About Dickey County
Dickey County is located in southeastern North Dakota, positioned along the state's border with South Dakota. Established in 1881 and organized in 1882, Dickey County was named after George H. Dickey, a prominent early Dakota Territory politician. Dickey County Seat is Ellendale, which is the administrative center and is home to Dickey County courthouse at 309 North 2nd Street. Dickey County spans approximately 1,142 square miles and had a population of roughly 4,999 residents according to the 2020 Census, reflecting the rural agricultural character typical of Dickey County.
- Highway 281 and North Dakota Highway 11 provides transportation connectivity to larger regional centers.
Dickey County is bordered by LaMoure County to the north, Sargent County to the east, and McIntosh County to the west. Major communities include Ellendale, Oakes, and Fullerton. The James River flows through the western portion of Dickey County, providing critical water resources for agriculture.
The economy is predominantly based on farming and ranching, with wheat, corn, soybeans, and cattle production driving local commerce. Dickey County is part of North Dakota's prairie pothole region, known for its numerous wetlands that provide vital waterfowl habitat. Key county offices include Dickey County Recorder at the courthouse in Ellendale, responsible for maintaining land records and documents; Dickey County Clerk, who handles marriage licenses and certain court documents; and Dickey County Director of Tax Equalization, who maintains property valuation records for taxation purposes.
Dickey County's location along U.S.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Dickey County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across Dickey County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office manages Dickey County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It also provides patrol services and works on crime prevention initiatives.
Police Departments
Dickey County is served by Dickey County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments, including the Ellendale Police Department and the Oakes Police Department. Each agency is responsible for law enforcement within its jurisdiction, with the Sheriff's Office covering rural areas and the city departments focusing on urban centers. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies to ensure full coverage and public safety throughout Dickey County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Dickey County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 309 North 2nd Street in Ellendale, ND 58436, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Dickey County and provides jail services. Inmate information and booking records can typically be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though online inmate rosters may be limited compared to larger counties.
- Requests should include specific information such as the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Processing times for public records requests typically range from a few days to two weeks, and fees may apply for copying and certification.
- North Dakota law requires agencies to respond to open records requests within a reasonable timeframe, and requesters may appeal denials through administrative channels.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by police departments in incorporated cities within Dickey County, including the Oakes Police Department serving the city of Oakes and the Ellendale Police Department serving Dickey County Seat. Arrest records in Dickey County are considered public records under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04, the state's open records law. Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, though some records may be restricted if they involve ongoing investigations or juvenile offenders.
Dickey County does not have tribal law enforcement jurisdiction, as no Native American reservations are located within Dickey County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Dickey County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The bureau's services are essential for employers, landlords, and individuals seeking full background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Dickey County are maintained by Dickey County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. North Dakota's public records law, known as the North Dakota Open Records Statute, governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to governmental information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Dickey County Jail, located in Ellendale, handles the detention of individuals arrested within Dickey County. The booking process involves recording personal information, taking fingerprints, and photographing the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance. The bond and bail process follows North Dakota state guidelines, allowing for the release of individuals pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Dickey County are taken and retained by Dickey County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While there is no specific North Dakota law for mugshot removal, individuals may request corrections or updates to their records if inaccuracies are found. Public access to mugshots may be limited to protect privacy and comply with state regulations.
Courts & Case Records
Dickey County is served by the Southeast Judicial District of North Dakota. Dickey County District Court, located at 309 North 2nd Street in Ellendale, ND 58436, handles criminal, civil, family law, probate, and juvenile matters. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. District Courts in North Dakota have general jurisdiction over all civil cases regardless of the amount in controversy, criminal felony and misdemeanor cases, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, estate proceedings, juvenile cases, and appeals from administrative agencies.
- Case information can be searched through the North Dakota Court System's public access portal at www.ndcourts.gov, which provides online case search capabilities for statewide court records.
- Fees for copying court documents are established by North Dakota Supreme Court Administrative Rule and typically include charges per page for standard copies and higher fees for certified copies.
- Probate matters, including wills, estate administration, and guardianships, are processed through the District Court's probate division.
North Dakota does not have a separate superior or circuit court system; the District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. Court records in Dickey County are accessible under North Dakota Century Code Section 44-04-18, which governs access to court records and establishes that most court documents are public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. In-person searches can be conducted at Dickey County Clerk of Court office in the courthouse.
Dickey County does not operate separate municipal courts; minor traffic matters and city ordinance violations are typically handled through the District Court or by payment of citations. Those seeking court records should be prepared to provide case numbers or party names and valid identification.
Property & Public Records
Dickey County Recorder's Office, located in the courthouse at 309 North 2nd Street, Ellendale, ND 58436, maintains official land and property records for Dickey County. The office can be reached at and is responsible for recording and preserving documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, lis pendens notices, easements, right-of-way agreements, and plat maps. These records are public under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 11-18, which governs county recorders.
- The Recorder's Office indexes documents by grantor, grantee, and legal description, allowing researchers to trace property ownership history.
- Online access to recorded documents may be available through third-party services or regional land records systems, though availability varies and fees may apply for document retrieval and printing.
- Property tax information is maintained by Dickey County Director of Tax Equalization's Office, also located in the courthouse, which provides property valuations, assessment records, and parcel information.
- Citizens can request certified copies of recorded documents by submitting requests in writing or in person; fees typically include a base recording fee plus per-page charges as established by state statute.
