About Lyon County
Lyon County is located in southwestern Minnesota, bordered by the South Dakota state line to the west. Established in 1868 and organized in 1870, the county was named after General Nathaniel Lyon, a Union Army officer killed during the Civil War. The county seat is Marshall, the largest city in Lyon County and home to Southwest Minnesota State University. Lyon County encompasses approximately 714 square miles and has a population of roughly 25,800 residents according to recent census estimates.
The terrain is predominantly agricultural prairie land, characterized by gently rolling fields and productive farmland that supports the county's agricultural economy. The Redwood River flows through the northern portion of the county. Major landmarks include Camden State Park near Lynd, which features the remnants of an early hydroelectric dam, and the Fort Belmont historic site.
The Lyon County Government Center is located at 607 West Main Street in Marshall, housing the County Recorder, County Clerk, and County Assessor offices. The county's history is deeply rooted in Scandinavian and German immigration, with Marshall developing as a regional agricultural and educational hub. What makes Lyon County unique is its blend of rural agricultural heritage with the educational and cultural amenities provided by the university, creating a distinctive small-city character in the heart of Minnesota's prairie region.
The county maintains traditional Midwestern values while serving as a center for education, healthcare, and commerce for the surrounding rural areas.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Lyon County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services throughout the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, maintaining public safety, and enforcing laws. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office operates the Lyon County Jail, processes arrests, and manages criminal records. The office also oversees programs such as community policing initiatives and emergency response coordination, which are tailored to meet the specific needs of Lyon County residents.
Police Departments
Lyon County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lyon County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Marshall and Tracy. The Marshall Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Marshall, focusing on urban crime prevention and community safety. The Tracy Police Department serves the city of Tracy, addressing local law enforcement needs. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Lyon County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 607 West Main Street in Marshall, Minnesota 56258, provides primary law enforcement services throughout the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (507) 537-6858 and maintains a website at www.lyonco.org where citizens can access information about services and programs. The Lyon County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses inmates for the county and provides detention services.
- To request arrest records, citizens must submit a data practices request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, identifying themselves and the specific records sought.
- The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and can provide information on how to obtain copies upon request.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate lookup and jail roster information can typically be obtained by calling the jail directly at (507) 537-6858 or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person. Minnesota public records law under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, governs access to arrest records and booking information. Municipal law enforcement in Lyon County includes the Marshall Police Department, which serves the county seat, as well as police services in the smaller communities of Balaton, Ghent, Lynd, Minneota, and Russell.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public data in Minnesota unless their release would jeopardize an ongoing investigation. Lyon County does not have tribal jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized reservations within county boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Lyon County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Lyon County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which compiles data from various law enforcement agencies. The system ensures that Lyon County residents have access to comprehensive criminal history information for personal, employment, or legal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Lyon County are maintained by the Lyon County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances and details of arrests made within the county. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. A Lyon County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and arresting agency. The process ensures transparency and public access to arrest information while protecting sensitive data.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Lyon County Jail, located in Marshall, serves as the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Lyon County Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Minnesota state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court appearances upon payment of bail.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Lyon County are taken and retained by the Lyon 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 or potentially through third-party websites that aggregate public records. Minnesota does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal based on privacy concerns or expungement of their criminal records.
Courts & Case Records
Lyon County is served by the Fifth Judicial District of Minnesota, with the Lyon County District Court located in the Lyon County Courthouse at 607 West Main Street, Marshall, Minnesota 56258. The court can be reached at (507) 537-6724. District Court in Minnesota has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including felonies, gross misdemeanors, family law cases, probate matters, juvenile delinquency, and civil cases exceeding $15,000.
- Conciliation Court, Minnesota's small claims court, operates as a division of District Court for civil disputes under $15,000 and is also located at the courthouse.
- The Lyon County Court Administrator's office processes all records requests and can provide guidance on what documents are publicly accessible versus those that are sealed or confidential under Minnesota law.
Minnesota does not have separate Justice Courts or Municipal Courts in the traditional sense; instead, the District Court handles all levels of cases. Court records are accessible under Minnesota Court Rules and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains an online case lookup system called Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) available at www.mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records, though some case types and documents may be restricted.
Fees for accessing court records vary: online access requires registration and charges per-document fees, while in-person records requests at the court administrator's office may involve copying fees of 25 cents per page for uncertified copies and additional fees for certified documents.
Property & Public Records
The Lyon County Recorder's Office, located at 607 West Main Street, Marshall, Minnesota 56258, maintains all property and land records for the county. The office can be reached at (507) 537-6724 and is responsible for recording and preserving documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, liens, easements, certificates of real estate value, plat maps, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. The Recorder's Office provides public access to recorded documents dating back to the county's establishment.
- Fees for certified copies of recorded documents are established by Minnesota statute and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
- Property tax information can be searched online through the county's website, providing access to current and historical assessment data, tax amounts, and property characteristics.
- Lyon County maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer accessible through the county website, allowing users to view property boundaries, zoning information, and basic ownership details without charge.
- Certified copies of documents require in-person or mail requests with appropriate fees.
