About Redwood County
Redwood County is located in southwestern Minnesota, established in 1862 and named after the Redwood River that flows through the region. The county seat is Redwood Falls, situated at 303 South Mill Street, where the historic Redwood County Courthouse serves as the center of county government. Redwood County encompasses approximately 879 square miles and has a population of around 15,000 residents according to recent census estimates. The county is bordered by Yellow Medicine County to the north, Renville County to the east, Brown County to the southeast, and Cottonwood County to the south.
- Alexander Ramsey State Park, named after Minnesota's first territorial governor, provides outdoor recreation opportunities.
Major communities include Redwood Falls, the largest city, along with Morgan, Wabasso, Lamberton, Lucan, Clements, Belview, Vesta, and Sanborn. The landscape is characterized by fertile agricultural lands, rolling prairies, and the scenic Redwood River valley. Ramsey Park in Redwood Falls is one of the largest municipal parks in Minnesota, featuring 217 acres of natural beauty with waterfalls, hiking trails, and the famous Ramsey Park Zoo.
The county's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production, along with livestock farming. Key county offices include the Redwood County Recorder at the courthouse in Redwood Falls, the County Assessor's Office handling property valuations, and the Auditor-Treasurer's Office managing financial records and property taxes. The region played a significant role in Minnesota history, particularly during the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, with several historical markers and sites commemorating these events.
The county maintains its rural character while supporting modern agricultural operations and small-town businesses that serve the local community.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Redwood County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. It oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing initiatives and collaborates with local agencies to enhance public safety. Notable programs include crime prevention workshops and a dedicated division for handling drug-related offenses, reflecting the office's commitment to addressing specific community needs.
Police Departments
In addition to the Redwood County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Redwood Falls Police Department and the Lamberton Police Department. These departments are responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits and work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and public safety initiatives. This collaboration ensures comprehensive coverage and efficient response to incidents across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Redwood County Sheriff's Office, located at 303 South Mill Street in Redwood Falls, Minnesota 56283, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county's unincorporated areas and provides countywide services. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (507) 637-4036 and operates the Redwood County Jail, which houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences. Inmate information and current jail rosters can typically be obtained by contacting the jail directly or visiting the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name, approximate date of arrest, and case number if known.
- The Sheriff's Office may charge reasonable fees for copying records.
- Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by individual police departments in incorporated cities, including the Redwood Falls Police Department, which serves the county seat, along with departments in Morgan and other municipalities that maintain their own police forces. Smaller communities may contract with the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services. Arrest records in Redwood County are considered public information under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), which governs access to government data.
Booking photos and mugshots are generally available as part of arrest records, though some information may be classified as private or confidential under MGDPA. For online resources, some Minnesota counties have begun publishing jail rosters on their websites, though availability varies by jurisdiction. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension also maintains statewide criminal history records accessible through authorized channels.
No federally recognized tribal lands exist within Redwood County boundaries, so tribal law enforcement does not typically have jurisdiction here.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Redwood County encompasses records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal history checks through the Bureau, which offers a comprehensive view of an individual's criminal record in Minnesota.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Redwood County are maintained by the Redwood County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, in compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Arrest records provide comprehensive information, including the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings that follow.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Redwood County Jail, located in Redwood Falls, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate information, including charges and bond details, can be accessed through the county's online inmate lookup system. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.
- The bond process follows Minnesota state guidelines, allowing for cash or surety bonds to secure release pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Redwood County are taken and retained by the Redwood 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 online databases. While Minnesota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking removal of their mugshots from online platforms may need to pursue legal avenues or contact the hosting websites directly.
Courts & Case Records
Redwood County is served by Minnesota's Ninth Judicial District Court, with the Redwood County Courthouse located at 250 South Jefferson Street in Redwood Falls, Minnesota 56283. The District Court handles all felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, family law proceedings including divorce and custody, probate matters, and juvenile cases. The court can be reached at (507) 637-4023. Minnesota operates under a unified court system, meaning there is one trial court level (District Court) rather than separate superior, circuit, or municipal courts.
- Conciliation Court, Minnesota's small claims division, operates within the District Court and handles civil disputes up to $15,000; these proceedings are less formal and designed for parties to represent themselves.
