About McKenzie County
McKenzie County is located in the northwestern corner of North Dakota, sharing borders with Montana to the west and bordering Divide, Williams, Mountrail, and Dunn counties. Established in 1905 and organized in 1905, McKenzie County was named after Alexander McKenzie, a North Dakota political figure. McKenzie County Seat is Watford City, which has experienced explosive growth since the Bakken oil boom began in the late 2000s. McKenzie County includes approximately 2,760 square miles of land and water, making it one of the larger counties in North Dakota by area.
The 2020 Census recorded a population of approximately 14,704 residents, representing a dramatic increase from just 6,360 in 2010, driven almost entirely by oil and gas development. McKenzie County sits atop the Bakken Formation, one of the largest oil reserves in the United States, which has transformed McKenzie County from a quiet agricultural area into a major energy production center. Major landmarks include Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Unit), the Little Missouri River, and the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center.
McKenzie County is also home to Lake Sakakawea, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. Key county agencies include McKenzie County Recorder located at 201 5th Street NW in Watford City, McKenzie County Clerk of Court at the same address, and McKenzie County Director of Tax Equalization's Office, also housed in McKenzie County Courthouse at 201 5th Street NW, Watford City, ND 58854. McKenzie County has retained its Western heritage while adapting to rapid modernization brought by the energy sector.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
McKenzie County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of McKenzie County. The office oversees McKenzie County Detention Center, manages patrol operations, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated team for drug enforcement.
Police Departments
In addition to McKenzie County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in McKenzie County is provided by municipal police departments, including the Watford City Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective city limits and work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations. The Watford City Police Department focuses on community policing and local ordinance enforcement, while the Sheriff's Office handles broader county-wide law enforcement duties.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
McKenzie County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving unincorporated areas of McKenzie County, headquartered at 201 5th Street NW, Watford City, ND 58854. The agency operates McKenzie County Correctional Center, which houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmate lookup and jail roster information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the detention facility directly.
- Citizens may request arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office or respective police department.
- There may be nominal fees for copying and processing.
Booking information typically includes inmate name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and projected release date. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Watford City Police Department, which serves McKenzie County Seat and surrounding city limits. The Watford City Police Department is located at 200 2nd Avenue NE, Watford City, ND 58854, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Arrest records in McKenzie County are public records under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04, the state's open records law.
Mugshot and booking photos are generally available as part of the public jail roster, though some photographs may be restricted if they pertain to ongoing investigations or juvenile cases. The Fort Berthold Indian Reservation extends into the southeastern portion of McKenzie County, and the Three Affiliated Tribes operate their own law enforcement through tribal police with concurrent jurisdiction in some areas. Response times and service coverage have improved significantly since the oil boom, with increased staffing and resources dedicated to managing the population surge and associated public safety challenges.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in McKenzie County include felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as entries in the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which provides full criminal history information. The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation offers services to McKenzie County residents for accessing statewide criminal records, following state laws and regulations.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in McKenzie County are maintained by McKenzie County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an arrest, including charges and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the North Dakota Open Records Law, certain information is available to the public, although some details may be restricted to protect ongoing investigations. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information.
Jail & Inmate Records
McKenzie County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in McKenzie County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within McKenzie County, where they are processed and held until bail is posted or they are released. Inmate information can be accessed through the detention center's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols. The bond process follows North Dakota state guidelines, allowing for cash bonds or surety bonds through approved agencies.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in McKenzie County are taken and retained by McKenzie County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online, others may require a formal records request. North Dakota does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
McKenzie County is served by the Northwest Judicial District of North Dakota. McKenzie County District Court is located at 201 5th Street NW, Watford City, ND 58854, and handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $15,000, divorce and family law matters, probate, guardianships, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. North Dakota operates a unified court system, and case information can be searched online through the North Dakota Supreme Court's public access portal at www.ndcourts.gov/public-access.
- There is no fee to search online, but certified copies of court documents require payment and must be requested through the Clerk of District Court.
- In-person requests can be made at the courthouse during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- The fee schedule for certified copies is typically $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page, as established by North Dakota Century Code 27-01-07.
