About Dodge County
Dodge County is located in southeastern Minnesota, established in 1855 and named after Wisconsin Governor Henry Dodge. The county seat is Mantorville, one of the oldest and best-preserved towns in Minnesota, known for its historic limestone buildings and 19th-century architecture. Dodge County encompasses approximately 440 square miles and has a population of approximately 20,800 residents as of recent estimates. The county is bordered by Olmsted County to the west, Wabasha County to the east, Mower County to the south, and Goodhue County to the north.
Major communities include Kasson, the largest city in the county, West Concord, Dodge Center, and Hayfield. The landscape is characterized by rolling prairie, fertile farmland, and the Zumbro River, which flows through the northern portion of the county. Agriculture remains the economic backbone, with corn, soybeans, and livestock production dominating the rural areas.
The Dodge County Government Center is located at 22 East 6th Street in Mantorville, housing the County Recorder, County Clerk/Auditor-Treasurer, County Assessor, and other administrative offices. The Mantorville Historic District attracts visitors interested in Minnesota's pioneer heritage, and the Hubbell House, Minnesota's oldest continuously operating restaurant since 1854, stands as a testament to the area's rich history. Dodge County residents benefit from proximity to Rochester and the Mayo Clinic while maintaining a quieter, rural quality of life.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Dodge County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services throughout the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is committed to community safety and offers various programs, including crime prevention initiatives and community outreach efforts. The office also has specialized divisions for investigations and emergency response, ensuring comprehensive public safety coverage.
Police Departments
In addition to the Dodge County Sheriff's Office, several city police departments operate within the county. These include the Kasson Police Department, Hayfield Police Department, and Dodge Center Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining law and order within its respective city limits. The Sheriff's Office and city police departments often collaborate on major investigations and emergency responses, ensuring coordinated efforts across jurisdictions.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Dodge County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 22 East 6th Street in Mantorville, MN 55955, provides primary law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated areas of the county and contracts with several municipalities. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (507) 635-6200 and maintains a website at www.co.dodge.mn.us/sheriff. The Sheriff's Office operates the Dodge County Jail and Detention Facility, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Inmate information and current jail roster can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly at (507) 635-6200.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, specifying the individual's name and date of birth if known.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically public records and may be available through the jail roster on the Sheriff's Office website or by making a formal data request.
- Processing fees may apply for extensive records searches or copies.
- The Sheriff's Office also provides civil process service, court security, and emergency management coordination for Dodge County.
Booking information typically includes name, age, booking date, charges, bond amount, and release date if applicable. Municipal police departments operate in Kasson (Kasson Police Department), Dodge Center (Dodge Center Police Department), West Concord (West Concord Police Department), and Hayfield (Hayfield Police Department), providing local law enforcement services within city limits. Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act), arrest records and booking information are generally considered public data, though certain details may be classified as private or confidential.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Dodge County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Dodge County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau to obtain comprehensive criminal history information. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension also manages the state's sex offender registry, accessible to the public for safety and awareness.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Dodge County are maintained by the Dodge County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act governs public access to these records, ensuring transparency while protecting sensitive information. A Dodge County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Dodge County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in the county, managed by the Sheriff's Office. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal information of individuals taken into custody. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols.
- In Minnesota, the bond or bail process allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Dodge County are taken and retained by the Dodge County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online, others might require a formal records request. Minnesota does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can seek legal advice if they believe their rights are affected.
Courts & Case Records
Dodge County is served by the Third Judicial District Court of Minnesota, with the Dodge County District Court located in the historic Dodge County Courthouse at 22 East 6th Street, Mantorville, MN 55955. The court can be reached at (507) 635-6260. The District Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, family, juvenile, and probate matters arising in Dodge County.
- Remote access to certain case information requires a subscription fee of $8 per month or pay-per-view access at $8 per document retrieved.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Court Administration office for a statutory fee.
- Traffic and conciliation court (small claims) matters involving disputes under $15,000 are also heard at the Mantorville courthouse.
This includes felony and gross misdemeanor criminal cases, civil actions exceeding statutory limits, divorce and family law matters, child protection proceedings, juvenile delinquency cases, and probate and estate administration. The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides online access to court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system at www.mncourts.gov/CourtRecordsOnline.aspx, where users can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. Public access terminals are available free of charge at the courthouse for viewing case records during regular business hours.
Under Minnesota Statutes Section 484.74 and Minnesota Court Rules, most court records are presumed to be public unless specifically classified as sealed, confidential, or private by statute or court order. The Dodge County Probate Court functions as a division of the District Court, handling wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Property & Public Records
The Dodge County Recorder's Office, located at 22 East 6th Street, Mantorville, MN 55955, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (507) 635-6270 and information is available at www.co.dodge.mn.us. The Recorder maintains deeds, mortgages, mechanic's liens, tax liens, financing statements (UCC filings), easements, plat maps, surveys, and other documents affecting real property title in Dodge County. Documents are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description, with records dating back to the county's establishment in 1855.
- Dodge County provides online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system available on the county website, allowing users to search and view images of recorded instruments.
- There may be fees for document retrieval and printing.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's Office for statutory fees established under Minnesota Statutes Section 357.18.
- Property tax information can be accessed through the County Assessor at (507) 635-6240.
- The Dodge County GIS system provides an online interactive mapping tool for viewing parcel boundaries, ownership, assessed values, and property characteristics at www.co.dodge.mn.us.
