About Howard County
Howard County is located in central Nebraska, comprising approximately 569 square miles of predominantly agricultural land. The county seat is St. Paul, a community situated along the North Loup River that serves as the governmental and commercial center for the county's approximately 6,400 residents. Established in 1871, Howard County was named after Civil War General Oliver Otis Howard. The county is bordered by Sherman County to the west, Greeley County to the north, Merrick County to the south, and Nance and Boone Counties to the east.
- Paul, the North Loup River which provides recreational opportunities and agricultural irrigation, and numerous heritage sites reflecting the county's Scandinavian and German settlement patterns.
Major landmarks include the historic Howard County Courthouse in St. The county's economy remains rooted in agriculture, with corn, soybeans, and cattle production forming the backbone of local commerce. Howard County government offices are primarily located in the courthouse at 612 Indian Street in St.
Paul. The Howard County Recorder maintains all land records and recorded documents, while the County Clerk handles vital records and election administration. The Howard County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse, manages property assessments and tax records.
What makes Howard County unique is its strong agricultural heritage combined with tight-knit communities that have preserved their pioneer-era values while adapting to modern agricultural technology and sustainable farming practices.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Howard County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of the county. The office manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community policing initiatives and crime prevention programs specific to Howard County. It plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to address crime and maintain order.
Police Departments
In addition to the Howard County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments, including the St. Paul Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and work collaboratively with the Sheriff's Office to address major crimes and public safety issues. Coordination between these departments ensures comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout Howard County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Howard County Sheriff's Office, located at 612 Indian Street in St. Paul, Nebraska 68873, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county and provides support to municipal departments. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (308) 754-4935 and maintains responsibility for operating the Howard County Jail, serving civil processes, and providing courthouse security.
- To request arrest records, individuals should submit a written request to the Howard County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, specifying the name and approximate date of the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Nebraska and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office, though the county does not post these images online.
- Fees for copying arrest records typically follow the standard county fee schedule.
Inmate information for the Howard County Jail can be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as the county does not currently maintain a comprehensive online inmate roster. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the St. Paul Police Department, which serves the county seat and surrounding areas within city limits.
Arrest records in Howard County are public records under Nebraska's public records statute, Nebraska Revised Statute §84-712, which requires government agencies to make public records available for inspection and copying during normal business hours. Some records may be withheld if they are part of ongoing investigations or contain information exempt under state law. The county does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Howard County boundaries.
For the most current arrest and booking information, contacting the Sheriff's Office directly remains the most reliable method.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Howard County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Howard County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are essential for background checks and legal proceedings. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Nebraska State Patrol, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Nebraska Bureau of Investigation also plays a role in maintaining and disseminating criminal records for Howard County residents.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Howard County are maintained by the Howard County Sheriff's Office. These records include information such as the date and location of the arrest, charges filed, and personal details of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, in accordance with the Nebraska Public Records Law. These records provide transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities within the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Howard County Jail, located in St. Paul, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the detainees, and the facility provides an inmate lookup service for family and friends to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the jail, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Nebraska allows for the posting of bail to secure the release of an inmate, which can be arranged through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Howard County are taken and retained by the Howard County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While Nebraska does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from public records may need to pursue legal avenues. The Sheriff's website may offer information on accessing these records, although third-party services may also provide lookup capabilities.
Courts & Case Records
Howard County is served by the Nebraska District Court system, with the Howard County District Court located at 612 Indian Street, St. Paul, Nebraska 68873. The court can be reached at (308) 754-4343. Howard County is part of Nebraska's Judicial District 10, which handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $57,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, probate, and appeals from county court.
- Copy fees are typically $0.50 per page for standard documents, with certified copies available for $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
The Howard County Court (county-level court) shares the same courthouse address and handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases under $57,000, small claims up to $3,900, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and juvenile matters. Court records in Nebraska are presumptively public under Nebraska Revised Statute §25-1301, which establishes the general rule that court records are open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. To search court records in Howard County, individuals may visit the Clerk of the District Court office in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Nebraska offers the Nebraska Judicial Branch Public Access Portal for online case searching at https://www.nebraska.gov/justice/, though the level of detail and historical depth varies by court. In-person searches allow access to complete case files, dockets, judgments, and filed documents. Some records, including adoption files, juvenile records, and cases involving mental health commitments, are confidential under Nebraska law and require a court order for access.
Property & Public Records
The Howard County Register of Deeds, located at the Howard County Courthouse, 612 Indian Street, St. Paul, Nebraska 68873, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (308) 754-4343. The Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, mortgage releases and satisfactions, liens (mechanics, judgment, tax), easements and right-of-way agreements, plat maps and subdivision documents, powers of attorney affecting real property, and military discharge records (DD-214s).
- While Howard County does not currently offer a comprehensive online property search portal, many land records can be researched in person at the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a fee, typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- For the most complete property information, including historical chain of title research, visiting the Register of Deeds office in person or working with a local title company remains the most thorough approach.
Nebraska law requires real property transactions to be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. Property tax information is maintained by the Howard County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse, which can be reached at (308) 754-5225. The Assessor maintains property valuations, ownership information, legal descriptions, and assessment records.
The Howard County Treasurer's Office handles tax collection and can provide information on current and delinquent taxes, tax payment history, and tax sale properties. Some Nebraska counties participate in regional GIS and online property search systems, but access varies.
