About Murray County
Murray County is located in southwestern Minnesota, bordered by Iowa to the south. Established in 1857 and organized in 1879, the county was named after Kentucky Congressman William Pitt Murray. The county seat is Slayton, a community of approximately 2,100 residents that serves as the governmental and commercial hub. Murray County encompasses approximately 720 square miles of primarily agricultural land, with a total population of around 8,200 residents according to recent census estimates.
The landscape is characterized by flat to gently rolling prairie, with Lake Shetek serving as the county's most prominent natural landmark and recreational destination. Lake Shetek State Park preserves the site of significant historical events, including conflicts during the Dakota War of 1862. The county's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly corn, soybeans, and livestock production.
The Murray County Courthouse is located at 2500 28th Street in Slayton, housing the County Recorder, County Clerk of Court, County Assessor, and other essential government offices. The Murray County Recorder maintains official land records and vital statistics, while the Assessor's office handles property valuations and tax assessments. Other municipalities in Murray County include Currie, Fulda, Iona, Lake Wilson, and Dovray.
The Des Moines River flows through the western portion of the county, providing important watershed benefits. Murray County's rural character and strong agricultural heritage define its identity, with family farms remaining central to the local economy and culture.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Murray County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with maintaining public safety, running the county jail, processing arrests, and managing criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach programs and has specialized units for drug enforcement and emergency response. The office plays a crucial role in coordinating with local police departments to ensure comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Murray County Sheriff's Office, several city police departments operate within the county. The Slayton Police Department serves the city of Slayton, while other municipalities like Fulda and Lake Wilson have their own local police forces. These departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits and collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and emergencies. This coordination ensures that both urban and rural areas of Murray County receive adequate law enforcement services.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement services in Murray County are provided primarily by the Murray County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 2500 28th Street, Suite 201, Slayton, MN 56172. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (507) 836-6143 and maintains a website at www.co.murray.mn.us with general information about services. The Sheriff's Office operates the Murray County Jail, a detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Jail roster information and inmate lookup services are typically available by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though online inmate search capabilities may be limited.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of reports and records.
- The Sheriff's Office maintains patrol services throughout unincorporated areas of the county and provides 24-hour emergency response.
Booking information, including mugshots, is considered public data under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act), specifically section 13.82 which governs criminal investigative data. Municipal law enforcement exists in some of the county's larger communities, with the cities of Slayton and Fulda having their own police departments that handle local ordinance violations and assist with county-level law enforcement. To request arrest records in Murray County, individuals should submit a written request to the Murray County Sheriff's Office citing the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGSPA), which provides public access to most arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports unless they are part of an active investigation.
Mugshot photographs and booking photos are generally available as part of the public booking record, though access procedures vary. There are no federally recognized tribal lands within Murray County, so no tribal police jurisdiction exists in this area.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Murray County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registries. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Background checks can be conducted through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides comprehensive reports on an individual's criminal history.
- The state's sex offender registry is also available online, providing information on registered offenders residing in Murray County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Murray County are maintained by the Murray County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring public access while protecting sensitive information. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Murray County Jail, located in Slayton, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Inmate information can be accessed through the county's online inmate lookup tool, which provides details on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and guidelines that visitors must follow. The bond and bail process in Minnesota allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Murray County are taken and retained by the Murray County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or via online databases that compile booking photos. Minnesota does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may request corrections if inaccuracies are found. Mugshots are often included in arrest records and may be used in court proceedings.
Courts & Case Records
Murray County is served by Minnesota's Fifth Judicial District Court, with the Murray County Courthouse located at 2500 28th Street, Slayton, MN 56172. The court can be reached at (507) 836-6148. The District Court handles all criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters for Murray County residents.
- The court also hears conciliation court matters (small claims) for disputes under $15,000.
- A subscription fee is required for detailed document access, though basic case information may be available without charge.
- Copy fees are established by Minnesota Statutes section 357.021 and are typically $5.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of court documents require an additional certification fee.
Minnesota's unified court system means that district courts serve as the trial courts of general jurisdiction, handling felonies, gross misdemeanors, civil cases over $15,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate and estate proceedings, and juvenile delinquency cases. Court records in Minnesota are governed by Minnesota Court Rules and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, with most court records considered public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute (such as certain juvenile records or confidential family court documents). The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides online access to court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system at www.mncourts.gov/Access-Court-Records.aspx, where users can search by party name or case number.
In-person court record searches can be conducted at the Murray County Clerk of Court office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Traffic and misdemeanor violations may be handled through conciliation or criminal divisions depending on the offense severity.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Murray County are maintained by the Murray County Recorder's Office, located at 2500 28th Street, Slayton, MN 56172. The Recorder's Office can be contacted at (507) 836-6145. This office is responsible for recording and maintaining all documents related to real property transactions, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages and deeds of trust, abstracts, contracts for deed, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and plat maps.
- Murray County provides access to a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer that allows the public to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, and assessment data online.
- To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requestors must visit or contact the Recorder's Office directly, provide adequate identifying information for the property or document, and pay applicable fees.
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 386 governs the duties and responsibilities of county recorders. The Murray County Recorder provides an online property document search system accessible through the county website at www.co.murray.mn.us, allowing users to search recorded documents by name, document type, or legal description. Some records may be viewable online at no charge, while printed copies and certified copies require fees established by Minnesota Statutes section 357.18, typically $46 for the first page and $2 for each additional page for recording services.
Property tax information and assessment records are maintained separately by the Murray County Assessor's Office, also located in the Murray County Courthouse. The Assessor's Office can be reached at (507) 836-6146 and maintains property tax records, assessed valuations, property classifications, and homestead status information. Property tax payment records are handled by the Murray County Treasurer's Office.