Vital Records
Vital records for Lyon County, Minnesota, including birth and death certificates, are managed through both the Lyon County Public Health Office and the Minnesota Department of Health. For birth certificates of events occurring in Lyon County, requests can be made through the Lyon County Public Health Department located at 607 West Main Street, Marshall, Minnesota 56258, or by calling (507) 537-6726. Birth certificates cost $26 for the first copy and $19 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, with processing times typically ranging from one to two weeks for in-person requests.
- Death certificates are also available through the same office with identical fees.
- Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Minnesota Statutes Section 144.225, which governs vital records access.
- Eligible requesters include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with documented legal interest.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, at www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords/order.html, though additional processing fees apply.
The Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records serves as the centralized state repository and maintains copies of all vital records from across Minnesota since 1900. Their office can be contacted at (651) 201-5970 or accessed online at www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords. Marriage licenses in Minnesota are issued by the County Administrator's office, and applications must be made in person by both parties at 607 West Main Street.
Divorce records are maintained by the District Court where the dissolution was granted. Most vital records are confidential for 100 years from the date of event under Minnesota law, with access restricted to authorized individuals.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Lyon County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Lyon County Auditor-Treasurer's office handles certain local business registrations and can be reached at (507) 537-6722 at the Government Center, 607 West Main Street, Marshall. For Doing Business As (DBA) names and assumed name certificates, businesses must file with the Minnesota Secretary of State rather than at the county level, as Minnesota centralized these filings.
- This database includes business name, registration status, registered agent information, and filing history.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications in Lyon County are processed through the Lyon County Planning and Zoning Department at (507) 537-6724.
- The Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 317 West Main Street in Marshall, provides business development resources and can be contacted at (507) 532-4484 or through www.marshallmnchamber.com.
The Minnesota Secretary of State maintains a comprehensive online Business Search portal at mnsecofstate.gov where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities at no charge. Professional licenses in Minnesota are issued by state-level boards and agencies rather than county offices; these can be searched through individual licensing boards or through the Minnesota Department of Commerce for insurance and financial professionals. Sales tax permits are issued by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
The City of Marshall operates its own building and zoning department for properties within city limits. The Southwest Initiative Foundation also serves Lyon County with economic development programming and small business lending.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Lyon County are administered by the Lyon County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which serves as the county's official elections division. The office is located at 607 West Main Street, Marshall, Minnesota 56258, and can be reached at (507) 537-6722. The county's election information is available through www.lyonco.org. Minnesota offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register at their polling place on Election Day with proper proof of residence, though pre-registration is encouraged.
- Voters can also register by mail or in person at the County Auditor-Treasurer's office up to 21 days before Election Day.
- Absentee voting in Minnesota is available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse.
- Voters can request an absentee ballot online through mnvotes.org, by mail, in person at the Auditor-Treasurer's office, or by email or fax.
- Absentee ballots can be requested starting 46 days before an election, and completed ballots must be received by Election Day (postmarked ballots are not counted if received after Election Day).
- Citizens can request copies of election-related public data through the County Auditor-Treasurer under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Online voter registration is available through the Minnesota Secretary of State at mnvotes.erg, and the deadline for pre-registration is 21 days before an election. To find your polling place in Lyon County, voters can use the Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or contact the Auditor-Treasurer's office directly. Public election records in Lyon County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Minnesota Statutes Section 201.091), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, precinct-level election results, and candidate filing information.
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 10A governs campaign finance disclosure. Lyon County, like most Greater Minnesota counties, typically sees voter turnout ranging from 75-80% in presidential election years and 55-65% in midterm elections. In the 2024 general election, Lyon County recorded turnout consistent with historical patterns for rural Minnesota counties.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Minnesota constitutional offices including Governor, and Minnesota State Legislature seats. Minnesota's election records are considered highly transparent, with detailed precinct-level results published after each election and robust campaign finance disclosure requirements.
Economy & Demographics
Lyon County's economy is anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Agriculture remains the dominant industry, with corn and soybeans as primary crops, complemented by hog and cattle operations throughout the county's productive farmland. Schwan's Company, now part of CJ Foods, has historically been one of the region's largest employers with food processing operations.
- The median household income in Lyon County is approximately $58,000, somewhat below the Minnesota state median but reflecting the rural agricultural character of the region.
- Manufacturing has expanded beyond food processing to include precision manufacturing and agricultural equipment.
Marshall, as the county seat, serves as the economic hub with Southwest Minnesota State University providing substantial employment and contributing approximately 3,000 students to the local economy. Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center is a major healthcare employer serving a multi-county region. Other significant employers include Schwans Food Service, Ralco Nutrition, and several agricultural cooperatives.
The unemployment rate in Lyon County typically tracks close to or slightly above the state average, ranging between 3-4% in recent years. The Marshall area has benefited from its location along U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 23, providing transportation access for manufacturing and distribution.
Economic development initiatives have focused on downtown Marshall revitalization, entrepreneurship support through the Southwest Initiative Foundation, and attraction of renewable energy projects including wind energy development in rural portions of the county. The presence of the university creates a unique economic dynamic, supporting retail, housing, and cultural amenities beyond what would typically exist in a community of Marshall's size.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via MCRO | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ Online via MN Secretary of State | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10 — Lyon County provides good digital access to property and court records with robust election transparency, though jail and vital records require traditional request methods.
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Cities & Towns in Lyon County
Nearby Counties
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