About Dunn County
Dunn County is located in the western part of North Dakota, including approximately 2,010 square miles of prairie, badlands, and energy-rich terrain. Dunn County Seat is Manning, a small community that is the administrative center for this rural county. Dunn County was established in 1908 and named after John P. Dunn, a territorial legislator and early pioneer. Dunn County's population as of the 2020 Census was approximately 4,095 residents, reflecting theebb and flow of energy sector employment in Dunn County.
Dunn County sits in the heart of the Bakken Formation, making it a significant contributor to North Dakota's oil and gas industry, which has driven both economic growth and demographic changes over the past two decades. Major communities in Dunn County include Killdeer, Halliday, and Dunn Center, in addition to Manning. The Little Missouri National Grassland covers portions of Dunn County, offering hunting, recreation, and scenic badlands scenes.
Dunn County Courthouse in Manning houses key county offices including the County Recorder, Clerk of District Court, County Auditor, and County Director of Tax Equalization. Dunn County Recorder's office maintains property records and is located at 205 Owens Street, Manning, ND 58642. Dunn County Auditor is the chief election official and financial officer.
The Assessor's office handles property valuations and tax assessment functions. Dunn County's economy has historically been based on agriculture, cattle ranching, wheat, and barley, but energy extraction has become the dominant economic force since the Bakken oil boom began in the mid-2000s. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit is accessible from Dunn County, drawing visitors to experience the rugged badlands terrain that characterizes western North Dakota.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Dunn County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of Dunn County. This office handles a variety of duties including patrolling rural areas, managing Dunn County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Dunn County is provided by Dunn County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Killdeer and Halliday. The Killdeer Police Department and Halliday Police Department are responsible for maintaining law and order within their respective city limits. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage across Dunn County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Dunn County is primarily provided by Dunn County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Dunn County Law Enforcement Center in Manning, North Dakota. Dunn County Sheriff can be reached at 701-573-4448, and the office maintains jurisdiction throughout Dunn County's rural areas and unincorporated communities.
- Municipal law enforcement in Dunn County includes the Killdeer Police Department, which provides police services within the city limits of Killdeer, Dunn County's largest county.
- Mugshot and booking photo access varies; these records are generally available through direct request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, though immediate online public access is limited in Dunn County.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of reports and records.
Dunn County Jail, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office in Manning, houses inmates awaiting trial, serving short sentences, or awaiting transfer to state facilities. Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at 701-573-4448 during business hours; as of this writing, Dunn County does not maintain a publicly accessible online inmate roster, so inquiries must be made by phone or in person. Arrest records and incident reports in Dunn County are subject to North Dakota's open records law under § 44-04-18, which governs public access to government records.
The North Dakota Century Code allows law enforcement agencies to withhold certain records if disclosure would interfere with an ongoing investigation or compromise privacy interests, but most booking information and arrest data is considered public once charges are filed. No tribal law enforcement has primary jurisdiction within Dunn County, as Dunn County does not contain reservation lands, though the Fort Berthold Reservation (MHA Nation) lies to the north and east in adjacent counties. Energy sector activity has historically increased call volumes and workload for county law enforcement.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Dunn County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which offers full reports on criminal history. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about offenders in their area.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Dunn County are maintained by Dunn County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges, arresting officer, and date of arrest. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office, following the procedures outlined in the North Dakota Open Records Statute. Arrest records typically include personal information about the arrestee, details of the charges, and any court proceedings that follow.
Jail & Inmate Records
Dunn County Jail, located in Manning, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Dunn County. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of the detainee. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance.
- The bond and bail process in North Dakota allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Dunn County are taken and retained by Dunn County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases that comply with state regulations. To search for mugshots, individuals may contact the Sheriff's Office or use third-party services that aggregate public records. North Dakota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the criminal record.
Courts & Case Records
Dunn County is served by the Southwest Judicial District of the North Dakota District Court system. Dunn County Courthouse, located at 205 Owens Street in Manning, ND 58642, houses the Clerk of District Court and courtroom facilities. Dunn County Court has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including felonies, significant civil lawsuits, divorce and family law cases, probate, and appeals from administrative agencies and lower courts. The Clerk of District Court can be reached at 701-573-4440 and maintains case files, dockets, and court records for Dunn County.
- The North Dakota Supreme Court provides a statewide case search portal at www.ndcourts.gov, where users can search for District Court cases by party name, case number, or attorney.
