About LaMoure County
LaMoure County is located in the southeastern region of North Dakota, established in 1873 and organized in 1881. Named after Judson LaMoure, a pioneer merchant and legislator, LaMoure County includes approximately 1,147 square miles of prime agricultural land. LaMoure County Seat is LaMoure area, a city situated along the James River and serving as the governmental and commercial hub for LaMoure County's approximately 4,000 residents. LaMoure County is characterized by rolling prairie lands, fertile farmland, and the scenic James River valley that runs through its western portion.
LaMoure County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, with wheat, corn, soybeans, and livestock production forming the backbone of local commerce. Major landmarks include Lamoure Dam and Lake Lamoure, popular recreation areas for fishing and boating. LaMoure County Courthouse, located at 202 4th Avenue NE in LaMoure area, houses essential county offices including the County Recorder, Clerk of District Court, and County Director of Tax Equalization.
LaMoure County Recorder maintains property records and land transactions, while the County Auditor is the chief election official and county clerk. The Assessor's office, also located in the courthouse, handles property valuations and tax assessments. What makes LaMoure County unique is its blend of agricultural heritage, small-town community values, and outdoor recreational opportunities centered around its water resources.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
LaMoure County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of LaMoure County. It manages LaMoure County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division and the investigations unit, which work collaboratively to ensure public safety.
Police Departments
In addition to LaMoure County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in LaMoure County is provided by municipal police departments in cities such as LaMoure, Edgeley, and Kulm. Each city department handles local law enforcement within its jurisdiction, addressing city ordinances and minor offenses.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
LaMoure County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 202 4th Avenue NE in LaMoure, ND 58458, provides primary law enforcement services throughout LaMoure County's unincorporated areas and assists municipal departments.
- Mugshot photographs and booking photos are typically available through the same public records request process, though fees may apply for copies.
- Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request, but most routine arrest record requests are fulfilled within several business days.
Inmate information for people detained at LaMoure County Jail can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as LaMoure County does not currently maintain a full online inmate roster due to the facility's small size. Municipal law enforcement within LaMoure County is provided by the LaMoure area Police Department serving the city of LaMoure County, and the Edgeley Police Department serving Edgeley, LaMoure County's second-largest county. Under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04, the state's open records law, arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records.
North Dakota law enforcement agencies are required to provide access to public records during normal business hours, with certain exemptions for ongoing investigations or records that could compromise officer safety.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in LaMoure County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, along with a sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Bureau, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Bureau's services include fingerprint-based checks for more full results, making sure of accurate background information for employment or personal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in LaMoure County are maintained by LaMoure County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the North Dakota Open Records Law, arrest records are accessible to the public, for public access in law enforcement activities. These records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting officer's information.
Jail & Inmate Records
LaMoure County Jail, located in the city of LaMoure, handles the booking and detention of individuals arrested within LaMoure County. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. The bond and bail process in North Dakota allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in LaMoure County are taken and retained by LaMoure County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some third-party websites may offer mugshot searches, the most reliable source is directly through LaMoure County's law enforcement agency. North Dakota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so these images remain part of the public record unless otherwise ordered by a court.
Courts & Case Records
LaMoure County is served by the Southeast Judicial District of North Dakota, with the District Court located in LaMoure County Courthouse at 202 4th Avenue NE, LaMoure, ND 58458 LaMoure County Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, divorce and family law matters, probate proceedings, and appeals from lower courts. North Dakota eliminated its county court system in the 1990s, consolidating most judicial functions into the unified District Court system.
- Court records in LaMoure County can be accessed through the Clerk of District Court office in the courthouse, which maintains case files, judgments, and court dockets.
- The North Dakota Supreme Court provides a statewide case search system at www.ndcourts.gov, though access to certain records requires in-person requests or verification of legitimate interest.
- Fees for court record searches typically include $10 for basic document searches and additional charges for certified copies at $5 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
- Record requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or in some cases by phone to the Clerk of Court.
Property & Public Records
LaMoure County Recorder's Office, located at 202 4th Avenue NE, LaMoure, ND 58458, maintains all land and property records for LaMoure County, including warranty deeds, mortgage documents, liens, easements, UCC filings, and plat maps. The Recorder can be reached at during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Property records in LaMoure County date back to LaMoure County's organization in 1881, providing a full chain of title for all parcels within LaMoure County. The office maintains indexed records searchable by grantor, grantee, legal description, and document type.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing $15 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $5 for the first page plus $3 for each additional page.
North Dakota is a race-notice recording state, meaning properly recorded documents take priority based on recording date and subsequent purchaser notice. LaMoure County Auditor's Office works with the Assessor to maintain property tax records, including assessed valuations, tax payment history, and special assessments. Property tax information can be obtained by contacting the County Treasurer for While LaMoure County does not currently offer a full online property search portal, property owners and researchers can request information by phone or visit the courthouse in person to examine records.
