufacturing, food processing, healthcare, retail trade, and professional services.
- Roquette America operates a significant corn processing facility in the region, producing specialty food ingredients.
- The Port of Burlington provides river access for bulk commodities and supports industrial operations.
Healthcare and social assistance represent significant employment sectors, with Great River Medical Center serving as a regional healthcare hub. Agriculture remains important in the rural portions of Des Moines County, with corn and soybean production predominating. The county's unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly above the state average, with fluctuations based on manufacturing sector performance.
Economic development efforts focus on workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and attraction of advanced manufacturing operations. The South East Iowa Regional Planning Commission coordinates regional economic initiatives. Tourism contributes to the local economy through heritage attractions, Mississippi River recreation, and the historic downtown Burlington district.
The county has worked to diversify its economic base following the decline of some traditional manufacturing operations, with emphasis on retention and expansion of existing businesses.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (Iowa Courts Online) | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Roster Online | Vital Records: ⚠️ State/County In-Person or VitalChek | Business: ✅ Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: ✅ Online Access | Overall Score: 8.5/10 — Des Moines County provides strong digital access to most public records through county and state portals.
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Cities & Towns in Des Moines County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Des Moines County, Iowa.
Nearby Counties
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