About Scott County
Scott County is located in south-central Minnesota along the Minnesota River, forming part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Scott County Seat is Shakopee, a city situated approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. Established in 1853 and named after General Winfield Scott, Scott County includes approximately 368 square miles and has experienced substantial growth, with a population exceeding 150,000 residents as of recent estimates. Scott County is bordered by Hennepin County to the north, Dakota County to the east, and Carver County to the west.
Major cities within Scott County include Shakopee, Prior Lake, Savage, Jordan, Belle Plaine, and New Prague. Scott County features diverse geography including river valleys, agricultural lands, and suburban development. Notable landmarks include Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee, Canterbury Park horse racing facility, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival site, and Murphy's Landing historic site.
Scott County Government Center is located at 200 Fourth Avenue West in Shakopee, housing most county administrative offices including the County Recorder, County Clerk, and County Assessor. The Minnesota River forms a significant natural boundary and recreational resource. Scott County has transformed from a primarily agricultural region into a rapidly growing suburban area while maintaining substantial farmland, parks, and natural areas.
Scott County is served by excellent transportation infrastructure including U.S. Highway 169, State Highway 13, and County Road 42, providing connectivity throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Scott County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Scott County, as well as managing Scott County jail and processing arrests. The office maintains criminal records and provides public safety services such as patrol, investigations, and emergency response.
Police Departments
Scott County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Scott County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Shakopee Police Department, Savage Police Department, and Prior Lake Police Department. Each city department is responsible for law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the Sheriff's Office handles unincorporated areas and provides support for major crimes. These agencies collaborate on investigations and share resources to enhance public safety across Scott County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Scott County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 301 Fuller Street South in Shakopee, Minnesota 56379, provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas and contracts with several municipalities. Citizens can look up current jail inmates through Scott County Sheriff's website at www.scottcountymn.gov/sheriff or by calling.
- Mugshot photographs are generally available as part of booking records and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office.
- To request arrest records, individuals can submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Requests should include the subject's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
- Fees may apply for copies of reports.
The inmate roster is updated regularly and includes booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Municipal police departments operating within Scott County include the Shakopee Police Department, Prior Lake Police Department, Savage Police Department, Jordan Police Department, Belle Plaine Police Department, and New Prague Police Department, each serving their respective cities. Arrest records in Scott County are public information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13.
The agency has 10 business days to respond under Minnesota Statutes Section 13.03. Some arrest data is available through the Minnesota Courts Public Access portal at www.mncourts.gov when charges have been filed.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Scott County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registration. Background checks in Minnesota can be conducted through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides full criminal history information for residents.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Scott County are maintained by Scott County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the relevant law enforcement agency, following the procedures outlined under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Arrest records typically contain the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and case status.
Jail & Inmate Records
Scott County Jail, located in Shakopee, is the primary detention facility for people arrested in Scott County. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to specific guidelines. The bond or bail process in Minnesota allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with payment options varying based on the charges.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Scott County are taken and retained by Scott 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 website or by request. 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
Scott County is served by the First Judicial District of Minnesota, with Scott County Courthouse located at 428 South Holmes Street in Shakopee, Minnesota 56379. The main phone number is. Scott County Court handles all felony criminal cases, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor criminal matters, civil cases exceeding $15,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, juvenile delinquency and protection cases, probate and estate matters, and commitment proceedings. Scott County also has a Conciliation Court division handling small claims disputes up to $15,000.
- Copies of actual court documents require payment of fees: $10 for the first 50 pages and $0.25 per page thereafter.
- Certified copies cost an additional $14.
- In-person record requests can be made at the Court Administrator's Office during business hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Scott County Law Library provides legal research resources for self-represented litigants and the public.
Court records in Minnesota are presumed public under Minnesota Statutes Section 13.03 and Rule 4 of the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch. The public can search Scott County court records through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) at www.mncourts.gov/CourtRecordsOnline.aspx, which provides free access to case information including party names, case numbers, charges or causes of action, hearing dates, and disposition information. Some records are confidential by statute or court order, including certain juvenile matters, adoption records, and sealed cases.
Remote access is available for attorneys and approved users through the Minnesota District Court Electronic Filing System (MnDEFS).
Property & Public Records
Scott County Recorder's Office, located at Scott County Government Center, 200 Fourth Avenue West in Shakopee, Minnesota 56379, maintains all land and property records for Scott County. The office can be reached at and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Recorder's Office preserves and provides access to documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages and mortgage releases, liens (mechanic's, judgment, tax), easements, plat maps, torrens certificates, uniform commercial code (UCC) filings, and military discharge papers (DD-214s).
- Scott County offers full online property record searching through its website at www.scottcountymn.gov/recorder, providing free public access to recorded documents dating back many decades.
- Certified copies of documents require in-person or mail requests with a fee of $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
The online system allows searches by name, document type, legal description, or document number. Digital images of most recorded documents can be viewed and printed at no charge. Property tax information is maintained separately by Scott County Assessor's Office at and Scott County Treasurer's Office.
Scott County provides a strong Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer at gis.scottcountymn.gov, allowing users to search by address, parcel ID number, or owner name to view parcel boundaries, property characteristics, assessed values, sales history, and environmental features. The Property Records and Taxpayer Services (PRATS) online system integrates assessment, taxation, and ownership data. All property records are public under Minnesota Statutes Section 13.51.
