About Mercer County
Mercer County is located in the west-central region of North Dakota, established in 1875 and organized in 1884. Mercer County Seat is Stanton, a small community that is the administrative center for this predominantly rural county. Mercer County includes approximately 1,110 square miles of rolling prairie scene along the Missouri River. As of the 2020 Census, Mercer County's population was approximately 8,350 residents, reflecting growth associated with energy development in western North Dakota.
- Lake Sakakawea, created by Garrison Dam, forms much of Mercer County's northern border and provides recreational opportunities.
Mercer County is home to significant energy infrastructure, including coal mines and the Coal Creek Station power plant near Underwood, one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the United States. The Fort Mandan Historic Site near Washburn commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition's 1804-1805 winter encampment. Mercer County Courthouse is located at 1021 Arthur Street in Stanton (zip code 58571).
Mercer County Recorder maintains land records, the County Clerk handles vital records and election administration, and the County Director of Tax Equalization manages property tax assessments. Mercer County includes the municipalities of Stanton, Hazen, Beulah, and Golden Valley, with Beulah and Hazen serving as the largest population centers. Agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle ranching, remains economically important alongside energy production from coal mining and lignite resources.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Mercer County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Mercer County. It oversees Mercer County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing and offers various programs meant to crime prevention and public safety.
Police Departments
In addition to Mercer County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Mercer County is provided by municipal police departments in cities like Beulah and Hazen. The Beulah Police Department and Hazen Police Department handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, focusing on local ordinances and community safety. These agencies collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives to ensure full coverage and resource sharing.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Mercer County Sheriff's Office, located at Mercer County Courthouse in Stanton, provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of Mercer County. Municipal police departments operate in Beulah (Beulah Police Department) and Hazen (Hazen Police Department), providing law enforcement within city limits.
- Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday.
- Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through formal public records requests submitted to the Sheriff's Office, though fees may apply for copies.
- North Dakota law (NDCC 44-04-18) allows government agencies to charge reasonable fees for record reproduction.
- Processing times vary but typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Mercer County includes felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. For background checks, residents can contact the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides full criminal history reports for people within the state. This system ensures that Mercer County residents have access to pertinent criminal information for safety and employment purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Mercer County are maintained by Mercer County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The information provided in an arrest record includes the date of arrest, charges, and any court dates. North Dakota's open records law, known as the North Dakota Open Records Statute, governs the accessibility of these records to the public.
Jail & Inmate Records
Mercer County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, and the bond/bail process follows North Dakota state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Mercer County are taken and retained by Mercer County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or by requesting them through official channels. While North Dakota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges.
Courts & Case Records
Mercer County is served by the South Central Judicial District of North Dakota. Mercer County District Court is located at 1021 Arthur Street in Stanton, ND 58571, and can be reached at 701-745-3262. District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, divorce and family law cases, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The court also addresses juvenile delinquency and protection cases. North Dakota operates a unified court system without separate county-level courts, meaning the District Court serves all jurisdictional levels.
- There is no fee for basic online searches, but certified copies of court documents require payment and must be requested through the Clerk of Court office.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $10-$25 depending on the document length.
Court records are public under North Dakota Court Administrative Rule 38, which governs public access to judicial records. The North Dakota Courts website (ndcourts.gov) provides access to the Public Access to Court Records system, though some sensitive information such as juvenile records, adoption files, and certain family court documents remain confidential. To search Mercer County court records, users can access the state portal and select Mercer County as Mercer County.
Case searches can be performed by party name, case number, or attorney. Walk-in visitors to the courthouse can review most case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding state holidays.
Property & Public Records
Mercer County Recorder's Office, located in Mercer County Courthouse at 1021 Arthur Street, Stanton, ND 58571 (phone: 701-745-3352), maintains all land and property records for Mercer County. The Recorder's Office preserves and provides public access to real estate deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, mineral rights documents, uniform commercial code (UCC) filings, plat maps, and land surveys. These records are public under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04. The office maintains both historical records dating back to Mercer County's organization and current electronic filings.
- Recording fees vary by document type but typically range from $25 to $50 for standard deeds and mortgages.
- Property tax information can be accessed through the Assessor's Office at 701-745-3362.
- While some North Dakota counties offer online property search portals, Mercer County's digital access may be limited, and many requests require in-person visits or telephone inquiries.
- The North Dakota State Land Department provides some GIS mapping resources, but full parcel searches typically require contacting the Recorder or Assessor directly.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained for $10-$15 per document plus additional per-page fees.
Vital Records
Vital records for Mercer County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both Mercer County Recorder's Office and the North Dakota Department of Health & Human Services Division of Vital Records. Birth certificates for births occurring in Mercer County can be requested from the County Recorder at Mercer County Courthouse, 1021 Arthur Street, Stanton, ND 58571, or from the state office at 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200. The state office can be reached at 701-328-2360.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $7 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $5 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 1-2 weeks for mail requests and immediate for walk-in requests if records are readily available.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the County Recorder's Office, with a $65 fee and no waiting period in North Dakota.
