About Rice County
Population
67,000 residents
County Seat
Faribault
Established
1853
Named After
Henry Mower Rice
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Police Departments
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website with an online roster showing current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond information.
- Booking photos and mugshots are typically considered public data and may be available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office or through the jail roster system.
- Processing times vary, and fees may apply for copies of records.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Arrest Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- In Minnesota, the bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a statutory fee.
218 Third Street NW, Faribault, MN 56021
Property & Public Records
- Property tax information is maintained separately by Rice County Assessor's Office, also located in the Government Center, which provides property valuations, classification, and assessment data.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or online, with fees set by Minnesota Statutes Section 357.18 at $46 for the first page and $2 for each additional page for most documents.
320 Third Street NW, Faribault, MN 56021
Vital Records
- Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords with additional convenience fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Rice County Administrator's Office at the Government Center, 320 Third Street NW, Faribault, with a current fee of $115.
- Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are court records maintained by Rice County Clerk of District Court at the courthouse and can be requested following court record procedures.
Business & Licensing
- Corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other formal business entities must register with the Secretary of State and file periodic renewals.
Elections & Voter Records
- In the November 2024 general election, Rice County experienced approximately 78% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting Minnesota's traditionally high participation rates.
- Absentee ballots can be requested online through mnvotes.org, by mail, or in person at the Elections Office beginning 46 days before any election.
- Rice County provides accessible voting equipment and curbside voting options for voters with disabilities.
320 Third Street NW, Faribault, MN 56021
Economy & Demographics
- The median household income in Rice County is approximately $72,000, above the national average, reflecting the educated workforce associated with the colleges and professional sectors.
- Rice County benefits from proximity to the Twin Cities metro area, approximately 50 miles north, allowing some residents to commute while maintaining lower housing costs.
- The agriculture sector has modernized with precision farming technology and value-added processing.
Transparency Score
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Rice County, Minnesota?
To search for someone recently arrested in Rice County, Minnesota, you can contact the Rice County Jail located at 118 NW 3rd Street, Faribault, MN. The jail provides an inmate lookup service that can be accessed online through the Rice County Sheriff's Office website. This service allows you to search for current inmates by name and view their booking details, including charges and bond information.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Rice County, Minnesota?
Mugshots or booking photos in Rice County, Minnesota, are maintained by the Rice County Sheriff's Office. You can request these photos by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly or by visiting their official website. Some booking photos may also be available through online databases linked on the Sheriff's Office website, depending on the case and privacy laws.
How do I get a criminal background check in Rice County, Minnesota?
To obtain a criminal background check in Rice County, Minnesota, you should contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The BCA provides statewide criminal history checks, which include records from Rice County. You can request a background check online through the BCA's website or by submitting a request form in person or by mail to their office.
How can I look up sex offenders in Rice County, Minnesota?
To look up sex offenders in Rice County, Minnesota, you can use the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry. This registry is managed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and provides information about registered sex offenders throughout the state. You can access the registry online to search for offenders by name, location, or proximity to a specific address in Rice County.
How do I register to vote in Rice County, Minnesota?
You can register to vote in Rice County through the Rice County Elections Office, part of the Auditor-Treasurer's office at (507) 332-6102, or online at mnvotes.org. Minnesota allows same-day voter registration at your polling place on Election Day with proof of residence, though online pre-registration must be completed 21 days before the election. Once registered, you can also request an absentee ballot online for any election starting 46 days before Election Day.
How do I look up property records in Rice County, Minnesota?
Property records in Rice County can be searched through the Rice County Recorder's Office website at www.co.rice.mn.us, which offers free online access to recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The county also provides a free online GIS property information system showing parcel maps, ownership, and assessed values. For certified copies or assistance, contact the Recorder's Office at (507) 332-6103 at the Government Center, 320 Third Street NW in Faribault.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Rice County, Minnesota?
Birth and death certificates for Rice County are issued by the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, which can be contacted at (651) 201-5970 or by mail at PO Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499. The fee is $26 for the first certified copy and $19 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, with processing taking 4-6 weeks by mail. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords with expedited service options for additional fees, and you must provide valid identification showing your direct interest in the record.
How do I find business license records in Rice County, Minnesota?
Business entity records including corporations, LLCs, and assumed names (DBAs) are filed with and searchable through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at www.sos.state.mn.us, which offers free online business name searches. County-level permits and licenses can be obtained from the Rice County Administrator's Office at (507) 332-6101. For building permits and zoning information, contact Rice County Planning and Zoning at (507) 332-6118 for unincorporated areas, or the respective city offices for businesses within Faribault, Northfield, or other municipalities.