About Houston County
Houston County is located in the southeastern corner of Minnesota, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Iowa border to the south. The county seat is Caledonia, a small city that serves as the administrative and judicial center for the county's approximately 18,800 residents. Houston County encompasses 569 square miles of rolling bluffs, fertile valleys, and scenic riverfront communities. The county was established in 1854 and named after Sam Houston, the Texas statesman and military leader.
Major landmarks include the Root River State Trail, which attracts thousands of cyclists annually, and the Mississippi River blufflands that provide spectacular views and recreational opportunities. The county is part of the Driftless Area, a unique geological region that escaped glaciation during the last ice age, resulting in dramatic topography rare in Minnesota. Key communities include Houston, Spring Grove, La Crescent, and Brownsville.
The Houston County Recorder's office maintains land and property records at the Government Center, 304 South Marshall Street in Caledonia. The County Assessor evaluates property for taxation purposes, while the County Auditor-Treasurer manages tax collections and financial records. Agriculture remains vital to the local economy, with dairy farming, corn, and soybean production dominating the landscape.
The county's proximity to La Crosse, Wisconsin creates economic interconnections across state lines. Houston County offers small-town living with access to natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community heritage that dates back to Norwegian and German immigrant settlers who shaped the region's cultural identity.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Houston County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order across the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It is also involved in community policing efforts and operates various programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety. The Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in coordinating with local police departments to ensure comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Houston County Sheriff's Office, the county is served by several municipal police departments, including the Caledonia Police Department, La Crescent Police Department, and Spring Grove Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crimes and community policing. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives to ensure comprehensive public safety.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Houston County Sheriff's Office, located at 304 South Marshall Street in Caledonia, Minnesota 55921, provides law enforcement services throughout the county's unincorporated areas and contracts with several municipalities. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (507) 725-5800 and maintains a website at co.houston.mn.us with limited online services. The Houston County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving short-term sentences.
- To obtain arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to the Houston County Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- The Sheriff's Office may charge reasonable copying fees for records requests.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly at (507) 725-5800, though Houston County does not currently offer a comprehensive online inmate roster. Municipal police departments serve the cities of Caledonia, La Crescent, Houston, and Spring Grove, with each department maintaining its own records and booking procedures. Arrest records in Houston County are considered public data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), which establishes that booking data including name, charges, time of arrest, and location are generally accessible to the public upon request.
Mugshot photographs and booking photos are typically considered public information once an individual has been formally charged, though some discretion is applied in cases involving juveniles or sealed records. Houston County does not have tribal lands or special jurisdiction law enforcement agencies within its boundaries. Response times and services vary between the rural areas served by the Sheriff's Office and the municipalities with dedicated police departments, with mutual aid agreements facilitating cooperation during major incidents.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Houston County's criminal records system includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Bureau, which offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's criminal history within Minnesota.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Houston County are maintained by the Houston County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request copies of arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Arrest records typically contain the individual's personal information, arrest date, charges, and any court proceedings related to the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Houston County Jail, located in Caledonia, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal details of the detainee. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides an inmate lookup service. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols. Bail and bond processes follow Minnesota state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Houston County are taken and retained by the Houston County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These photos are considered public records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While Minnesota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may seek removal through legal channels if the mugshot is deemed inaccurate or misleading.
Courts & Case Records
Houston County is served by Minnesota's Third Judicial District, with the Houston County District Court located at 304 South Marshall Street, Caledonia, MN 55921. The court can be reached at (507) 725-5806 and handles criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters. Minnesota's unified court system means that District Courts have broad jurisdiction over felonies, gross misdemeanors, civil cases exceeding $15,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, estates and probate, and juvenile delinquency and protection cases.
- The Court Administrator's office provides certified copies of court documents for a fee of $14 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.
- Walk-in requests are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding court holidays.
The court also hears appeals from administrative agencies and handles commitment proceedings. Minnesota does not have separate municipal or justice courts for minor matters; all cases are filed in District Court. Court records in Houston County are accessible under Minnesota Court Rules and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Section 13.03 and Rule 4 of the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch).