Vital Records
Vital records for Dodge County, Minnesota, are maintained by both the Dodge County Clerk/Auditor-Treasurer's Office and the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Birth certificates for births occurring in Dodge County can be requested through the County Clerk at 22 East 6th Street, Mantorville, MN 55955, phone (507) 635-6250. The fee for a certified birth certificate is typically $26 for the first copy and $19 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Processing time is generally 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $115 and there is a five-day waiting period after application before the license is valid.
- Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are maintained by the Dodge County District Court and must be requested through Court Administration at (507) 635-6260.
- Online ordering through the state VitalChek service is available for an additional processing fee.
Applicants must provide valid identification and proof of relationship or tangible interest, as birth records less than 100 years old are classified as private data under Minnesota Statutes Section 144.225. Death certificates for deaths occurring in Dodge County are also available through the County Clerk's Office at the same fee schedule, with deaths less than 50 years old restricted to eligible family members and authorized parties. Marriage licenses are issued by the Dodge County Clerk/Auditor-Treasurer's Office, with both applicants required to appear in person with valid photo identification.
Marriage records are public data. For vital records throughout Minnesota, the state Office of Vital Records can be contacted at Minnesota Department of Health, P.O. Box 64499, St.
Paul, MN 55164-0499, phone (651) 201-5970, or online at www.health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Dodge County involves multiple levels of government. Fictitious business names (Doing Business As or DBA) and assumed name certificates for businesses operating in Dodge County are filed with the Dodge County Clerk/Auditor-Treasurer's Office at 22 East 6th Street, Mantorville, MN 55955, phone (507) 635-6250. The filing fee is approximately $50 and must be published in a legal newspaper.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.state.mn.us where anyone can search for registered business entities, view filing history, registered agents, and status information at no charge.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLC), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, registration is handled by the Minnesota Secretary of State's Business Services Division. Professional licenses such as contractors, electricians, and plumbers are typically issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry or other state licensing boards rather than at the county level. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Dodge County are handled by the Dodge County Planning and Zoning Department at (507) 635-6280. Individual cities within Dodge County maintain their own building inspection and business licensing requirements. The Kasson-Mantorville Area Chamber of Commerce serves the business community and can be contacted for local business information and networking.
Economic development initiatives are coordinated through the Dodge County Economic Development Authority, which assists with business expansion, site selection, and workforce development.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Dodge County, Minnesota, are administered by the Dodge County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which serves as the county's elections division. The office is located at 22 East 6th Street, Mantorville, MN 55955, and can be reached at (507) 635-6250. Election information is available at www.co.dodge.mn.us. Voter registration in Minnesota is available online through the Minnesota Secretary of State at www.mnvotes.org, by mail, in person at the County Auditor's Office, or at the polling place on Election Day. Minnesota allows Election Day registration with proof of residence.
- Absentee ballots must be requested by one week before Election Day, and completed ballots must be received by 3:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.
- Voter turnout in Dodge County typically exceeds state averages, with the November 2024 general election seeing approximately 82-85% turnout of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement.
- Under Minnesota's open records law, citizens can request election materials including absentee ballot data, poll challenger reports, and election judge rosters, though certain personal data may be redacted.
Pre-registration deadlines are 21 days before Election Day for online or mail registration. Eligible voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old on Election Day, residents of Minnesota for 20 days, and have completed any felony sentence.
Voters can find their polling place, check registration status, and view sample ballots at www.mnvotes.org by entering their name and date of birth. Dodge County typically operates approximately 15-20 precincts across its municipalities and townships. Absentee voting is available to all Minnesota voters without requiring an excuse.
Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the County Auditor's Office. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives, one U.S.
Senate seat, Minnesota Governor, all state constitutional offices, the entire Minnesota Legislature, and county offices. Public election records in Dodge County include voter registration lists (public under Minnesota Statutes Section 201.091), campaign finance reports filed with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, candidate filings available through the County Auditor, and precinct-level election results published after each election.
Economy & Demographics
Dodge County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with farming operations accounting for a significant portion of land use and employment. Major agricultural products include corn, soybeans, hay, and livestock including dairy cattle, hogs, and poultry. The median household income in Dodge County is approximately $71,000, above the national average and reflecting the county's stable rural economy with proximity to Rochester's employment opportunities.
- Agriculture and related industries including food processing, farm equipment sales, and agricultural services form the largest economic sector.
Many Dodge County residents commute to Rochester in neighboring Olmsted County for employment at Mayo Clinic, IBM, and other major employers. Within Dodge County, major employers include school districts (Kasson-Mantorville, Dodge Center, Triton, Hayfield), local government, healthcare facilities, and manufacturing companies. Manufacturing has a growing presence with facilities producing agricultural equipment, metal fabrication, and industrial products.
The retail and service sectors are centered in Kasson, Dodge Center, and West Concord, serving local populations. Tourism contributes to the economy through heritage tourism focused on Mantorville's historic downtown, which attracts visitors for dining, theater performances at the Mantorville Opera House, and antique shopping. The county's unemployment rate typically tracks below state and national averages, reflecting economic stability.
Economic development priorities include broadband expansion to rural areas, downtown revitalization in smaller communities, workforce housing development, and supporting agricultural innovation and value-added agriculture businesses.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (MCRO subscription) | Property: ✅ Online GIS & Recorder Search | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail Required | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online Tools | Overall Score: 8/10 — Dodge County provides strong digital access to property, court, and law enforcement records with user-friendly online tools, though vital records require traditional request methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Dodge County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Dodge County, Minnesota.
Nearby Counties
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