Vital Records
Vital records for Howard County, Nebraska are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of record and date of the event. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Howard County are filed with the Howard County Clerk, located at 612 Indian Street, St. Paul, Nebraska 68873, phone (308) 754-4343. However, Nebraska centralized vital records in 1904, and certified copies of birth and death certificates are officially issued by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Vital Records, P.O. Box 95065, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-5065.
- Birth certificates cost $17.00 for the first copy and $16.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $16.00 per copy.
- Processing time for mail requests is typically 4-6 weeks, though in-person requests at the state office in Lincoln can be processed same-day.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply.
To obtain a birth certificate, applicants must provide proof of identity and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Nebraska Revised Statute §71-604. Eligible requestors include the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, and immediate family members. Marriage licenses in Howard County are issued by the Howard County Clerk, and couples must apply in person at the courthouse.
The marriage license fee is approximately $50, and there is no waiting period in Nebraska. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of the District Court in Howard County. Historical vital records may also be available through the Nebraska State Historical Society for genealogical research purposes.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Howard County, Nebraska involves both county-level and state-level filings depending on the type of business activity. The Howard County Clerk, located at 612 Indian Street, St. Paul, Nebraska 68873, phone (308) 754-4343, maintains records of assumed name registrations (DBAs or "doing business as" filings) for businesses operating under a name different from the owner's legal name.
- Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, website www.stpaulareachamber.com, provides resources for new and existing businesses and promotes economic development throughout Howard County.
Nebraska requires most business entities to register with the Nebraska Secretary of State's Office, which maintains the official registry of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other business entities. The Nebraska Secretary of State offers a free online business entity search at https://www.nebraska.gov/sos/corp/corpsearch.cgi where anyone can look up business names, registered agents, filing dates, and current status. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships that operate under the owner's own name are not required to file with the Secretary of State, but still need local licenses.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Nebraska Department of Revenue and are required for businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, and others are regulated by respective state boards, not at the county level. Building permits and zoning approvals in unincorporated areas of Howard County are handled by the Howard County Planning and Zoning Office, while permits within city limits are issued by the City of St.
Paul or other municipalities. The St.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Howard County, Nebraska are administered by the Howard County Clerk/Election Commissioner, located at 612 Indian Street, St. Paul, Nebraska 68873. The office can be reached at (308) 754-4343. Voter registration in Howard County can be completed in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail using a Nebraska voter registration application, or online through the Nebraska Online Voter Registration system at https://www.nebraska.gov/apps-sos-voter-registration/.
- Nebraska law requires voters to register at least 10 days before an election (the deadline is extended if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday).
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- citizens, residents of Nebraska, and at least 18 years old by the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of the calendar year in which they register.
- Absentee ballots (early voting by mail) are available to any registered voter in Nebraska.
- Requests for absentee ballots can be submitted to the County Clerk beginning 120 days before an election and must be received by 6:00 PM the day before the election.
Voters can find their polling place by contacting the Howard County Clerk's office or by using the Nebraska Voter Information Portal at www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov, which allows voters to enter their name and date of birth to view their registration status, polling location, and sample ballot. Election records that are public in Nebraska include the voter registration list (excluding confidential information for protected voters), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate filing documents, precinct-level election results, and canvass reports. In the 2024 general election, Howard County reported approximately 64% voter turnout, consistent with rural Nebraska counties.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. Senate and House races, Nebraska state constitutional offices including Governor, and state legislative seats. Nebraska offers both mail-in absentee voting and in-person early voting at the County Clerk's office beginning approximately 30 days before each election.
Transparency in Howard County elections is governed by Nebraska Revised Statute §32-1401 and related provisions, which establish that election materials including precinct results, voter turnout statistics, and official canvass documents are public records available for inspection and copying upon request.
Economy & Demographics
Howard County's economy is fundamentally agricultural, with crop production and livestock operations accounting for the majority of economic activity. The county's fertile soil and access to irrigation from the North Loup River support extensive corn, soybean, and alfalfa production. Cattle feeding and dairy operations also contribute significantly to the agricultural economy. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the median household income in Howard County is approximately $54,000, slightly below the Nebraska state median.
- The manufacturing sector is limited but includes some agricultural processing and farm equipment repair facilities.
The agricultural sector employs the largest portion of the workforce, followed by education, healthcare, and retail trade. Major employers in the county include the St. Paul Public Schools, Howard County Medical Center in St.
Paul, agricultural cooperatives and grain elevators, livestock operations, and local government. Farm implement dealerships and agricultural service providers also employ significant numbers of residents. Tourism plays a modest role, primarily related to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation along the North Loup River.
The unemployment rate in Howard County typically tracks close to Nebraska's state average, generally ranging between 2-3% in recent years, reflecting the state's historically low unemployment. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing agricultural businesses, attracting value-added agricultural processing, improving broadband internet access for rural areas, and maintaining quality of life amenities to retain young families. The county has seen some population decline in recent decades, consistent with rural depopulation trends across the Great Plains, though agricultural productivity has increased through technological advancement and farm consolidation.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Search | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Office | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ Voter Info Online | Overall Score: 5/10 — Howard County provides access to public records primarily through in-person visits and phone requests, with limited online portals. State-level resources fill some gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Howard County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Howard County, Nebraska.
Nearby Counties
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