The Minnesota Judicial Branch operates a statewide case search system at https://publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us where users can search for case information by party name, attorney, or case number. Some case records, including those involving juveniles, adoptions, harassment restraining orders, and sealed matters, are not publicly accessible. Remote access to case information is free for basic searches, though detailed documents may require an in-person visit to the court administrator's office.
Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order.
Property & Public Records
The Houston County Recorder's Office, located at 304 South Marshall Street, Caledonia, MN 55921, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (507) 725-5802 and operates during regular business hours Monday through Friday. The Recorder maintains documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgages, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and Torrens property certificates.
- Houston County offers online property record searches through a collaboration with third-party vendor systems, though comprehensive document images may require subscription fees or in-person viewing.
- The county's Geographic Information System (GIS) provides parcel maps and basic property information accessible through the county website at co.houston.mn.us.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, with an additional $5 for certification.
- The Recorder's office provides assistance during business hours and accepts mail requests for copies of specific documents when provided with adequate identifying information.
Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by the Houston County Assessor's Office at (507) 725-5803 and the Auditor-Treasurer's Office at (507) 725-5801. Both offices are located in the Government Center in Caledonia. The Assessor's office determines property values for tax purposes and maintains records of property characteristics, sales data, and assessment appeals.
Tax payment information, delinquent taxes, and tax forfeited lands are managed by the Auditor-Treasurer. The Recorder's office accepts cash, checks, and money order payments. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 386 governs county recorders and establishes that property records are public information with few exceptions.
Documents can be searched by name, parcel identification number, or legal description.
Vital Records
Vital records for Houston County, Minnesota residents are managed through a dual system involving the county and state. Birth and death certificates occurring in Houston County are filed with the Office of Vital Records at the Minnesota Department of Health in St. Paul, which serves as the primary custodian for all Minnesota vital records under Minnesota Statutes Section 144.213-225.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $26, with additional copies costing $19 each when ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $13 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail requests and immediate for in-person requests during business hours.
- Couples must apply together in person, pay a $115 fee, and wait five business days before the license becomes valid.
- Divorce records are maintained as court records through the Houston County District Court and can be accessed through the Court Administrator's Office at (507) 725-5806.
Birth certificates can be requested through the Minnesota Department of Health by mail, in-person at their office at 3800 Chesapeake Drive, Suite 100, Elyria, MN 55057, or online through VitalChek at https://mn.gov/health/vital-records/. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, such as being the subject, parent, legal guardian, or having a court order. Marriage licenses are issued by the Houston County Recorder's Office at 304 South Marshall Street in Caledonia, phone (507) 725-5802.
The license is valid for six months. Marriage certificates are available from the same office after the ceremony has been performed and the license returned. Minnesota law requires requestors to have proper identification and legal standing to obtain vital records, with penalties for fraudulent requests.
Online ordering through VitalChek includes additional convenience fees and typically provides faster processing with expedited shipping options available.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Houston County, Minnesota are maintained through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Houston County Recorder's Office at 304 South Marshall Street, Caledonia, handles filing of assumed names (Doing Business As or DBA) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a name different from the owner's legal name, as required by Minnesota Statutes Section 333. The filing fee is typically around $50 and must be renewed every 10 years.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us where the public can search for business entities by name, file number, or registered agent.
- This free online system provides information about business formation dates, registered agents, status (active, dissolved, revoked), and principal office addresses.
- The Caledonia Area Chamber of Commerce, serving Houston County businesses, can be reached through local business networks and provides resources for entrepreneurs and existing businesses.
For formal business entity registrations including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, filings are made with the Minnesota Secretary of State's Business Services Division. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by the appropriate Minnesota state licensing board rather than at the county level. The Houston County Zoning Office, reachable at (507) 725-5807, administers building permits, conditional use permits, variances, and ensures compliance with county zoning ordinances.