- Some case information is available free online, though detailed documents may require in-person or mail requests to the Clerk of Court.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are typically $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, though fee schedules should be verified with the Clerk's office.
- Probate matters, including wills, estates, and guardianships, are processed through the District Court.
- Users seeking full case files should contact Dunn County Clerk of Court directly, as online access provides summary information but not full case documents in most instances.
North Dakota does not have a separate county-level court system; the District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. Municipal courts in cities like Killdeer handle traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and other minor infractions within city limits. Court records in North Dakota are generally public under § 44-04-18 and court rules, with certain exceptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, and cases involving protected privacy interests.
The Clerk of District Court in Dunn County also handles passport applications, notary commissions, and certain administrative filings.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Dunn County are maintained by Dunn County Recorder's Office, located at 205 Owens Street, Manning, ND 58642. The Recorder's Office can be reached at 701-573-4445 and is responsible for recording and preserving documents related to real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, oil and gas leases, and plat maps.
- The Recorder's office provides public access to recorded documents during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
- An online records search may be available through a subscription service or third-party vendor; prospective users should contact the Recorder's office to inquire about remote access options and associated fees.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee, generally $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- The Assessor's office conducts property valuations and maintains parcel data, while the Treasurer's office collects taxes and provides tax payment history.
North Dakota law requires that documents affecting title to real property be recorded in Dunn County where the property is located, making the Recorder's office the official repository for chain of title information. Dunn County has experienced significant recording activity due to oil and gas development, with numerous mineral leases, surface use agreements, and related documents filed since the Bakken boom. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Dunn County Director of Tax Equalization and Dunn County Treasurer, both located in Dunn County Courthouse.
Property tax information, including current and delinquent taxes, parcel identification numbers, legal descriptions, and assessed values, may be available through the County Treasurer or Assessor; some North Dakota counties participate in online GIS and property tax search portals, and prospective searchers should inquire about online availability at 701-573-4447 (Treasurer) or 701-573-4446 (Assessor). The North Dakota Association of Counties and private vendors offer subscription-based property record search tools covering multiple counties, including Dunn County, for title companies, attorneys, and frequent users.
Vital Records
Vital records for Dunn County, North Dakota, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees, are accessible through both local and state channels. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Dunn County can be requested from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200. The state office is the primary repository for certified copies of vital records and can be reached at 701-328-2360.
- Processing time for mail requests is typically 2-4 weeks, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering of North Dakota vital records is available through the state's approved vendor at vitalrecordsorder.com, with additional convenience fees.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the required fee, currently $65 in North Dakota.
- Certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested from the Clerk of Court or from the state Vital Records office.
Certified birth certificates cost $7 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time; certified death certificates cost $5 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility; only specific individuals may obtain certified copies, including the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a tangible interest as defined by § 23-02.1-18. Marriage licenses are issued by Dunn County Recorder, located at 205 Owens Street, Manning, ND 58642, phone 701-573-4445.
There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 60 days from issuance. Divorce decrees are filed with Dunn County Clerk of District Court at Dunn County Courthouse, 205 Owens Street, Manning, ND 58642, phone 701-573-4440, as divorce is a civil court action. Genealogical researchers and historians should note that older vital records may have restricted access under North Dakota privacy laws.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Dunn County, North Dakota, are accessible through several county and state offices depending on the type of business activity and registration. The North Dakota Secretary of State is the primary agency for business entity filings, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and trade names operating across county lines. The Secretary of State's Business Information Search portal at firststop.sos.nd.gov allows free online searches of registered business entities, including status, registered agent, officers, and filing history.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are processed through Dunn County Planning and Zoning office or the city planning departments for incorporated areas.
This database is full and updated regularly, making it the best resource for verifying business registration in North Dakota. Local business licenses and permits in Dunn County are typically handled at the city level; businesses operating in Killdeer, Manning, Halliday, or Dunn Center should contact the respective city auditor or clerk for information on municipal business licensing requirements. Dunn County Auditor's office may have records of certain county-issued permits or licenses, and can be reached at Dunn County Courthouse, 205 Owens Street, Manning, ND 58642, phone 701-573-4443.
Trade names and fictitious names (DBA - doing business as) can be registered with Dunn County Recorder if the business operates solely within Dunn County, or with the Secretary of State for statewide operation; however, most businesses opt for state-level registration for broader protection. Given the energy sector's prominence, many businesses in Dunn County are related to oil and gas services, and may require specialized permits from state agencies such as the North Dakota Industrial Commission or the Department of Environmental Quality. Professional and occupational licenses (e.g, contractors, cosmetologists, health professionals) are issued by North Dakota state licensing boards, not county offices.