- Remote access to MCRO requires payment of subscription fees or per-document charges, while free access is available at public terminals located in courthouses.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides online court record access through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system at www.mncourts.gov, allowing public searches of civil, criminal, family, and probate cases statewide. Under Minnesota Court Rule 4 of the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, most court records are presumed public unless specifically classified as private, sealed, or confidential by statute or court order. Certain family court, juvenile, and mental health commitment records have restricted access to protect privacy.
Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of District Court at the Redwood County Courthouse, with fees typically ranging from $14 for the first certified page plus additional charges for subsequent pages. The court calendar and hearing schedules are generally available by contacting the court administrator's office. Appeals from District Court decisions proceed to the Minnesota Court of Appeals and potentially the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Property & Public Records
The Redwood County Recorder's Office, located at 303 South Mill Street in Redwood Falls, Minnesota 56283, maintains and provides access to property and land records for the entire county. The office can be reached at (507) 637-4026 and is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, easements, covenants, plat maps, and other instruments.
- Most recorded documents are available for public inspection during regular business hours, and copies can be obtained for statutory fees.
- Certified copies of recorded documents typically cost $14 for the first certified page and $5 for each additional page, though fees should be confirmed with the Recorder's Office.
- Requests for documents can be made in person, by mail, or sometimes online depending on available technology.
Under Minnesota Statutes Section 386.01 and related provisions, the County Recorder must record documents presented in proper form and maintain them as permanent public records. The Redwood County Recorder's Office offers online property document search capabilities, though availability and functionality should be verified directly with the office or through the county website. Many Minnesota counties participate in regional land records systems that provide digital access to scanned documents and searchable indexes.
Property tax information is maintained separately by the Redwood County Assessor's Office and Auditor-Treasurer's Office, both located at the courthouse. The Assessor's Office, reachable at (507) 637-4024, determines property valuations for tax purposes and maintains parcel data, ownership information, and assessment records. The Auditor-Treasurer's Office handles tax collection and payment records.
Many Minnesota counties provide online property tax and assessment searches through GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping portals that allow users to search by address, parcel number, or owner name and view parcel boundaries, assessed values, tax history, and property characteristics. The office maintains historical records dating back to the county's establishment in the 1860s.
Vital Records
Vital records for Redwood County, Minnesota, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both local and state agencies under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144. Birth certificates for births occurring in Redwood County can be requested from the Redwood County Vital Records office, typically located within the Health and Human Services department or at the courthouse at 303 South Mill Street, Redwood Falls.
- Birth certificates cost approximately $26 for the first copy and $19 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, with processing times generally ranging from one to two weeks for walk-in requests.
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required when requesting vital records.
- Death certificates are similarly available from the County Vital Records office for deaths occurring in Redwood County, with the same fee structure and eligibility requirements as birth certificates.
- The state office can be reached at (651) 201-5970 and offers online ordering through VitalChek for expedited service with additional processing fees.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $115 and is valid for six months from the date of issuance.
Only eligible applicants as defined by Minnesota law may obtain certified copies, including the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, or others with documented legal entitlement. The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records in St. Paul serves as the state repository for all Minnesota vital records and can provide certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Minnesota.
Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Redwood County Vital Records office prior to the marriage ceremony, with both applicants required to appear in person with valid identification. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested after the completed license has been returned and recorded by the officiant. Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are court records maintained by the Clerk of District Court at the Redwood County Courthouse rather than by the vital records office.
Same eligibility and identification requirements apply for all vital records to protect privacy and prevent identity theft.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Redwood County, Minnesota, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. For local business licenses and permits, the Redwood County Auditor-Treasurer's Office at 303 South Mill Street in Redwood Falls serves as a primary resource, handling certain county-level business registrations and licenses.
Individual municipalities within Redwood County, such as Redwood Falls, Morgan, and Wabasso, typically require separate city business licenses for operations within their boundaries; contact the respective city clerk's office for requirements. Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name must be filed with the Redwood County Recorder's Office under Minnesota Statutes Section 333.01. These certificates are public records searchable through the Recorder's document index.
For formal business entity formation and registration, the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office maintains the official state business registry for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations. The Secretary of State's Business Services Division provides a free online search tool at www.sos.state.mn.us where users can look up registered business entities, view filing history, registered agent information, and business status. Sales tax permits and employer tax accounts are administered by the Minnesota Department of Revenue, not at the county level.