Vital Records
Vital records for Murray County, Minnesota are managed in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144 (Birth Records) and Chapter 145 (Health). Birth certificates for births occurring in Murray County can be obtained through the Murray County Clerk of Court office at 2500 28th Street, Slayton, MN 56172, phone (507) 836-6148, though the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records is the primary state repository for all Minnesota vital records.
- Birth certificates cost $26 for the first copy and $19 for each additional copy ordered at the same time when obtained from the state office.
- Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail requests, faster for in-person requests.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and can be requested from either the county or state level.
- Valid photo identification is required for all vital record requests.
- The marriage license fee is established by state statute.
Only authorized individuals can obtain certified copies of birth and death certificates, including the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the record, legal representatives, or individuals with a court order or documented direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Murray County Clerk of Court office prior to the marriage ceremony, with both parties appearing in person with valid identification. Marriage certificates (proof that a marriage occurred) are available after the completed license is returned and recorded by the officiant.
Divorce records and dissolution decrees are court records maintained by the Murray County Clerk of Court as part of family court case files. The Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records is located at P.O. Box 64499, St.
Paul, MN 55164-0499, phone 651-201-5970, and offers online ordering through VitalChek for expedited service with additional fees. Requestors should be prepared to provide full names, dates of events, and place of events when ordering vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and business records in Murray County are handled through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Local business licenses and permits are administered by individual municipalities within Murray County, with the cities of Slayton, Fulda, and Currie each maintaining their own business licensing requirements for businesses operating within city limits.
The Murray County Clerk of Court office at (507) 836-6148 may handle certain assumed name (DBA - Doing Business As) filings at the county level, though many business entity registrations are filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State. The Minnesota Secretary of State maintains the statewide business records database accessible at www.sos.state.mn.us, where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered business entities free of charge. The Business Services Division can be reached at (651) 296-2803.
All businesses operating under an assumed name in Minnesota must file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Minnesota Secretary of State per Minnesota Statutes section 333.01. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, and others are regulated by the appropriate Minnesota state licensing boards rather than at the county level. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated areas of Murray County are handled by the Murray County Zoning Administrator and Planning & Zoning Department, located at the Murray County Government Center.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The Slayton Area Chamber of Commerce, reachable through local business networks, provides resources for new and existing businesses in Murray County and can offer guidance on local business requirements and economic development opportunities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Murray County are administered by the Murray County Auditor-Treasurer, who serves as the county's chief election official. The Auditor-Treasurer's office is located at 2500 28th Street, Suite 105, Slayton, MN 56172, and can be reached at (507) 836-6144. General election information and resources are available through the county website at www.co.murray.mn.us.
- Absentee voting in Murray County can be requested starting 46 days before any election.
- Voters may request an absentee ballot online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail, in person at the Auditor-Treasurer's office, or by email or fax.
Voter registration in Murray County can be completed in several ways: online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, by mail using a voter registration application, in person at the Murray County Auditor-Treasurer's office, or on Election Day at your polling place. Minnesota allows same-day voter registration, but voters must provide proof of residence. The voter registration deadline for advance registration is 21 days before Election Day, though again, same-day registration remains available.
To find your polling place in Murray County, voters can use the Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or contact the Auditor-Treasurer's office. Murray County typically operates multiple polling locations across its various townships and municipalities on Election Day. Minnesota is recognized as having among the highest voter turnout rates in the nation, and Murray County generally reflects this engagement.
In the 2024 general election, Murray County experienced voter turnout of approximately 75-80%, consistent with rural Minnesota county participation rates. Election records that are public in Minnesota include the voter registration list (with some private data redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, candidate filing records, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 201 governs voter registration, while Chapter 204B covers election administration.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House and Senate races (midterm elections), Minnesota state constitutional offices including Governor if applicable to the cycle, state legislative seats, and county offices. Completed absentee ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted.
Minnesota law provides strong transparency for election records, with detailed precinct results, voter history (showing whether someone voted, but not how they voted), and ballot counting processes open to public observation.
Economy & Demographics
Murray County's economy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture, which remains the dominant industry and largest employer in the region. The county's fertile prairie soils support extensive production of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay, while livestock operations including hog farming, cattle ranching, and dairy farming contribute significantly to agricultural revenues. According to recent economic data, agriculture and related industries account for approximately 35-40% of Murray County's economic output.
- The median household income in Murray County is estimated at approximately $58,000-$62,000, slightly below the Minnesota state median.
- Education through public school districts also provides stable employment.
- Food processing and value-added agricultural production have seen growth in recent years as the county seeks to diversify its economic base.
- Tourism related to Lake Shetek State Park and outdoor recreation provides seasonal economic activity.
Major employers in the county include agricultural cooperatives, grain elevators, farm equipment dealers, and agribusinesses that support the farming sector. The Slayton Industrial Park has attracted light manufacturing and distribution businesses to the county seat. Healthcare services, provided primarily through Murray County Medical Center in Slayton, represent another significant employment sector.
The county has experienced challenges common to rural Minnesota communities, including population decline among younger demographics and dependence on commodity prices that fluctuate with global markets. Unemployment rates in Murray County typically track closely with state averages, generally ranging from 3-5% depending on seasonal agricultural cycles. Economic development efforts focus on renewable energy projects, including wind energy development that has brought infrastructure investment to the county.
Retail trade and services sectors serve primarily local populations, with some regional draw to county seat businesses.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (MCRO subscription) | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ✅ Online Resources | Overall Score: 7/10 — Murray County provides solid access to property and court records digitally, with elections information readily available, though some services still require direct contact with county offices.
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Cities & Towns in Murray County
Nearby Counties
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