About Rice County
Rice County is located in southeastern Minnesota, covering approximately 516 square miles along the Cannon River and Straight River valleys. Established in 1853 and named after Henry Mower Rice, a U.S. Senator and territorial delegate, the county seat is Faribault, a city known for its historic architecture and educational institutions. Rice County has a population of approximately 67,000 residents and includes the cities of Faribault, Northfield, Dundas, Lonsdale, Morristown, Nerstrand, and Warsaw, along with several townships.
The county is home to several notable landmarks including the historic Alexander Faribault House, the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour, and the nationally recognized Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, which preserves rare remnants of the Big Woods ecosystem. Northfield is famous for the failed 1876 bank robbery attempt by the James-Younger Gang, commemorated annually during the Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration. Rice County is also home to two liberal arts colleges: Carleton College and St.
Olaf College in Northfield, which contribute significantly to the county's cultural and educational character. The Rice County Government Center is located at 320 Third Street NW in Faribault, housing the County Recorder, County Assessor, and various administrative offices. The County Recorder maintains official property records and documents, while the County Assessor handles property valuations and tax assessments.
The Clerk of District Court, located in the Rice County Courthouse at 218 Third Street NW, Faribault, manages court records and proceedings. Rice County's economy balances agriculture, manufacturing, education, and healthcare, with rich farmland producing corn, soybeans, and livestock.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Rice County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs, including crime prevention initiatives and educational outreach. The Sheriff's Office also has specialized divisions such as investigations and emergency response, ensuring comprehensive public safety services for residents.
Police Departments
In addition to the Rice County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Faribault Police Department and the Northfield Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits, handling local crime and community policing. The Sheriff's Office and city police departments collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring a coordinated approach to public safety across Rice County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Rice County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1000 Hwy 3 Blvd in Faribault, Minnesota 56021, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including civil process, court security, and jail operations. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (507) 332-6010, and maintains a website at www.co.rice.mn.us/sheriff. The Rice County Jail, located at the same address, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences.
- Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website with an online roster showing current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond information.
- Citizens can request arrest records by contacting the Rice County Sheriff's Office directly or submitting a written request under the Data Practices Act.
- 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.
Municipal police departments operate in the incorporated cities: Faribault Police Department serves the county seat, Northfield Police Department serves Northfield and St. Olaf College and Carleton College campuses, and smaller departments serve Dundas and Lonsdale. Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, arrest records are generally public information with certain exceptions for ongoing investigations and protected individuals.
Criminal history records can also be obtained through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The Sheriff's Office handles patrol, investigations, emergency response, and specialized services including K-9 units and the Southern Minnesota Regional SWAT Team participation.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Rice County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Rice County Sheriff's Office, along with local police departments, maintains these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides comprehensive criminal history information. The Bureau offers services to Rice County residents, including fingerprinting and access to statewide criminal records databases.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Rice County are maintained by the Rice County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including charges, booking information, and arresting agency. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, public access to these records is governed by state law, ensuring transparency while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Rice County Jail, located in Faribault, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where detainees are processed and held. The jail offers an inmate lookup service through the county's official website, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- 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
Mugshots in Rice County are taken and retained by the Rice County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. The availability of mugshots to the public may be subject to restrictions under Minnesota law, which aims to balance public access with individual privacy rights. Currently, Minnesota does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may seek legal avenues for removal in certain circumstances.
Courts & Case Records
Rice County court matters are handled by Minnesota's Third Judicial District Court, with the Rice County Courthouse located at 218 Third Street NW, Faribault, MN 56021. The courthouse can be reached at (507) 332-6101. The District Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, family, juvenile, and probate matters in Rice County. Minnesota operates a unified court system, so there are no separate municipal or justice courts; all matters are heard in District Court with specialized divisions for family law, probate, and juvenile cases.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a statutory fee.
Court records can be searched through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system at www.mncourts.gov/CourtRecordsOnline, which provides access to case information for a fee of $8.00 per search or $2.00 per document view. Some case types, including adoption, juvenile delinquency, and certain family court matters, are sealed or restricted under Minnesota Statutes Section 260B.171 and other privacy provisions. Public access to court records is governed by Minnesota Statutes Section 13.32 and the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch.
In-person searches can be conducted at the Clerk of District Court office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. The Clerk of District Court maintains the official record of all court proceedings, including civil complaints, criminal charges, judgments, orders, and appeals. The courthouse also houses District Court judges, court administration staff, and related services.
Online access has improved significantly, though some historical records may require in-person research.
Property & Public Records
The Rice County Recorder's Office, located in the Government Center at 320 Third Street NW, Faribault, MN 56021, maintains all official land and property records for the county. The Recorder can be reached at (507) 332-6103 and provides online access through the county website at www.co.rice.mn.us. The office records and indexes deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, mechanic's liens, plat maps, easements, certificates of real estate value (CRVs), and other documents affecting real property.
