About Eddy County
Eddy County is located in the central portion of North Dakota, approximately 100 miles west of Grand Forks. Established in 1885 and organized in 1908, Eddy County was named after Ezra B. Eddy, a businessman and politician. Eddy County Seat is New Rockford, which is the administrative and commercial center for Eddy County. Eddy County includes approximately 644 square miles of gently rolling prairie scene, with a population that has fluctuated around 2,300-2,400 residents according to recent census estimates.
Eddy County is characterized by its agricultural heritage, with farming and ranching dominating the local economy for over a century. The Sheyenne River flows through the eastern portion of Eddy County, providing water resources and recreational opportunities. Major landmarks include Eddy County Courthouse in New Rockford, a historic structure that houses county offices, and Lake Webster, a popular fishing and recreation destination.
Eddy County Recorder's office, located at 524 Central Avenue in New Rockford, maintains land records and property documents. Eddy County Clerk and Auditor's office, also situated in the courthouse, handles vital records, election administration, and various licensing functions. Eddy County Director of Tax Equalization's office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessments, operates from the same courthouse complex.
What makes Eddy County unique is its close rural community character, preservation of North Dakota's agricultural traditions, and the resilience of small-town life despite demographic challenges facing many rural Great Plains counties.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Eddy County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Eddy County. It oversees Eddy County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is focused on public safety through regular patrols and community engagement. Notable programs include crime prevention initiatives and community policing efforts meant to building a safe environment for residents.
Police Departments
In addition to Eddy County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Eddy County is supported by municipal police departments, including the New Rockford Police Department. These agencies work within their respective jurisdictions to handle local law enforcement duties. Coordination between the sheriff's office and city police departments ensures full coverage and response to major crimes across Eddy County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Eddy County Sheriff's Office, located at 524 Central Avenue in New Rockford, ND 58356, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Eddy County. Eddy County Jail, a small detention facility within the courthouse complex, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences.
- Processing fees may apply for copying and certification.
- Mugshot and booking photo availability varies; recent booking photos may be obtained through formal public records requests, though the Sheriff's Office is not required to maintain an online database.
- Response times for records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Eddy County does not maintain a public online inmate roster due to the facility's limited capacity. The City of New Rockford operates its own police department providing municipal law enforcement services within city limits. Under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04 (Open Records Statute), arrest records are generally considered public information, and citizens may request copies by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
Eddy County does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Eddy County boundaries. For warrants and criminal history background checks, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation is the state repository.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Eddy County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. The sheriff's office maintains these records, while the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the sheriff's office or the state bureau, which offers detailed reports for personal or professional purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Eddy County are maintained by Eddy County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the sheriff's office, following the procedures outlined by the North Dakota Open Records Statute. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Eddy County Jail, located in New Rockford, handles the booking and detention of individuals arrested within Eddy County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and regulations on what can be brought into the jail. The bond and bail process follows North Dakota state guidelines, allowing for the release of individuals pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Eddy County are taken and retained by Eddy 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. North Dakota does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can request corrections if inaccuracies are found. Mugshots are generally available through the sheriff's website or third-party services.
Courts & Case Records
Eddy County is served by the Southeast Judicial District of North Dakota, with the District Court holding sessions at Eddy County Courthouse, 524 Central Avenue, New Rockford, ND 58356. Eddy County Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, divorce and family law matters, probate proceedings, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be contacted for North Dakota does not use a county-level superior or circuit court designation; the District Court serves this function.
- The North Dakota Supreme Court provides a statewide case search portal at www.ndcourts.gov, where users can search civil and criminal cases by party name or case number.
- While basic case information is available free online, obtaining certified copies of court documents requires submitting a written request to the Clerk of District Court with appropriate fees.
- Current fee schedules include $10 for certified copies of judgments and $1 per page for other document copies, though fees are subject to change.
Municipal courts in New Rockford handle city ordinance violations, traffic citations, and certain misdemeanors occurring within municipal boundaries. Court record access is governed by North Dakota Court Administrative Rule 38, which establishes that most court records are public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. Probate records, including wills and estate proceedings, are maintained by the Clerk of Court and are public record unless sealed.
Adoption records and certain juvenile proceedings remain confidential under North Dakota law. In-person record inspection is available during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Property & Public Records
Eddy County Recorder's office, located in the courthouse at 524 Central Avenue, New Rockford, ND 58356, maintains all land and property records for Eddy County. The office can be contacted through the office’s website. The Recorder maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, oil and gas leases, plat maps, survey documents, and various encumbrances affecting real property. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 11-18 establishes the duties and responsibilities of county recorders.
- While Eddy County does not currently offer a full online property document search, many recent documents have been digitized and may be available through in-person or phone request.
- To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requesters should contact the Recorder's office with the document book and page number or a property legal description.
- Fees for certified copies are established by state statute at $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
The North Dakota Recorders Information Network has been working to bring more counties online, but implementation varies by county resources. Property tax information and assessment records are maintained by Eddy County Director of Tax Equalization's office at the same courthouse location The Assessor maintains property valuations, ownership information, legal descriptions, and annual assessment data.
Property tax payment records are handled by the County Treasurer. Informal document searches may be conducted in person during business hours. Some newer GIS parcel mapping may be available through the North Dakota GIS Hub Portal, though full parcel data depends on county participation.
