McHenry County

According to recent census estimates, McHenry County has a population of approximately 5,300 residents, reflecting the ongoing trend of rural depopulation in North Dakota's agricultural regions. McHenry County is characterized by extensive farmland dedicated primarily to wheat, barley, and canola production, along with cattle ranching operations. Major communities include Towner, McHenry County Seat, along with Velva, Drake, Bantry, Granville, and Upham.

The Mouse River flows through the southern portion of McHenry County, providing important water resources and wildlife habitat. Lake Upsilon and other prairie wetlands dot the scene, supporting waterfowl populations and recreational opportunities. McHenry County Courthouse in Towner houses the County Recorder, Clerk of Court, County Auditor, and Assessor's office at 407 Main Street South.

McHenry County Recorder maintains land records, deeds, and mortgages, while the County Auditor handles property tax assessments and collections. McHenry County's economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture, though oil and gas development in surrounding areas has influenced economic conditions. McHenry County retains the character of traditional rural North Dakota, with strong community ties, agricultural heritage, and small-town values defining daily life.

Inmate information and jail roster inquiries can be made by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours. Municipal law enforcement is provided by police departments in the larger incorporated communities, including the Velva Police Department, which serves the largest city in McHenry County. Smaller communities may rely on county sheriff patrols and state Highway Patrol assistance.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol also maintains jurisdiction on state and federal highways throughout McHenry County. Arrest records in McHenry County are considered public records under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04, the state's open records law. Some records may be restricted if they pertain to ongoing investigations or involve juvenile offenders.

Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records, though policies on release may vary. No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within McHenry County, as there are no federally recognized tribal reservations within county boundaries.

North Dakota consolidated its court system, eliminating separate county courts, so the District Court is the primary trial court. Case information and court calendars can be obtained by contacting the Clerk of District Court at the courthouse. North Dakota courts participate in the statewide case management system, though online public access to case records varies by judicial district.

Citizens seeking to search court records may need to visit the courthouse in person or contact the Clerk of Court office. Some case information may be restricted from public access, including sealed records, juvenile cases, and certain family court matters as specified under North Dakota Court Administrative Rule 41. The Clerk of Court can provide guidance on accessing public court records and the procedures for obtaining certified copies.

Small claims matters, with monetary limits established by state statute, are also heard in District Court.

North Dakota is a race-notice state, meaning properly recorded documents take priority based on recording date. The Recorder's Office maintains both current and historical records dating back to McHenry County's organization in 1884. McHenry County Director of Tax Equalization's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, and property characteristics.

The Assessor determines taxable values for all real and personal property within McHenry County. Property tax information, including assessed values, mill levies, and payment history, can be obtained from the County Auditor's Office. Some North Dakota counties participate in online GIS mapping systems and property record databases, though availability varies.

Abstract companies and title insurance firms also maintain full property records indices.

Birth certificates are available for births occurring from 1893 to present, while death certificates are similarly available from 1893 forward. Applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as required by North Dakota Century Code § 23-02.1. Marriage licenses are issued by the County Recorder in McHenry County where the ceremony will take place.

Couples planning to marry in McHenry County should contact McHenry County Recorder's Office at the courthouse in Towner for Marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and payment of the statutory fee. There is no waiting period in North Dakota, and licenses are valid for 60 days. Divorce records and dissolution decrees are maintained by the Clerk of District Court in McHenry County where the divorce was granted, accessible at McHenry County Courthouse.

For full business entity information, including corporation registrations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the North Dakota Secretary of State maintains the central business registration system. Professional and occupational licenses are generally issued by state-level boards and agencies rather than county offices. Sales tax permits are issued by the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner.

Businesses operating in McHenry County cities may need local business licenses or permits from municipal offices in Towner, Velva, or other incorporated communities. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by McHenry County Planning and Zoning Department or individual city planning offices for properties within municipal boundaries. Contractors and construction-related businesses should contact McHenry County courthouse to determine specific permitting requirements.

McHenry County Auditor's office at can direct inquiries to the appropriate department. Agriculture-related businesses may require additional permits from state agencies. The Towner Area Chamber of Commerce and Velva Chamber of Commerce provide resources for businesses operating in McHenry County, though specific contact information should be verified locally.

Acceptable identification includes a North Dakota driver's license or non-driver ID card with current address, or other documentation establishing residency as specified under North Dakota Century Code § 16.1-01-04.1. Voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting McHenry County Auditor's office or checking the North Dakota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. McHenry County typically operates polling locations in Towner, Velva, Drake, Bantry, Granville, Upham, and other communities on Election Day.

Absentee voting is available for those who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, have illness or disability preventing in-person voting, or meet other criteria under state law. Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from the County Auditor's office, and completed ballots must be returned by the statutory deadline. Election records that are public include precinct-level vote totals, candidate filing information, and election results, all available through the County Auditor.

Campaign finance reports are filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State. Voter lists, while North Dakota has no registration system, are not applicable in the traditional sense. Turnout in McHenry County typically ranges from 60% to 75% of eligible voters in presidential election years, with lower participation in midterm and local elections.

The 2024 general election saw turnout consistent with historical patterns in this highly civic-engaged rural county. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House races, potential U.S.

Senate races depending on the cycle, North Dakota state legislative seats, statewide constitutional officers, and county offices. Early voting options and specific deadlines can be confirmed with McHenry County Auditor. North Dakota's open records law, Chapter 44-04 of the Century Code, provides that election records, including precinct results, ballot counting records, and administrative documents, are generally public unless specifically exempted.

According to recent economic data, median household income in McHenry County is estimated at approximately $58,000 to $62,000, somewhat below the North Dakota state average but consistent with rural agricultural counties. Major employers include the Velva Public School District, Towner Public School District, Drake Public School District, and other school systems that serve as anchor institutions in small communities. Healthcare facilities, including clinics and long-term care facilities, provide essential services and employment.

Retail trade, though limited, centers in Towner and Velva, with grocery stores, hardware stores, and service businesses supporting local needs. The agricultural service sector, including grain storage facilities, fertilizer dealers, and farm equipment sales and service, represents significant economic activity. Oil and gas development, while not as intensive as in western North Dakota counties, has provided some ancillary economic benefits through related service industries and increased property tax revenues.

Unemployment rates in McHenry County typically track slightly above state averages during agricultural off-seasons, with seasonal fluctuations based on planting and harvest cycles. Population decline and outmigration of younger residents present ongoing economic challenges, though strong agricultural commodity prices have supported farm income in recent years. Wind energy development represents a growing sector, with some wind farms and renewable energy projects providing lease payments to landowners and property tax revenue to McHenry County.