About Grant County
Grant County is located in the northeastern region of South Dakota, including approximately 682 square miles of gently rolling prairie and agricultural land. Grant County Seat is Milbank, situated along the shores of Big Stone Lake, which forms the natural border between South Dakota and Minnesota. Established in 1878 and organized in 1880, Grant County was named after Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and Civil War general.
- Big Stone Lake, one of the longest lakes in South Dakota at over 26 miles in length, provides significant recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, and tourism.
- Grant County Courthouse, located at 210 East Fifth Avenue in Milbank, houses the primary county offices including the Register of Deeds, Register of Deeds, County Clerk, and Director of Equalization.
Grant County population is approximately 7,500 residents according to recent estimates, with Milbank serving as the largest county and commercial center. Grant County is characterized by its strong agricultural heritage, with corn, soybeans, and livestock production dominating the economic scene. Grant County Auditor's office is the chief fiscal officer and election administrator.
Grant County experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers typical of the northern Great Plains. What makes Grant County unique is its border location along Big Stone Lake, its Scandinavian heritage reflected in local culture and festivals, and its position as a regional agricultural hub in northeastern South Dakota.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Grant County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Grant County. This office oversees Grant County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs tailored to the needs of Grant County residents. Notable divisions include the patrol division, which ensures the safety of rural areas, and the investigations unit, which handles major crimes and collaborates with other law enforcement agencies.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Grant County is provided by Grant County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Milbank and Big Stone City. The Milbank Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Milbank, focusing on urban crime prevention and community safety. The Big Stone City Police Department serves Grant with similar responsibilities. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response across Grant County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Grant County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 210 East Fifth Avenue in Milbank, SD 57252, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Grant County and provides detention services. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains jurisdiction over approximately 682 square miles. Grant County Jail, located at the same address, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
- Citizens seeking arrest records or incident reports should submit a written request to Grant County Sheriff's Office or the Milbank Police Department, specifying the date range and nature of the records sought.
- Processing fees may apply for extensive record searches and copying services.
- Booking photos and mugshots are considered public records in South Dakota and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office, though release may be subject to administrative review.
- The Sheriff's Office also provides civil process service, court security, and emergency management coordination for Grant County.
- Response times and record availability may vary depending on the complexity of the request and staffing availability.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Grant County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Grant County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the South Dakota Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through these agencies, subject to state regulations and privacy laws. The South Dakota Bureau of Investigation offers a centralized database for conducting statewide background checks, which includes information from Grant County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Grant County are maintained by Grant County Sheriff's Office. These records include information about the individual's identity, charges, and arrest circumstances. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the South Dakota Sunshine Law, certain arrest records may be accessible to the public, although restrictions apply to protect privacy and ongoing investigations. An arrest record in Grant County typically includes the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Grant County Detention Center, located in Milbank, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows South Dakota state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Grant County are taken and retained by Grant County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and may be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or via court records, depending on the case's status. South Dakota does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can request corrections or updates to their records if inaccuracies are found. Public access to mugshots may be limited to protect individual privacy and ensure fair legal proceedings.
Courts & Case Records
Grant County is served by the Seventh Judicial Circuit of South Dakota. Grant County Courthouse, located at 210 East Fifth Avenue in Milbank, SD 57252, houses the Circuit Court which handles civil, criminal, juvenile, and domestic relations cases. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. The Clerk of Courts office maintains all court records and case files for Grant County proceedings. South Dakota uses a unified court system, with the Circuit Court serving as the court of general jurisdiction for all matters.
- Basic case information including dockets, judgments, and party information is available free of charge, though certified copies of documents require a fee.
- The Clerk of Courts charges $20 for certified copies of court documents and $0.50 per page for uncertified copies.
- In-person record requests can be made at the Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- The court handles felonies, misdemeanors, civil matters over $12,000, probate proceedings, guardianships, adoption cases, and family law matters.
- Small claims cases involving disputes under $12,000 are also heard in Circuit Court.
Property & Public Records
Grant County Register of Deeds, located at 210 East Fifth Avenue in Milbank, SD 57252, maintains all land and property records for Grant County. The office can be reached at and is responsible for recording and preserving deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, easements, plat maps, military discharge papers (DD-214s), and other documents affecting real property. All recorded documents are public records available for inspection and copying during regular business hours.
- The Register of Deeds charges statutory fees for recording documents, typically $30 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, with additional fees for documents requiring indexing under multiple names.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- For detailed title searches and document copies, in-person visits or written requests are recommended.
- Grant County does maintain geographic information system (GIS) data for parcel mapping, which may be available through the Equator office upon request.
Grant County property tax records are maintained by the County Director of Equalization (Assessor) and County Treasurer, both located in the courthouse. The Director of Equalization office can be contacted at and maintains property valuations, ownership information, and assessment records. Property tax payment records and current tax status are available through the County Treasurer's office for While Grant County does not currently offer a full online property search portal with full document imaging, basic property information and tax records can often be accessed by contacting the appropriate office.
Vital Records
Vital records for Grant County, South Dakota, are maintained by both Grant County Register of Deeds office and the South Dakota Department of Health. Birth and death certificates occurring in Grant County can be requested from the County Register of Deeds at 210 East Fifth Avenue, Milbank, SD 57252, phone. Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates are similarly priced at $15 for the first certified copy and $10 for additional copies.