LaMoure County is working toward digitizing historical records, though many older documents remain in paper format only and require in-person research.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in LaMoure County, North Dakota are primarily maintained by the North Dakota Department of Health, Vital Records Division, located at 600 E Boulevard Ave, Dept 301, Bismarck, ND 58505. The state centralized vital records system maintains birth records from 1893 forward and death records from 1881 forward. Birth certificates cost $7 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, while death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing time for vital records requests is typically 2-3 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- The marriage license fee is $65, and there is no waiting period in North Dakota, though the license is valid for 60 days from issuance.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the VitalChek service at www.vitalchek.com, though additional processing fees apply.
Applicants must complete the appropriate application form, provide valid government-issued photo identification, and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-02.1. Marriage licenses in LaMoure County are issued by LaMoure County Recorder's Office at the courthouse, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid identification. Divorce decrees and dissolution records are maintained by the Clerk of District Court in LaMoure County where the divorce was granted.
Genealogical researchers seeking older vital records may also contact the State Historical Society of North Dakota, which maintains some historical vital records collections.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in LaMoure County operates through a combination of county, municipal, and state authorities. LaMoure County Auditor's office handles certain local business registrations and can be contacted for information on county-specific requirements. Businesses operating under an assumed name or DBA (doing business as) in North Dakota must register with the North Dakota Secretary of State rather than at LaMoure County level.
- This database includes business formation documents, registered agents, annual reports, and business status information.
- Building permit fees vary based on project valuation and type of construction.
- The LaMoure Area Chamber of Commerce, though not a government agency, provides business development resources and can be contacted for information on local business climate and networking opportunities.
The North Dakota Secretary of State maintains a full online business entity search tool at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and registered trade names at no charge. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective state licensing boards rather than county offices. LaMoure County Planning and Zoning office, located in the courthouse, handles building permits, zoning compliance, and land use applications for unincorporated areas of LaMoure County.
Sales tax permits are issued by the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner and can be obtained online through the state's licensing portal. Municipalities within LaMoure County may have additional business licensing requirements administered by city clerks or municipal offices.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in LaMoure County are administered by LaMoure County Auditor, who is the chief election official, located at 202 4th Avenue NE, LaMoure, ND 58458 North Dakota is unique among U.S. States in that it does not require voter registration; eligible residents can vote by presenting valid identification at their polling place on election day. To vote in North Dakota, residents must be 18 years of age or older, a U.S. Citizen, and a resident of North Dakota for at least 30 days preceding the election.
- Under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 16.1-01, most election records are public, including precinct registers, ballot totals, and candidate information, though individual ballot secrecy is strictly protected.
- Citizens may request election related public records by contacting the County Auditor during normal business hours, with minimal fees charged for extensive copying.
Acceptable identification includes a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, tribal government-issued ID, or long-term care certificate. Voters can find their polling place by contacting the County Auditor's office or visiting the North Dakota Secretary of State website at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. Public election records in LaMoure County include precinct-level election results, candidate filing documents, campaign finance reports for local candidates (though most campaign finance is managed at the state level), and absentee ballot statistics.
In the 2024 general election, LaMoure County reported approximately 68% voter turnout, consistent with North Dakota's traditionally high participation rates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate contests, North Dakota state legislature seats, and various county offices. North Dakota allows absentee voting for any reason, and residents of LaMoure County can request absentee ballots by contacting the County Auditor's office at least one week before election day, though earlier requests are encouraged. Absentee ballot applications are available on the Secretary of State website or directly from the County Auditor.
Economy & Demographics
LaMoure County's economy remains predominantly agricultural, with crop production and livestock operations generating the majority of economic activity. LaMoure County's 1,100 square miles of fertile farmland produce significant quantities of wheat, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and barley, with agriculture and related industries employing approximately 40% of the workforce. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the median household income in LaMoure County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the North Dakota state median but reflecting the rural character of LaMoure County.
- Manufacturing has a limited presence, though several agricultural processing facilities operate within LaMoure County.
Major employers include agricultural cooperatives, grain elevators, farm equipment dealerships, and retail establishments serving the agricultural community. The LaMoure Public School District and county government also provide significant employment opportunities. Tourism contributes to the local economy through recreational opportunities at Lake LaMoure County and the James River, attracting anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly during summer months.
LaMoure County has experienced gradual population decline over recent decades, consistent with rural trends across the Great Plains, though the agricultural economy has remained relatively stable due to technological advances in farming. Unemployment rates in LaMoure County typically track below state averages, hovering around 2-3%, though these figures can be misleading in agricultural communities where seasonal employment and self-employment are common. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on broadband expansion to support agricultural technology adoption and attract remote workers to LaMoure County.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Yes: State Online | Business: Yes: State Online | Elections: Yes: Accessible | Overall Score: 6/10, LaMoure County provides access to public records primarily through in-person and phone requests, with limited digital infrastructure for local records though state systems offer online access.