Land title searches are often conducted by title companies and attorneys who have established relationships with the Recorder's office.
Vital Records
Vital records for Eddy County, North Dakota, are maintained both at Eddy County level and by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Eddy County can be requested through Eddy County Clerk's office at the courthouse, 524 Central Avenue, New Rockford, ND 58356 However, the state Division of Vital Records in Bismarck is the primary repository for all North Dakota vital records and is often the more efficient option for obtaining certified copies.
- Birth certificates cost $7 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing time at Eddy County level is typically 1-2 weeks, while state processing averages 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available through the state office for additional fees.
- The license fee is established by state statute.
- Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court, not vital records, and must be requested through the court system.
Marriage licenses must be obtained from Eddy County Clerk prior to the ceremony, with both parties present and providing valid identification. Marriage certificates are issued after the completed license is returned by the officiant. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-02.1 governs vital records and establishes eligibility requirements for obtaining certified copies.
Only immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest may obtain certified birth and death certificates. Online ordering is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, at www.vitalchek.com, though additional service fees apply. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Eddy County are administered through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Eddy County Clerk, located at 524 Central Avenue, New Rockford, ND 58356, phone, maintains records of fictitious name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) filed within Eddy County. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the County Clerk, with fees established by state statute.
- This free online portal provides access to articles of incorporation, annual reports, and other corporate documents.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, filings are made with the North Dakota Secretary of State in Bismarck. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable business records database at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov where users can search for registered business entities, view filing history, registered agents, and business status. Sales tax permits are issued by the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner, not at Eddy County level.
Professional and occupational licenses are typically issued by state licensing boards rather than county offices. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated areas of Eddy County are administered by the County Planning and Zoning office or the County Commission, depending on local ordinances. Within New Rockford city limits, building permits are issued by the city government.
The New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce is a resource for businesses and can be contacted for information about local business climate and networking opportunities, though it is not a governmental licensing authority. Contractors working in North Dakota should verify state licensing requirements through the North Dakota Secretary of State's Contractor Registry.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Eddy County is conducted by Eddy County Auditor, who serves as Eddy County's Election Official. The Auditor's office is located at 524 Central Avenue, New Rockford, ND 58356, 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. Eligible residents may vote by presenting valid identification at their polling place on Election Day, making North Dakota unique among U.S. States.
- Citizens may request copies of election results, ballot samples, and precinct data by contacting the County Auditor.
Voters must provide identification showing their name, current residential address, and date of birth. Acceptable IDs include a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care certificate. Those without qualifying ID may vote by affidavit with supplemental documentation.
To find your polling place in Eddy County, voters should contact the County Auditor's office or visit the North Dakota Secretary of State's website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Election records that are public include precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and ballot measure certifications. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are available through the North Dakota Secretary of State's website.
Voter lists are not publicly posted online due to the lack of registration system, but election statistics are published after each election. In the 2024 general election, Eddy County reported turnout of approximately 68-72% of eligible voters, consistent with North Dakota's historically strong rural voter participation. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate races, North Dakota Governor and state constitutional offices, state legislative seats, and various county offices. Absentee voting in Eddy County is available for voters who will be absent on Election Day or unable to vote in person due to illness, disability, or religious observance. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the County Auditor, with completed ballots returned by the deadline established in state law.
North Dakota Century Code Title 16.1 governs elections and establishes transparency requirements. The office maintains records of past election results and candidate information under state retention schedules.
Economy & Demographics
Eddy County's economy remains predominantly agricultural, reflecting the broader economic patterns of rural central North Dakota. Farming operations focused on wheat, barley, corn, soybeans, and sunflowers constitute the primary economic base, with many multi-generational family farms continuing operations that began during homestead settlement. Cattle ranching and livestock operations provide additional agricultural income.
- According to recent economic data, median household income in Eddy County is estimated at approximately $54,000-$58,000, somewhat below the state median but reflecting the rural nature of Eddy County.
The agricultural sector employs the largest percentage of the workforce, followed by education, healthcare, retail trade, and local government. Major employers include the New Rockford-Sheyenne School District, Central Valley Health System (medical clinic and services), agricultural cooperatives and grain elevators, and county government offices. Eddy County has not experienced the energy boom that transformed western North Dakota, remaining relatively isolated from oil and gas development.
Unemployment rates in Eddy County typically track slightly above the North Dakota state average, which itself maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates nationally. Population decline and aging demographics present ongoing economic challenges, as younger residents often relocate to larger cities for employment and educational opportunities. Small business retail, agricultural services, farm equipment dealers, and financial institutions serve the local population.
Economic development efforts focus on maintaining quality of life, supporting existing businesses, preserving infrastructure, and promoting Eddy County's affordability and rural character. The North Dakota Department of Commerce and local development organizations work to attract value-added agriculture businesses and remote workers seeking small-town environments. Tourism plays a minor economic role, primarily centered on hunting, fishing, and lake recreation.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online Search/In-Person Copies | Property: Limited: In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: State Online/County In-Person | Elections: Yes: Available Upon Request | Overall Score: 5/10, Eddy County maintains required records but offers limited online access; most requests require phone contact or in-person visits to courthouse offices in New Rockford.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Eddy County
Explore public records for 2 cities and communities in Eddy County, North Dakota.