- Processing time for vital records requested at Grant County level typically ranges from same-day service for in-person requests to 7-10 business days for mail requests.
- The marriage license fee is $40 and there is no waiting period in South Dakota.
- Divorce decrees are maintained by the Clerk of Courts at Grant County Courthouse and can be obtained by submitting a written request with proper identification.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com for an additional service fee.
The South Dakota Department of Health Vital Records office, located at 600 East Capitol Avenue in Pierre, SD 57501, is the central repository for all vital records in the state and can be contacted through the office’s website. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the County Register of Deeds office prior to the ceremony, with both applicants appearing in person with valid photo identification. South Dakota Codified Law § 34-25 governs access to vital records, with birth records restricted for 100 years and death records accessible after 50 years, though immediate family members and legal representatives can access recent records with proper documentation.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Grant County involves multiple levels of government. Local business licenses and permits are typically issued by the City of Milbank for businesses operating within city limits; contact City Hall for specific requirements. Doing Business As (DBA) or fictitious name registrations can be filed with Grant County Register of Deeds at the courthouse, 210 East Fifth Avenue, Milbank, SD 57252. The DBA filing fee is $25 and must be published in the official county newspaper.
- However, formal business entity formation such as corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships must be registered with the South Dakota Secretary of State.
- The Secretary of State's office maintains a full business entity search database at sdsos.gov where the public can search for registered businesses, view filing history, and access annual reports free of charge.
- Formation fees include $150 for LLCs and $150 for corporations.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, electricians, and plumbers are issued by the appropriate state licensing boards rather than at Grant County level. Sales tax licenses are obtained through the South Dakota Department of Revenue at dor.sd.gov. Building permits and zoning compliance in unincorporated Grant County are handled by the County Zoning Office, which can be reached through the courthouse for The Milbank Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 520 South Dakotan Avenue in Milbank and reachable, provides resources for businesses and maintains a directory of local members at milbanksouthdakota.com.
The chamber assists with business development, networking, and community promotion activities throughout Grant County.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Grant County is managed by Grant County Auditor, whose office is located at 210 East Fifth Avenue, Milbank, SD 57252. The Auditor is the chief election official and can be contacted through the office’s website. voter registration information, polling place locations, and election questions. Voter registration in South Dakota can be completed online at sdsos.gov/elections-voting, by mail, or in person at the County Auditor's office. The voter registration deadline is 15 days before any election in South Dakota. Residents must be U.S.
- Absentee voting in South Dakota is available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse.
- South Dakota Codified Law § 12 governs election procedures and public access to election records, for public access in the electoral process while protecting voter privacy.
Citizens, at least 18 years old by the election date, and residents of South Dakota and Grant County. Online voter registration requires a valid South Dakota driver's license or state-issued ID card. Voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place by visiting the South Dakota Voter Information Portal at vip.sdsos.gov or by contacting the County Auditor directly.
Grant County typically operates several polling places throughout Grant County, with locations announced prior to each election and available on Grant County website. Public election records include voter registration lists (excluding certain confidential information such as Social Security numbers), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State, candidate nominating petitions, and precinct-level election results. These records are available for inspection at the County Auditor's office.
In the November 2024 general election, Grant County voter turnout was approximately 72%, consistent with South Dakota's historically high voter participation rates. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House races for South Dakota's congressional seat, potential U.S.
Senate races, and state legislative contests for Grant County's legislative district. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted to Grant County Auditor beginning 46 days before an election, and completed ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Grant County's economy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture, with crop production and livestock operations forming the backbone of economic activity. Corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay are the primary crops, while cattle ranching and hog farming contribute significantly to agricultural revenue. Grant County benefits from rich glacial soils that support productive farming operations, with approximately 85% of land area devoted to agricultural use.
- The median household income in Grant County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the state average but reflecting the rural agricultural economy.
Major employers in Grant County include the Milbank School District, Glacial Lakes Energy ethanol plant, Avera Milbank Medical Center, and the Prairie Queen Wind Farm which generates renewable energy. Manufacturing has grown as a sector, with several small manufacturing facilities producing agricultural equipment, food products, and industrial components. The retail and service sectors in Milbank provide regional shopping and services for surrounding communities.
Tourism related to Big Stone Lake contributes seasonal economic activity, with fishing, boating, camping, and recreational properties generating revenue particularly during summer months. The unemployment rate in Grant County typically ranges between 2.5% and 3.5%, consistently below national averages and reflecting the stable but limited job market characteristic of rural South Dakota counties. Recent economic development efforts have focused on renewable energy expansion, broadband infrastructure improvements to support remote work and precision agriculture, and downtown revitalization in Milbank.
Grant County benefits from its location along U.S. Highway 12, providing east-west transportation access for agricultural products and manufactured goods. Property values have remained relatively stable, with agricultural land commanding premium prices due to productive capacity.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: Online (Contact Required) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Yes: Available County & State | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10, Grant County provides good access to court and election records through state systems, though some local records require direct contact with county offices for full access.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Grant County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Grant County, South Dakota.