Vital Records
Vital records for Scott County, Minnesota are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Scott County are filed with the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 64499, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0499. Birth certificates can be requested by eligible individuals (the registrant if 18 or older, parents listed on the certificate, legal representatives, or those with documented interest) with proper identification.
- The current fee is $26 for a certified copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $19 each.
- Death certificates cost the same and are available to immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with property rights or claims.
- Processing time is typically 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/people/vitalrecords for faster processing with credit card payment.
- The license costs $115 and is valid for six months.
Marriage licenses are issued by Scott County Clerk's Office at Scott County Government Center, 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee, Minnesota 56379 Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. There is no waiting period in Minnesota.
Certified copies of marriage certificates are available for $9. Divorce records and dissolution decrees are filed with Scott County District Court and can be obtained from the Court Administrator's Office for Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144 governs vital records access and confidentiality requirements. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 20 years old have restricted access.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Scott County operates through multiple governmental levels. Local business licenses and permits are typically handled at the municipal level by individual cities within Scott County, including Shakopee, Prior Lake, Savage, Jordan, Belle Plaine, and New Prague. Each city maintains its own licensing requirements for various business activities including retail, restaurants, home occupations, and special events.
- The filing fee is approximately $50 and the certificate must be published in a qualified legal newspaper.
- The online system allows free searching of corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations registered in Minnesota.
Scott County Recorder's Office at records assumed name certificates (Doing Business As or DBA filings) as required under Minnesota Statutes Section 333.01 for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. For formal business entity formation and registration, the Minnesota Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains the statewide database at www.sos.state.mn.us/business-services. Scott County Community Development Department, located at 200 Fourth Avenue West in Shakopee, handles building permits, zoning applications, land use permits, and septic system permits.
Phone for permit information. Professional licenses such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, and cosmetologists are regulated by various Minnesota state agencies. The Shakopee Chamber of Commerce at www.shakopee.org and SouthWest Metro Chamber serving communities like Prior Lake and Savage at www.swmetrochamber.com provide business support services, networking, and economic development resources for Scott County businesses.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Scott County are administered by Scott County Elections Office, located within Scott County Property Records and Licensing Center at 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee, Minnesota 56379. The Elections Office can be reached at and provides full information at www.scottcountymn.gov/elections.
- Minnesota allows same-day voter registration, though pre-registering at least 21 days before Election Day ensures your name appears on the roster at your polling place.
- To register, you must be a U.S.
- To request an absentee ballot, voters can apply online through mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, by mail, or in person at Scott County Elections Office.
Voter registration in Scott County can be completed online through the Minnesota Secretary of State at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, by mail using a voter registration application, or in person at Scott County Elections Office, any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office, or at your polling place on Election Day. Citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, a resident of Minnesota for 20 days, and have completed any felony sentence. Voters can find their specific polling place by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or by contacting Scott County Elections Office.
Scott County operates numerous polling locations throughout its cities and townships on Election Day. Election records that are public in Minnesota include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted per Minnesota Statutes Section 201.091), campaign finance reports filed with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, candidate filings and financial disclosures, and precinct-level election results. Scott County typically demonstrates strong voter participation, with the 2024 general election showing approximately 80-82% turnout among registered voters, consistent with Minnesota's traditionally high civic engagement.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, Minnesota Governor, all Minnesota constitutional officers, state legislature seats, and various judicial positions.
Absentee voting in Scott County is available both in-person and by mail. In-person absentee voting typically begins 46 days before Election Day. Mail ballot applications must be received by the Elections Office no later than one week before Election Day, though earlier application is strongly recommended.
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 204B governs election administration and provides that election related public records must be preserved and made available for public inspection, promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Scott County has evolved into one of Minnesota's most economically dynamic counties, balancing significant agricultural heritage with strong suburban commercial and industrial development. Scott County's economy benefits enormously from its strategic location within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area while maintaining lower costs than core urban counties.
- The median household income in Scott County exceeds $95,000, significantly above state and national averages, reflecting Scott County's affluent suburban character.
Major employers include Amazon, which operates a massive fulfillment center in Shakopee employing over 2,500 workers; Rahr Malting Company, one of North America's largest malt producers; Shutterfly manufacturing facility; and Canterbury Park entertainment complex. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino, operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, are among Scott County's largest employers with thousands of employees and generate substantial economic impact including revenue sharing with state and local governments. Key economic sectors include logistics and distribution, advanced manufacturing, hospitality and entertainment, agriculture (particularly corn, soybeans, and dairy), retail trade, and professional services.
Valleyfair amusement park draws millions of visitors annually. The Minnesota Renaissance Festival generates significant seasonal economic activity. Scott County's unemployment rate consistently remains below state averages, typically in the 2-3% range.
Major economic development initiatives include the Murphy's Landing redevelopment, expansion of industrial parks along Highway 169 corridor, and continuing residential growth in communities like Prior Lake and Savage. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes substantially through direct employment, charitable giving, and infrastructure investments.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via MCRO | Property: Yes: Free Online Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Online via MN SOS | Elections: Yes: Full Online Access | Overall Score: 9/10, Scott County provides excellent digital access to virtually all public records with online systems, GIS tools, and responsive agencies meeting Minnesota's strong transparency standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Scott County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Scott County, Minnesota.