About Roseau County
Roseau County is located in the far northwestern corner of Minnesota, sharing an international border with the Canadian province of Manitoba. Established in 1894, the county encompasses approximately 1,678 square miles of prairie, wetlands, and boreal forest. The county seat is Roseau, a city of roughly 2,700 residents, located along the Roseau River. As of the 2020 Census, Roseau County's total population stands at approximately 15,400 residents.
The county is part of the Lake of the Woods region and features extensive peatlands, including portions of the vast Beltrami Island State Forest and the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area. The county is renowned as the birthplace of Polaris Industries, one of the world's leading manufacturers of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, which has shaped the local economy for decades. Major communities include Roseau, Warroad (home to Marvin Windows and Doors), Greenbush, Badger, and Strathcona.
The county's economy is driven by advanced manufacturing, agriculture (particularly wheat, barley, and canola), timber, and outdoor recreation. Key county offices include the Roseau County Recorder, County Assessor, County Auditor-Treasurer, and County Clerk, all located in the Roseau County Courthouse at 606 5th Avenue SW, Roseau, MN 56751. The region's harsh winters, proximity to Canada, and unique blend of Scandinavian and French-Canadian heritage give Roseau County a distinct cultural and geographical character within Minnesota.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Roseau County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is dedicated to public safety and community engagement, offering programs such as crime prevention initiatives and community policing efforts. The Sheriff's Office also coordinates with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive coverage across the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Roseau County Sheriff's Office, several city police departments operate within the county, including the Roseau Police Department and the Warroad Police Department. These agencies handle law enforcement within their respective city limits and work in collaboration with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies. This coordination ensures a comprehensive approach to public safety across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Roseau County is primarily provided by the Roseau County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 606 5th Avenue SW in Roseau, MN 56751. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (218) 463-2420 and maintains jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of the county while providing contract law enforcement services to several smaller municipalities. The agency operates the Roseau County Jail, which houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates serving shorter terms.
- Municipal police departments serve the larger cities: the Roseau Police Department serves the county seat, while the Warroad Police Department provides law enforcement for the city of Warroad.
- Citizens may request arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office or the respective municipal police department.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public information once an individual has been formally charged, though agencies may charge reasonable copying fees.
- Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request and redaction requirements for ongoing investigations.
Inmate lookup and current jail roster information is typically available by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though some information may be posted on the county website at www.co.roseau.mn.us. Arrest records in Roseau County are considered public data under Minnesota Statutes Section 13.82 and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). There are no federally recognized tribal lands within Roseau County, so specialized tribal law enforcement does not apply.
For emergency situations, residents should always dial 911; for non-emergency law enforcement matters, contact the Sheriff's Office dispatch or the appropriate municipal police department.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Roseau County encompass felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as a sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Roseau County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Residents can request background checks through the Bureau, which provides statewide criminal history information. The system ensures that individuals and employers have access to necessary information for safety and employment purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Roseau County are maintained by the Roseau County Sheriff's Office. These records include details about the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, arrest records are public information, although certain details may be restricted to protect ongoing investigations or privacy concerns.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Roseau County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested within the county. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require prior scheduling. The bond and bail process follows Minnesota state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Roseau County are taken and retained by the Roseau County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. Minnesota does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dismissed or if they are found not guilty.
Courts & Case Records
Roseau County is served by Minnesota's Ninth Judicial District Court, with the Roseau County Courthouse located at 606 5th Avenue SW, Roseau, MN 56751. The courthouse can be reached at (218) 463-2541. The District Court has broad jurisdiction over criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters arising within the county. Minnesota operates a unified court system, meaning there are no separate municipal or justice courts; all trial-level matters are handled by the District Court.
- While basic case information is available free of charge, certified copies and detailed documents require payment of statutory fees, typically ranging from $10 to $14 per document.
- The Roseau County Law Library, also located within the courthouse, provides legal resources for self-represented litigants and the public.
The court hears felony and gross misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes exceeding statutory minimums, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate administration, and juvenile delinquency and protection cases. Minnesota provides public access to court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, accessible at www.mncourts.gov/public, which allows users to search case information by party name, case number, or attorney. The public's right to access court records is governed by Minnesota Court Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, adopted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 480.056.
Certain records, such as sealed files, juvenile records, and adoption proceedings, are restricted by law. Individuals seeking records in person should visit the Court Administration office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Property & Public Records
The Roseau County Recorder's Office, located at 606 5th Avenue SW, Roseau, MN 56751, maintains land and property records for the county and can be reached at (218) 463-2543. The Recorder is responsible for documenting and indexing all real estate transactions, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, mechanic's liens, easements, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting title to real property.
- The office provides public access to these records dating back to the county's establishment in 1894, with older records indexed in bound volumes and more recent filings available in digital format.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, typically $10 for the first page and $5 for each additional page.
Minnesota law requires most real estate documents to be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 507. Many Roseau County property records can be searched online through third-party vendors or the county's own system, though availability and fees vary; citizens should check www.co.roseau.mn.us for current online access options. Property tax information, assessment values, and parcel data are maintained by the Roseau County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse at (218) 463-2545.
The Assessor maintains ownership records, property classifications, valuations, and tax history. Many Minnesota counties, including Roseau, offer free online GIS (Geographic Information System) parcel viewers that allow the public to search property by address, parcel ID number, or owner name, displaying aerial imagery, tax information, and legal descriptions. For assistance navigating property records, citizens may visit the Recorder or Assessor offices in person during regular business hours or call ahead for guidance.
Vital Records
Vital records for Roseau County, Minnesota, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both the Roseau County Public Health Department and the Minnesota Department of Health. Birth certificates for births occurring in Roseau County can be requested from the Roseau County Public Health office, located at 606 5th Avenue SW, Suite 20, Roseau, MN 56751, phone (218) 463-2542. The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is typically $26, with additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time costing less.