Professional and occupational licensing varies by profession, with many licenses issued by state boards (such as the Board of Nursing, Board of Teaching, or Board of Accountancy) rather than county offices. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by the Redwood County Planning and Zoning Department for unincorporated areas, or by individual city building departments for incorporated municipalities. The Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism office, serving Redwood Falls and surrounding communities, provides business support services and maintains directories of local businesses, though it is not a government regulatory agency.
The Chamber can be reached through their website for economic development information and business resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Redwood County, Minnesota, are administered by the Redwood County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which serves as the county's elections office. The office is located at 303 South Mill Street, Redwood Falls, Minnesota 56283, and can be reached at (507) 637-4020 for voter registration information, polling place locations, and absentee ballot requests. Voter registration in Minnesota is available online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at mnvotes.umn.edu, by mail using a voter registration application, or in person at the county elections office.
- Minnesota law allows same-day voter registration at polling places on Election Day, though voters are encouraged to register in advance.
- The deadline for advance registration is 21 days before Election Day; after that date, eligible voters must register in person at their polling place on Election Day with proper proof of residence.
- To request an absentee ballot in Redwood County, voters should submit an Absentee Ballot Application to the Redwood County Auditor-Treasurer's Office either online through the state system, by mail, or in person.
- Minnesota allows no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any registered voter can vote absentee without providing a reason.
- The transparency of Redwood County elections is governed by Minnesota election laws, which provide substantial public access to election processes and records.
To find your specific polling place in Redwood County, voters can use the Polling Place Finder tool on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website or contact the Auditor-Treasurer's office directly. Election records that are public under Minnesota law include voter registration rosters (with certain private information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and absentee ballot statistics. Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 201, voter registration data is public except for certain protected information such as dates of birth and portions of Social Security numbers.
In the November 2024 general election, Redwood County experienced voter turnout of approximately 75-78%, consistent with typical Minnesota turnout levels which are among the nation's highest. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races (Minnesota's 7th Congressional District represents Redwood County), state constitutional offices including Governor if applicable to the cycle, Minnesota State Legislature seats, and local county and municipal offices.
Absentee voting in Minnesota is available both by mail and in person. Applications must be received by the Tuesday before Election Day for mail ballots, though in-person absentee voting is available until the day before the election. Citizens can request copies of election results, voter lists (subject to data privacy restrictions), and observe election processes including absentee ballot boards and canvassing boards, ensuring accountability and public confidence in the electoral system.
Economy & Demographics
Redwood County's economy is predominantly agricultural, reflecting its location in the heart of Minnesota's productive farmland. The county ranks among Minnesota's top producers of corn, soybeans, and hogs, with farming operations ranging from family-owned farms to larger commercial agricultural enterprises. Agricultural production and related industries, including grain elevators, farm equipment dealers, and agricultural services, form the economic backbone of the region.
- Food processing and value-added agriculture, including facilities that process agricultural commodities, contribute to the local economy.
- The Lower Sioux Indian Community, located partially in Redwood County, operates economic enterprises including the Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel, which provides employment and contributes to the regional economy.
The median household income in Redwood County is approximately $58,000 to $62,000 based on recent American Community Survey estimates, somewhat below the Minnesota state median but consistent with rural agricultural counties. Major employers include agricultural cooperatives, manufacturing facilities, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and government services. The Redwood Area Hospital & Clinics in Redwood Falls serves as a significant healthcare employer.
The county's manufacturing sector includes metal fabrication, agricultural equipment production, and other light industrial operations. Retail trade and services in Redwood Falls and other county communities serve local residents and the surrounding agricultural area. Tourism plays a modest role, with attractions including Ramsey Park, Alexander Ramsey State Park, and outdoor recreation opportunities drawing visitors primarily during summer months.
Unemployment rates in Redwood County typically track close to or slightly above the Minnesota state average, with seasonal variations related to agricultural cycles. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on broadband expansion, downtown revitalization in Redwood Falls, and supporting existing businesses while attracting new investment. The county faces challenges common to rural Minnesota, including workforce development, retaining young residents, and adapting to consolidation trends in agriculture.
The Redwood County Economic Development Authority works to promote business growth and job creation throughout the region.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (MCRO) | Property: ✅ Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online Resources | Overall Score: 7/10 — Redwood County provides good access to property and court records through state systems, with elections information readily available, though some local records require direct office contact.
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