Vital Records
Vital records for Dickey County, North Dakota, include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. Birth and death certificates occurring in Dickey County can be requested from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records, located at 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Dickey County Recorder's Office at the courthouse in Ellendale; couples must apply in person and pay the required fee.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the North Dakota Department of Health VitalChek service at https://www.vitalchek.com, which provides expedited processing for an additional fee.
- Genealogical research and historical vital records can be accessed with fewer restrictions once the confidentiality period has expired.
The state vital records office maintains centralized records for all North Dakota births and deaths and can be contacted through the office’s website. Certified birth certificates cost $7.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; certified death certificates follow the same fee structure. Applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as required by North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-02.1, which governs vital records access and confidentiality. Birth records are restricted for 100 years from the date of birth, and death records are restricted for 50 years, with access limited to immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with documented interest.
There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 60 days. Divorce decrees are obtained through Dickey County Clerk of District Court, as divorce proceedings are court matters.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Dickey County are maintained by multiple offices depending on the type of record. Local business licenses and permits for businesses operating within Dickey County may be handled by Dickey County Auditor's Office at the courthouse in Ellendale. Businesses operating under a trade name or fictitious name (DBA - Doing Business As) must register with Dickey County, and these records are typically public.
- This database includes business formation documents, registered agent information, annual report filings, and business status.
For full business entity information, the North Dakota Secretary of State maintains the statewide Business Information Center, accessible online at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov, where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered business entities. The Secretary of State's office is located at 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, and healthcare providers are regulated by state licensing boards rather than county offices. Sales tax permits are issued by the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner.
Building permits and zoning compliance in Dickey County are handled by Dickey County planning and zoning office; those planning construction should contact Dickey County courthouse for specific requirements and permit applications. The Ellendale Area Chamber of Commerce and the Oakes Economic Development Corporation provide resources for businesses operating in their respective communities, offering networking opportunities, business support, and local economic information. Business owners should verify local licensing requirements with both county and municipal offices, as cities within Dickey County may have additional business registration or licensing requirements beyond county and state mandates.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Dickey County, North Dakota, are administered by Dickey County Auditor, who serves as Dickey County's chief election official. The Auditor's office is located at 309 North 2nd Street, Ellendale, ND 58436, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration in North Dakota operates differently than most states: North Dakota does not require voter registration. Qualified residents may vote by presenting valid identification at their polling place on Election Day, making North Dakota unique among U.S. States. Voters must be U.S.
- Citizens may request election related public records by contacting the County Auditor's office.
- The transparency of North Dakota's election system, combined with same-day voting without pre-registration, provides accessible participation while maintaining election security through identification requirements.
Citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of North Dakota for at least 30 days preceding the election. Acceptable forms of identification include a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver identification card, tribal government-issued ID, or other approved documents showing name, current residential address, and date of birth. Polling place locations in Dickey County can be found by contacting the County Auditor's office or visiting the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov, which provides a polling place lookup tool.
Election records that are public under North Dakota law include precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports (for state and federal candidates), and voter lists. Dickey County Auditor maintains official election results for all federal, state, and local elections. Typical voter turnout in Dickey County aligns with North Dakota's relatively high participation rates, often reaching 60-75% in presidential election years and 45-60% in midterm elections, though exact 2024 figures would need verification.
The next major election is scheduled for November 4, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests, North Dakota state legislative races, and local offices.
Absentee voting in North Dakota is available for those who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, unable to vote due to illness or disability, or who meet other qualifying criteria. Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from Dickey County Auditor's office, and completed applications must be submitted according to statutory deadlines, typically by a specified date before the election. Mail-in ballots must be returned by Election Day.
North Dakota Century Code Title 16.1 governs election procedures, candidate qualifications, and public access to election records.
Economy & Demographics
Dickey County's economy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture, with farming and ranching serving as the primary economic drivers. Dickey County's fertile soil and favorable growing conditions support extensive production of wheat, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and other crops. Cattle ranching and dairy operations also contribute significantly to agricultural output. According to recent economic data, agriculture accounts for a substantial portion of employment and economic activity in Dickey County.
- The median household income in Dickey County is estimated at approximately $56,000 to $62,000, though this figure varies with commodity prices and agricultural conditions.
Major employers include agricultural cooperatives, grain elevators, farm equipment dealers, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and local government. Ellendale, Dickey County Seat, hosts Trinity Health System facilities providing healthcare services, while Oakes supports retail and service businesses serving the eastern part of Dickey County. Dickey County has experienced gradual population decline in recent decades, reflecting broader rural depopulation trends across the Great Plains, which has impacted local business activity and workforce availability.
Economic development efforts focus on supporting agricultural innovation, value-added agriculture, rural broadband expansion, and small business development. Dickey County's location along major transportation corridors handles grain shipment and agricultural commerce. Wind energy development has emerged as a supplemental economic activity, with wind farms contributing property tax revenue and lease payments to landowners.
Unemployment rates in Dickey County typically remain low, often below state and national averages, reflecting Dickey County's tight labor market and agricultural employment base. Seasonal employment fluctuations occur with planting and harvest cycles. Local economic development organizations work to attract new businesses and support existing enterprises through technical assistance and financing programs.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via ndcourts.gov | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online via ND Secretary of State | Elections: Yes: Available via Auditor | Overall Score: 6/10, Dickey County provides standard rural North Dakota access with state online portals supplementing local in-person services.