- 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.
Rice County offers free online document search and viewing through a searchable database where users can find recorded documents by name, parcel number, or document number. Property tax information is maintained separately by the Rice County Assessor's Office at (507) 332-6102, also located in the Government Center, which provides property valuations, classification, and assessment data. The county maintains an online GIS mapping system and property information search tool that allows users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, and tax history without charge.
The Recorder's Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Abstract and title companies routinely use these records for title searches. All documents are indexed according to state statutory requirements, and the office has been converting historical records to digital format for improved accessibility and preservation.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates in Rice County are maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, as Minnesota operates a centralized vital records system. Birth certificates for births occurring in Rice County can be requested from the State Vital Records Office at PO Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499, or by phone at (651) 201-5970. The fee for a certified birth certificate is $26 for the first copy and $19 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates are also available through the state office for the same fees.
- 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 the Rice County Administrator's Office at the Government Center, 320 Third Street NW, Faribault, at (507) 332-6101, with a current fee of $115.
- Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are court records maintained by the Rice County Clerk of District Court at the courthouse and can be requested following court record procedures.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Rice County involves multiple levels of government depending on the type of business and activity. The Rice County Administrator's Office at 320 Third Street NW, Faribault, handles certain county-level permits and licenses, reachable at (507) 332-6101. Assumed name certificates (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State rather than at the county level, per Minnesota Statutes Chapter 333.
- Corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other formal business entities must register with the Secretary of State and file periodic renewals.
The Minnesota Secretary of State's Business Services Division maintains a comprehensive online database at www.sos.state.mn.us where users can search for registered business entities, view annual renewals, and check business name availability free of charge. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by the appropriate Minnesota state licensing boards. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Rice County Planning and Zoning at (507) 332-6118 for unincorporated areas, or by individual city building departments for properties within city limits. The Cities of Faribault and Northfield each operate their own community development and building inspection departments handling commercial and residential permits. The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce at www.faribaultmnchamber.org and the Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce at www.northfieldchamber.com provide business resources and networking for local enterprises.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Rice County are administered by the Rice County Elections Office, which operates under the County Auditor-Treasurer at 320 Third Street NW, Faribault, MN 56021, phone (507) 332-6102. The office manages voter registration, polling place operations, absentee voting, and election results for all federal, state, and local elections.
- 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.
- The county provides accessible voting equipment and curbside voting options for voters with disabilities.
Minnesota offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register at their polling place on Election Day with proof of residence, though pre-registration is encouraged and available online at mnvotes.org through the Minnesota Secretary of State. Pre-registration must be completed by 11:59 PM twenty-one days before Election Day for online or mail registration. Voters can find their specific polling location by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or by contacting the Rice County Elections Office.
Rice County operates multiple precincts across its cities and townships, with polling places typically in schools, community centers, and municipal buildings. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (with some protected data), campaign finance reports filed with the state, candidate filings, and precinct-level election results. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 and Section 201.091 govern access to voter registration data while protecting certain private information.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races along with Minnesota state constitutional offices, state legislature seats, and local positions. Minnesota allows no-excuse absentee voting, and completed ballots must be received by Election Day at 8:00 PM, not just postmarked.
All election results are posted on the county website following election night, with official canvass completed within days.
Economy & Demographics
Rice County's economy reflects a diverse mix of agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare, and retail sectors with a strong employment base. Agriculture remains foundational with approximately 75% of county land in agricultural use, producing corn, soybeans, dairy products, and livestock. Major employers include the Faribault and Northfield school districts, the two Northfield colleges (Carleton College and St. Olaf College), Allina Health's District One Hospital and associated clinics in Faribault, and Northfield Hospital.
- 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.
- The 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.
Manufacturing has a significant presence with companies like Faribault Foods (canned goods), Viracon (architectural glass), and Malt-O-Meal/Post Consumer Brands facilities in the region. The unemployment rate typically tracks at or below state averages, hovering around 3-4% in recent years. Northfield's designation as a premier small college town drives tourism, cultural events, and retail activity, while Faribault's historic downtown has seen revitalization efforts.
Economic development initiatives focus on downtown redevelopment, workforce training partnerships with South Central College, and attraction of advanced manufacturing. Retail and service industries support the local population and visitors to historic sites and state parks.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (MCRO fee-based) | Property: ✅ Free Online Search | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 8/10 — Rice County provides strong digital access to property records, jail rosters, and election information, with court records accessible through the state system.
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Cities & Towns in Rice County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Rice County, Minnesota.
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Rice County.