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, Roseau County includes approximately 1,678 square miles of prairie, wetlands, and boreal forest. Roseau County seat is Roseau, a city of roughly 2,700 residents, located along Roseau County River. As of the 2020 Census, Roseau County's total population stands at approximately 15,400 residents. Roseau County is part of the Lake of the Woods region and features extensive peatlands, including portions of the vast Beltrami Island State Forest and Roseau County River Wildlife Management Area. Roseau 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. Roseau County's economy is driven by advanced manufacturing, agriculture (particularly wheat, barley, and canola), timber, and outdoor recreation. Key county offices include Roseau County Recorder, County Assessor, County Auditor-Treasurer, and County Clerk, all located in Roseau County Courthouse at 606 5th Avenue SW, Roseau, MN 56751. Roseau County'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
Roseau County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Roseau County. It oversees Roseau 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.
Police Departments
In addition to Roseau County Sheriff's Office, several city police departments operate within Roseau 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 full approach to public safety across Roseau County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Roseau County is primarily provided by Roseau County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 606 5th Avenue SW in Roseau, MN 56751. The agency operates Roseau County Jail, which houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates serving shorter terms.
- Municipal police departments serve the larger cities: the Roseau area 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 Roseau County website at www.roseaucountymn.gov/government/index.php. 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, MN are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Roseau County, MN.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Roseau County, MN are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Roseau County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.
- Look up current inmates and booking information at Roseau County Jail Inmate List.
- Sheriff's Office: Sheriff - Roseau County.
- The bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.
Courts & Case Records
Roseau County is served by Minnesota's Ninth Judicial District Court, with Roseau County Courthouse located at 606 5th Avenue SW, Roseau, MN 56751. The courthouse can be contacted through the office’s website. Roseau County Court has broad jurisdiction over criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters arising within Roseau 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.
- 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
Roseau County Recorder's Office, located at 606 5th Avenue SW, Roseau, MN 56751, maintains land and property records for Roseau County and can be contacted through the office’s website. 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. Minnesota law requires most real estate documents to be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 507.
- The office provides public access to these records dating back to Roseau 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.
Many Roseau County property records can be searched online through third-party vendors or Roseau County's own system, though availability and fees vary; citizens should check www.roseaucountymn.gov/government/index.php for current online access options. Property tax information, assessment values, and parcel data are maintained by Roseau County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse for The Assessor maintains ownership records, property classifications, valuations, and tax history. Many Minnesota counties, including Roseau County, 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 Roseau County Public Health Department and the Minnesota Department of Health. Birth certificates for births occurring in Roseau County can be requested from Roseau County Public Health office, located at 606 5th Avenue SW, Suite 20, Roseau, MN 56751 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 Roseau 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 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 Roseau County District Court, not the Recorder.
For people 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. 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 full 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 Roseau 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 Roseau County Planning and Zoning Department, located at the courthouse Individual cities within Roseau County, such as Roseau and Warroad, issue their own building permits and business licenses for activities within city limits. Roseau Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, located at 121 Center Street East in Roseau County, is a resource for new and existing businesses and can be reached at or online at www.co.roseau.mn.us.
Official Government Resources
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
Economy & Demographics
Roseau County's economy is anchored by advanced manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and cross-border commerce with Canada. Roseau 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 Roseau County.
The Christian Brothers hockey stick manufacturing facility in Warroad has also contributed to the city's reputation as "Hockeytown USA." Agriculture remains vital to Roseau County economy, with primary crops including spring wheat, barley, canola, soybeans, and hay; Roseau 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.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Roseau County is managed by Roseau County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which serves as Roseau County's official elections office. The office is located at 606 5th Avenue SW, Roseau, MN 56751, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Current election information, including polling locations and sample ballots, is available on Roseau County website at www.co.Roseau County.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.
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.