Dunn County area is served by economic development organizations that can assist with business information; contact information for local chambers of commerce or development authorities can be found through the city offices in Killdeer and other municipalities.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Dunn County, North Dakota, is managed by Dunn County Auditor, who is the chief election official for Dunn County. The Auditor's office is located in Dunn County Courthouse at 205 Owens Street, Manning, ND 58642, and can be reached at 701-573-4443. Voter registration in North Dakota is unique: the state does not require advance voter registration. Eligible residents may vote by presenting valid identification and proof of residency at their polling place on Election Day, or when applying for an absentee ballot.
- This same-day registration and voting system, established under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 16.1, simplifies the voting process but requires voters to bring proper ID.
- Voter lists are available to political parties, candidates, and the public upon request under § 16.1-02-14, though certain personal information may be redacted.
- Absentee voting is available to all North Dakota voters; residents of Dunn County may request an absentee ballot by contacting the County Auditor's office in person, by mail, or by phone.
- All election materials and records are retained according to state law and are available for public inspection upon request, subject to privacy protections for individual ballot secrecy.
Acceptable identification includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care facility ID. Voters without an ID showing current name and address may use a supplemental form and other documentation. To find your polling place in Dunn County, contact the County Auditor's office or visit the North Dakota Secretary of State's Voter Information Portal at vote.nd.gov, where you can enter your address to locate your assigned precinct and polling location.
Dunn County typically has polling locations in Manning, Killdeer, Halliday, and Dunn Center, among other sites. Election records that are public in North Dakota include precinct-level election results, candidate filings, ballot measure petitions, and campaign finance reports (for candidates raising or spending over certain thresholds). Dunn County's voter turnout varies by election type; in the 2024 general election, North Dakota's rural counties typically saw turnout rates between 60% and 75% of eligible voters, with Dunn County likely in this range.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring North Dakota's U.S. House seat, statewide offices including Governor (if scheduled for that cycle or 2024), state legislative seats, county offices, and local measures. Absentee ballot applications must be received by the County Auditor by 5:00 PM the day before the election, though earlier deadlines apply for mail return.
Voted absentee ballots must be received by the polling place or County Auditor by the close of polls on Election Day. North Dakota election law provides strong transparency: citizens may request voter lists, review campaign finance filings through the Secretary of State's website, observe ballot counting, and access election results. Dunn County Auditor posts unofficial election results on election night and certifies official results after canvassing.
Economy & Demographics
Dunn County's economy is heavily influenced by the Bakken oil and gas industry, which has transformed Dunn County since the shale oil boom began in the mid-2000s. Energy extraction, including drilling, completion, production, and support services, represents the dominant economic sector and largest source of employment and tax revenue. Major oil and gas operators in Dunn County include Continental Resources, Hess Corporation, Marathon Oil, and numerous smaller exploration and production companies.
- The median household income in Dunn County has fluctuated with oil prices; during boom periods, median income has exceeded $70,000, while downturns in energy markets have led to income volatility.
- Tourism related to the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park, hunting, and outdoor recreation provides supplemental economic activity, particularly in Killdeer and along Highway 200.
Dunn County's location atop the Bakken and Three Forks formations has led to significant oil production, royalty income for mineral owners, and employment for skilled workers in the energy sector. Agriculture remains an important traditional economic base, with cattle ranching, wheat farming, and barley production contributing to the local economy, though farming and ranching employ a smaller share of the workforce than in previous decades. Dunn County's small population means that economic statistics can vary significantly year to year based on commodity prices and industry activity.
Retail trade, healthcare, education, and construction also provide employment, often linked to the needs of energy workers and their families. The Killdeer Public School District is a major local employer, as are local government entities including Dunn County, cities, and road departments. Unemployment rates in Dunn County have historically been low during energy booms, sometimes below 2%, but rise during industry downturns.
Economic development efforts focus on infrastructure improvements, workforce housing, and diversification beyond the energy sector. The North Dakota Department of Commerce and local development organizations work to attract new businesses and support existing enterprises.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: Online (Contact Recorder) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Yes: State Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Accessible (No Pre-Registration Required) | Overall Score: 7/10, Dunn County provides access to most public records, with strong state-level online tools for court and business records, though some local records require direct contact with county offices.