- Users seeking extensive record requests should contact the Clerk of Court in advance to arrange access and understand associated costs.
The system allows users to search by party name, case number, or attorney, though some case types such as juvenile matters, certain mental health proceedings, and sealed cases are restricted from public view. McKenzie County also has jurisdiction under the North Dakota Municipal Court system for city-level ordinance violations and traffic matters handled in Watford City. Public access to court records is governed by North Dakota Court Administrative Rule 37, which balances transparency with privacy protections.
Probate and estate matters are handled by the District Court and are generally public unless sealed by court order.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for McKenzie County are maintained by McKenzie County Recorder's Office, located at 201 5th Street NW, Watford City, ND 58854. The Recorder's Office can be reached at and is responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, easements, mineral rights transfers, oil and gas leases, and plat maps. Due to the Bakken oil boom, McKenzie County has seen unprecedented recording activity related to mineral rights and surface use agreements.
- Some document images are available for viewing and printing online, though there may be fees for certified copies.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail, with fees typically set at $10 for the first page and $3 for each additional page, plus postage if mailed.
The office maintains an online search portal accessible through McKenzie County website at www.mckenziecountynd.com, where users can search recorded documents by grantor, grantee, document type, date range, and legal description. McKenzie County Director of Tax Equalization's Office, also located in the courthouse at 201 5th Street NW, maintains property tax records, assessments, parcel information, and ownership data. The Assessor can be contacted through the office’s website. Property tax records and parcel information are searchable online through McKenzie County's GIS mapping system, which provides aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, and tax payment history.
The Recorder's Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Oil and gas-related filings have created unique challenges for record-keeping, and the office has expanded staffing and digitization efforts to keep pace. North Dakota Century Code 11-18 governs the duties and responsibilities of county recorders, making sure of public access to land records.
Vital Records
Vital records for McKenzie County, including birth and death certificates, are primarily handled through the North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located at 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 301, Bismarck, ND 58505. However, some vital records services are available through McKenzie County Clerk's Office at 201 5th Street NW, Watford City, ND 58854 Birth certificates for events occurring in McKenzie County can be requested from the state vital records office with a fee of $7 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and requirements, with requests handled by the state office.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay a fee of $65.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility to obtain confidential records. Marriage licenses are issued by McKenzie County Recorder's Office at the courthouse in Watford City. There is no waiting period in North Dakota, and the license is valid for 60 days from issuance.
Marriage records, once recorded, become public documents accessible through the Recorder's Office. Divorce decrees and dissolution records are maintained by McKenzie County Clerk of District Court as part of court case files and can be searched through the court records system. Online ordering of vital records is available through the North Dakota Department of Health website at www.health.nd.gov/vital records or through approved third-party vendors such as VitalChek, though additional service fees apply.
North Dakota Century Code Title 23, Chapter 23-02 governs the creation, maintenance, and release of vital records, with confidentiality protections for birth records lasting 100 years and death records restricted for 50 years to eligible parties only.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in McKenzie County involves multiple levels of government oversight. Local business licenses and permits are administered by the City of Watford City for businesses operating within city limits, with information available at City Hall, 200 2nd Avenue NE, Watford City, ND 58854 McKenzie County Auditor's Office, located at 201 5th Street NW, Watford City, ND 58854, handles certain county-level permits and licenses.
- This database includes business entity names, registered agents, formation dates, status, and annual report filings.
- The Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 109 2nd Avenue NE, Watford City, ND 58854, phone, website www.4eyes.net, provides resources for new and existing businesses and maintains a member directory.
For assumed names (DBA, Doing Business As) and fictitious name registrations, businesses must file with both McKenzie County Recorder's Office and the North Dakota Secretary of State. The North Dakota Secretary of State maintains a full online business records search portal at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov where users can search for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, trademarks, and UCC filings free of charge. State-level business registration is required for most formal business entities and is handled exclusively through the Secretary of State's office in Bismarck.
