Faribault County

Faribault County is located in south-central Minnesota, bordered by Iowa to the south. Established in 1855 and named after Jean-Baptiste Faribault, a French-Canadian fur trader, the county encompasses approximately 722 square miles of predominantly agricultural land. The county seat is Blue Earth, located along Interstate 90 and the Blue Earth River. As of the 2020 Census, Faribault County has a population of approximately 13,921 residents, reflecting a gradual decline from previous decades. Major communities include Blue Earth, Wells, Winnebago, Kiester, and Easton.

• Notable landmarks include the Jolly Green Giant statue in Blue Earth, standing 55 feet tall and symbolizing the region's agricultural legacy and connection to the Green Giant Company.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Faribault County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county's unincorporated areas. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs. The Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in coordinating with local police departments to ensure public safety across the county.

Police Departments

Faribault County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Faribault County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Blue Earth, Wells, and Winnebago. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies to ensure comprehensive public safety coverage.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

The Faribault County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 412 North Nicollet Street in Blue Earth, Minnesota 56013, provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas and contracts with some municipalities. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (507) 526-3144, and maintains a website through the county portal at www.co.faribault.mn.us. The Sheriff's Office operates the Faribault County Jail, a detention facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.

• Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency directly, though some details may be classified as private or confidential data during ongoing investigations.
• Booking photos (mugshots) are generally considered public in Minnesota, and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
• For detailed criminal history checks, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) provides statewide records through their online system.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Faribault County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Bureau offers an online portal for easy access to criminal records, ensuring transparency and public safety.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Faribault County are maintained by the Faribault 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, following the guidelines set by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Arrest records typically contain information such as the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting officer's details.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Faribault County Jail, located in Blue Earth, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate information can be accessed online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols. The bond or bail process follows Minnesota state guidelines, allowing for the release of individuals pending trial.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Faribault County are taken and retained by the Faribault County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Minnesota does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.

Faribault County is served by Minnesota's Fifth Judicial District Court, with the Faribault County Courthouse located at 415 North Main Street, Blue Earth, MN 56013. The District Court has general jurisdiction over criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters. Court Administration can be reached at (507) 526-6225. Minnesota District Courts handle felonies, gross misdemeanors, civil cases over $15,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate proceedings, and juvenile delinquency cases.

• The court also handles conciliation court (small claims) for disputes under $15,000.
• Remote access to most case information is free, though certified copies and bulk data requests incur fees.

The Faribault County Recorder's Office, located at 415 North Main Street, Blue Earth, MN 56013, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (507) 526-6274 and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

• The public can search recorded documents through third-party vendors or county-specific systems; fees for document images typically range from $1.00 to $2.00 per page for online access.
• Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $10.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.

Vital records for Faribault County, Minnesota, are maintained both at the county level and by the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. Birth and death certificates occurring in Faribault County can be requested through the County Registrar, typically located within the County Recorder's Office at 415 North Main Street, Blue Earth, MN 56013, phone (507) 526-6274. Birth certificates cost $26.00 for the first copy and $19.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost the same.

• Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if the record is on file; mail requests take approximately 2-3 weeks.
• Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all requests.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.state.mn.us for an additional processing fee, with delivery in 7-10 business days.
• The marriage license fee is approximately $115.00, and there is a five-day waiting period after issuance.

Business and licensing records in Faribault County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. The Faribault County Auditor-Treasurer's office handles certain local business licenses and permits. Assumed name certificates (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must be filed with the Faribault County Recorder's Office at 415 North Main Street, Blue Earth, following Minnesota Statutes § 333.01. The filing fee is typically around $50.00.

Elections in Faribault County are administered by the Faribault County Auditor-Treasurer, who serves as the county's chief election official. The Auditor-Treasurer's office is located at 415 North Main Street, Blue Earth, MN 56013, and can be reached at (507) 526-6245. The office is responsible for voter registration, maintaining voter rolls, administering absentee voting, recruiting and training election judges, coordinating with township and municipal election officials, and certifying election results.

• Eligible Minnesota residents can register online, by mail, or in-person at the county office up to 21 days before an election.
• In the November 2024 general election, Faribault County saw voter turnout of approximately 75-80% of registered voters, consistent with Minnesota's traditionally high participation rates.

Faribault County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with farming operations generating the majority of the county's economic output. Principal crops include corn, soybeans, wheat, and oats, while livestock production focuses on hogs, cattle, and poultry. The agricultural sector supports related industries including grain elevators, farm equipment dealers, veterinary services, and agricultural cooperatives. According to recent economic data, the median household income in Faribault County is approximately $60,000, slightly below the Minnesota state median.

• The City of Blue Earth hosts several industrial employers in food processing and light manufacturing.
• The Interstate 90 corridor provides significant transportation advantages for logistics and distribution businesses.

Court Records: ✅ Online | Property: ✅ Free GIS & Search | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ State Online Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7.5/10 — Faribault County provides good digital access to property, court, and election records, though jail rosters and vital records require direct contact.

Explore public records for 11 cities and communities in Faribault County, Minnesota.