Commercial building permits and inspections are coordinated through this office. Sales tax permits are issued by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Economic development initiatives are supported through regional partnerships that promote business retention, expansion, and attraction in southeastern Minnesota.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Houston County is managed by the Houston County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which serves as the official election authority. The office is located at 304 South Marshall Street, Caledonia, MN 55921, and can be reached at (507) 725-5801. Election information is available through the county website at co.houston.mn.us.
- Minnesota requires voters to provide proof of residence when registering, which can include a valid Minnesota driver's license, state ID, tribal ID, or utility bill with current address.
- Absentee voting in Houston County follows Minnesota's no-excuse absentee ballot system, allowing any registered voter to request a mail ballot without providing a reason.
- Citizens can request copies of election results, registered voter lists, and campaign finance reports by contacting the Houston County Auditor-Treasurer during business hours.
Voter registration in Minnesota is handled through multiple convenient methods: online registration at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us until 11:59 PM twenty-one days before an election, by mail with completed forms postmarked at least 21 days before election day, in-person at the County Auditor's office during business hours up to 21 days before election day, or through same-day registration at polling places on election day with proper proof of residence. Houston County voters can locate their specific polling place by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or by contacting the County Auditor-Treasurer. The county operates approximately 15 precincts across its communities including Caledonia, La Crescent, Houston, Spring Grove, Brownsville, and surrounding townships.
Election records that are publicly accessible include voter registration lists (though birthdates are private), campaign finance reports for county-level candidates filed with the County Auditor, candidate filing documents showing who is running for local offices, and precinct-level election results showing vote totals by precinct for all contests. In the 2024 general election, Houston County experienced voter turnout of approximately 78%, reflecting Minnesota's consistently high participation rates that typically lead the nation. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate races, Minnesota constitutional offices including Governor, all Minnesota House seats, and various local positions including county commissioners and school board members. Applications can be submitted online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail to the County Auditor, by fax, by email, or in person. The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is one week before election day (by 3:00 PM the Tuesday before election day), though voters can request ballots in person until the day before election day (by 5:00 PM on Monday).
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 201 and 204 govern voter registration and election procedures, establishing that election administration records are generally public unless they contain private data such as voter birthdates or challenge information.
Economy & Demographics
Houston County's economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, with dairy farming, corn, soybeans, and livestock production forming the backbone of rural economic activity. The county's location in the Driftless Area provides unique topography that supports both traditional farming and specialty agricultural operations. Tourism plays an increasingly important role, driven by the Root River State Trail, Mississippi River recreation, trout fishing streams, and scenic bluff country that attracts visitors year-round.
- The median household income in Houston County is approximately $64,000, slightly below the Minnesota state average, reflecting the rural character and agricultural employment base.
- Major employers include agricultural cooperatives, food processing facilities, healthcare providers such as Gundersen Health System facilities serving the area, educational institutions, and local government.
La Crescent, the county's largest city with about 5,000 residents, serves as a bedroom community for workers employed in nearby La Crosse, Wisconsin, creating economic interdependence across state lines. The unemployment rate in Houston County typically tracks below the national average, generally ranging between 2.5% and 4.0%, benefiting from the diverse economic base and proximity to the La Crosse metropolitan area. Retail and service businesses are concentrated in Caledonia, La Crescent, and Spring Grove, serving local populations and tourists.
The county has seen growth in small-scale food production, craft breweries, and agritourism operations capitalizing on consumer interest in local products. Economic development efforts focus on broadband infrastructure expansion to rural areas, workforce housing development, downtown revitalization in small communities, and supporting value-added agricultural enterprises. The absence of heavy industry keeps the economy stable but limits high-wage manufacturing opportunities.
The scenic beauty and quality of life attract retirees and remote workers, gradually diversifying the population and economic base beyond traditional agriculture.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (MN Courts Portal) | Property: ✅ Limited Online/GIS Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone Request Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office/In-Person | Business: ✅ Online (MN SOS) | Elections: ✅ Online Registration/Results | Overall Score: 7/10 — Houston County provides good access to court and election records through state systems, with property records available via GIS and some online platforms, though jail records and comprehensive document access require direct contact with county offices.
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Cities & Towns in Houston County
Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in Houston County, Minnesota.
Nearby Counties
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