Sales tax permits are issued by the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner and can be applied for online at www.nd.gov/tax. Professional and occupational licenses vary by industry and are typically administered by state licensing boards rather than county offices. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits for properties within McKenzie County are handled by McKenzie County Planning and Zoning Department for The oil and gas boom has created a strong business environment, and McKenzie County Job Development Authority works to support economic development.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in McKenzie County are administered by McKenzie County Auditor, who serves as McKenzie County's election official. The Auditor's Office is located at 201 5th Street NW, Watford City, ND 58854, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Election information, sample ballots, and polling locations can be found on McKenzie County website at www.mckenziecountynd.com. Voter registration in North Dakota is unique: the state does not require advance voter registration. Eligible residents may vote by presenting valid identification at their polling place on Election Day.
- Campaign finance filings for local candidates are maintained by the Secretary of State's office and searchable online.
- Absentee ballot applications can be requested from the County Auditor's Office beginning 40 days before an election, and completed ballots must be received by McKenzie County by the close of polls on Election Day.
Accepted forms of ID include a North Dakota driver's license, non-driver ID card, or tribal government-issued ID with current name, date of birth, and residential address. If the ID does not have a current address, voters must provide supplemental documentation. This same-day registration system is governed by North Dakota Century Code Title 16.1.
To find your polling place in McKenzie County, voters can contact the County Auditor's Office or check the North Dakota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at https://vip.sos.nd.gov. McKenzie County typically operates multiple polling locations in Watford City and precincts throughout McKenzie County. Election records that are public include precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and ballot measure text, all available through the County Auditor or the North Dakota Secretary of State's website.
Voter lists are available for certain permitted uses under state law. McKenzie County generally sees strong voter turnout for presidential elections, with participation rates typically ranging from 60-75% in recent general elections, reflecting civic engagement in this rapidly growing community. The 2024 general election saw strong participation across North Dakota.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include North Dakota's U.S. House seat, state legislative races, county offices, and local measures. Absentee voting is available for McKenzie County voters who will be absent from their precinct on Election Day, have a disability, or are over 65 years of age.
North Dakota law provides transparency in election administration, allowing citizens to request election materials, audit reports, and precinct results under the state's open records statutes in Chapter 44-04 of the North Dakota Century Code.
Economy & Demographics
McKenzie County's economy has been fundamentally transformed by the Bakken oil boom, making it one of the fastest-growing and wealthiest counties per capita in the United States during peak production years. The energy sector dominates employment, with major operators including Continental Resources, Hess Corporation, Marathon Oil, Whiting Petroleum, and numerous oilfield services companies.
- The median household income in McKenzie County soared during the boom years, with estimates exceeding $100,000, well above state and national averages, though income volatility tracks closely with oil prices.
- The Four Bears Casino and Lodge, owned and operated by the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, provides significant employment and economic activity in the southeastern part of McKenzie County.
McKenzie County sits at the center of the Bakken and Three Forks formations, which have produced billions of barrels of oil since horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques made extraction economically viable in the mid-2000s. Agriculture, historically the backbone of the economy, remains important with cattle ranching, wheat, barley, and hay production continuing on lands not leased for mineral development. The unemployment rate has fluctuated with the energy cycle, dropping to historic lows during peak drilling activity and rising during downturns in global oil prices.
Major economic development projects include the expansion of Watford City's infrastructure, new schools, hospitals, housing developments, hotels, and retail centers, to accommodate the population surge. The Long X Arts Foundation and Long X Visitor Center represent diversification efforts to promote tourism and cultural amenities. The North Dakota Bakken oil field has generated billions in tax revenue, with McKenzie County receiving substantial oil extraction and production tax allocations that have funded infrastructure improvements, emergency services, and county facilities.
Challenges include workforce housing shortages, infrastructure strain, and economic volatility tied to commodity prices, though recent stabilization in production has brought more predictable growth.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Online Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online Info & Results | Overall Score: 8/10, McKenzie County provides strong digital access to property, court, and jail records, with online resources through county and state portals.
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Cities & Towns in McKenzie County
Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in McKenzie County, North Dakota.