- The North Dakota Department of Health offers online ordering through VitalChek for expedited service with additional processing fees.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Mercer County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the type of record or license. The North Dakota Secretary of State maintains the central business entity registry, accessible online at sos.nd.gov/business. This searchable database includes corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and trade names registered statewide. The database is free to search and provides information on business formation dates, registered agents, principal addresses, and current status.
For businesses operating under assumed names or DBAs (Doing Business As) in Mercer County, filings are recorded with Mercer County Recorder's Office at 701-745-3352. DBA certificates must be filed in Mercer County where the business operates and are public records. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and health professionals are issued by respective North Dakota state licensing boards, not at Mercer County level.
Sales tax permits are obtained through the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner. Local business licenses and permits within incorporated cities are handled by city clerk offices in Beulah, Hazen, and Stanton. Building permits and zoning matters are administered by county and municipal planning departments; contact Mercer County Auditor's Office at 701-745-3262 for county-level zoning inquiries.
The Beulah Chamber of Commerce (beulahnd.org) and Hazen Chamber of Commerce provide business directories and economic development resources for Mercer County. Construction projects and commercial development often require coordination with multiple agencies. Citizens researching business ownership or licensing compliance should begin with the Secretary of State's business search for entity information and contact the appropriate local office for operational permits.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Mercer County are administered by Mercer County Auditor, who serves as Mercer County's chief election official. The office is located at Mercer County Courthouse, 1021 Arthur Street, Stanton, ND 58571, and can be reached at 701-745-3262. Voter registration in North Dakota is unique, the state does not require advance voter registration. Eligible residents may vote by providing proof of residency and identification at their polling place on Election Day. Acceptable identification includes a North Dakota driver's license or state ID with current address.
- Absentee ballot requests are accepted beginning 40 days before an election, with completed ballots due by the close of polls on Election Day.
- North Dakota's election system emphasizes transparency, with citizens able to request election records under open records laws (NDCC Chapter 44-04).
Those without compliant ID may use supplemental documentation and sign an affidavit. Information about North Dakota's voter ID requirements is available at vote.nd.gov, the Secretary of State's election portal. To find your polling place in Mercer County, voters can contact the County Auditor's office or visit the state elections website and enter their address.
Mercer County typically operates polling locations in Stanton, Beulah, Hazen, and other population centers. Most election records are public under North Dakota law, including precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and voter lists (though voter lists have restrictions on commercial use). Campaign finance filings for county-level candidates are maintained by the County Auditor, while state-level campaign finance reports are filed with the Secretary of State.
In the November 2024 general election, Mercer County demonstrated strong turnout typical of rural North Dakota counties, with approximately 65-70% of eligible voters participating. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm elections, along with North Dakota state legislative races, statewide constitutional offices, and county positions.
North Dakota allows absentee voting for those unable to vote in person. Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from Mercer County Auditor's office or downloaded from vote.nd.gov. Completed applications must be submitted to the County Auditor, who will mail ballots to approved applicants.
Economy & Demographics
Mercer County's economy is heavily influenced by energy production, particularly coal mining and power generation. The Coal Creek Station (formerly Great Plains Synfuels Plant area), located near Beulah, is one of North Dakota's largest employers and a major electricity generator serving the Upper Midwest. The Dakota Gasification Company's synfuels plant in Beulah converts lignite coal into synthetic natural gas and various chemical products, employing hundreds of workers.
- The median household income in Mercer County is approximately $70,000, above the state average due to high-paying energy sector jobs.
- Lake Sakakawea provides tourism and recreation revenue through fishing, boating, and camping.
Freedom Mine and other coal mining operations provide additional employment and supply fuel to regional power plants. Agriculture remains economically significant, with wheat, barley, and cattle production dominating rural areas. Mercer County experienced population growth during the 2010s oil boom in western North Dakota, though growth has moderated.
Major employers include Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Dakota Gasification Company, BNI Coal, and various agricultural operations. The unemployment rate typically remains below the national average, hovering around 2-3% in recent years. The North Dakota lignite industry faces long-term challenges from renewable energy competition and environmental regulations, creating economic uncertainty.
Mercer County's tax base benefits substantially from energy infrastructure valuations, funding schools and public services. Local economic development efforts focus on workforce housing, infrastructure improvements, and diversification beyond coal dependency. Retail and service businesses in Beulah and Hazen serve local residents and transient workers.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: Online (Phone/In-Person Recommended) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Registry) | Elections: Yes: Accessible (State Portal + County Office) | Overall Score: 6/10, Mercer County provides access to public records primarily through state-level systems and direct office contact, with limited county-specific online portals.