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. Houston County seat is Caledonia, a small city that is the administrative and judicial center for Houston County's approximately 18,800 residents. Houston County includes 569 square miles of rolling bluffs, fertile valleys, and scenic riverfront communities. Houston 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. Houston 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 Caledonia area, Spring Grove, La Crescent, and Brownsville. Houston County Recorder's office maintains land and property records at the Government Center, 304 South Marshall Street in Caledonia. Houston 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 scene. Houston 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 Houston County's cultural identity.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Houston County, MN are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Criminal Records - Houston County, MN (Arrests, Jails & Most Wanted Records).

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Houston County, MN are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Houston County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.

• Look up current inmates and booking information at In Custody – Houston County.
• Sheriff's Office: Administration Phone Numbers - Houston County District Court.
• The bond and bail process allows release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.

• 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.

• Houston County offers online property record searches through a collaboration with third-party vendor systems, though full document images may require subscription fees or in-person viewing.
• Houston County's Geographic Information System (GIS) provides parcel maps and basic property information accessible through Houston 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.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• 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.
• Online ordering through VitalChek includes additional convenience fees and typically provides faster processing with expedited shipping options available.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• 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.