- Death certificates are also available from the county Public Health office for deaths occurring in Roseau County, with the same fee structure and identification requirements.
- Processing time for vital records requests is generally 7-10 business days for in-person or mail requests.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $115, and there is a five-day waiting period before the license becomes valid.
- Paul accepts requests statewide; their website at www.health.state.mn.us/divs/chs/osr provides online ordering options through the VitalChek service, though convenience fees apply.
- All vital records requests must comply with Minnesota's data privacy laws under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the certificate, as Minnesota Statutes Section 144.225 restricts access to immediate family members and legal representatives. Marriage licenses are issued by the Roseau County Recorder's Office at the courthouse; both parties must appear in person with valid identification. Divorce decrees and dissolution records are maintained by the Roseau County District Court, not the Recorder.
For individuals who prefer to order vital records by mail or who need records from other Minnesota counties, the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records in St.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Roseau County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Roseau County Recorder's Office handles filings for assumed names (Doing Business As or DBA) and certain business certificates under Minnesota Statutes Section 333.01. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the County Recorder, with fees typically around $50.
- This database provides information on business formation dates, registered agents, principal addresses, and current status.
- For businesses in Warroad, the Warroad Area Chamber of Commerce provides similar services.
For comprehensive business entity searches, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the Minnesota Secretary of State maintains the official Business Services Division database, searchable free of charge at www.sos.state.mn.us. Sales tax permits and employer identification numbers are issued by the Minnesota Department of Revenue, not at the county level. Professional and occupational licenses (such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, and health professionals) are generally regulated by state boards and agencies rather than county offices.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Roseau County are handled by the Roseau County Planning and Zoning Department, located at the courthouse, phone (218) 463-2548. Individual cities within the county, such as Roseau and Warroad, issue their own building permits and business licenses for activities within city limits. The Roseau Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, located at 121 Center Street East in Roseau, serves as a resource for new and existing businesses and can be reached at (218) 463-1542 or online at www.roseauchamber.com.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Roseau County is managed by the Roseau County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which serves as the county's official elections office. The office is located at 606 5th Avenue SW, Roseau, MN 56751, and can be reached at (218) 463-2541. Current election information, including polling locations and sample ballots, is available on the county website at www.co.roseau.mn.us.
- Absentee ballots must be requested no later than one day before the election and returned by 3:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.
Minnesota offers online voter registration through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, available to eligible citizens with a valid Minnesota driver's license or state ID. Voter registration deadlines in Minnesota include online and mail registration up to 21 days before Election Day, with same-day registration available at polling places on Election Day with proper proof of residence. To find your polling place in Roseau County, voters can use the Polling Place Finder tool on the Secretary of State's website or contact the County Auditor-Treasurer directly.
Election records that are public in Minnesota include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted under Minnesota Statutes Section 201.091), campaign finance reports filed with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, candidate filings, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. In the November 2024 general election, Roseau County experienced voter turnout of approximately 72%, consistent with historical patterns for presidential election years in rural Minnesota counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include races for the U.S.
House of Representatives, one U.S. Senate seat, Minnesota Governor, other statewide constitutional offices, Minnesota House and Senate seats, and local county offices. Minnesota voters may request absentee ballots for any reason; applications are available from the County Auditor-Treasurer's office, online through the Secretary of State's absentee ballot portal, or by written request.
Minnesota election law, governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 204B and related chapters, mandates transparency in election administration; citizens may request to observe election processes including ballot counting and canvassing, and may obtain copies of publicly available election records under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Economy & Demographics
Roseau County's economy is anchored by advanced manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and cross-border commerce with Canada. The county is internationally recognized as the birthplace of Polaris Industries, founded in Roseau in 1954, which remains a significant employer producing off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, and motorcycles. Warroad is home to Marvin Windows and Doors, one of the world's leading manufacturers of premium windows and doors, employing over 1,500 workers and serving as the community's largest employer.
- Census Bureau estimates, Roseau County's median household income is approximately $63,000, slightly below the Minnesota state median but reflecting the rural character of the region.
The Christian Brothers hockey stick manufacturing facility in Warroad has also contributed to the city's reputation as "Hockeytown USA." Agriculture remains vital to the county economy, with primary crops including spring wheat, barley, canola, soybeans, and hay; the county's northern climate and fertile soils support productive grain farming and livestock operations. Timber harvesting and forest products from the extensive peatlands and state forests provide additional economic activity. According to recent U.S.
The unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly above the state average, fluctuating seasonally with agricultural and manufacturing cycles. Tourism and outdoor recreation contribute to the local economy, with visitors drawn to fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, ATV trails, and the Lake of the Woods region. Cross-border trade with Manitoba supports retail and service businesses in Roseau and Warroad.
Economic development efforts are coordinated by the Northwest Regional Development Commission and local entities focused on workforce development, broadband expansion, and diversification beyond traditional manufacturing and agriculture.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via MCRO | Property: ✅ Recorder records available, GIS online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/in-person inquiry | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-person or mail preferred | Business: ✅ State online, county DBA filings | Elections: ✅ Online resources via state/county | Overall Score: 7/10 — Roseau County provides good access to property and court records online, with election information readily available through state systems, though jail rosters and some vital records require direct contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Roseau County, Minnesota?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Roseau County, Minnesota?
How do I get a criminal background check in Roseau County, Minnesota?
How can I look up sex offenders in Roseau County, Minnesota?
How do I register to vote in Roseau County, Minnesota?
How do I look up property records in Roseau County, Minnesota?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Roseau County, Minnesota?
How do I find business license records in Roseau County, Minnesota?
Cities & Towns in Roseau County
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Roseau County.