About Swift County
Swift County is located in west-central Minnesota, approximately 100 miles west of Minneapolis. Established in 1870 and organized in 1871, Swift County was named after Henry Adoniram Swift, the third governor of Minnesota. Swift County Seat is Benson, a community of approximately 3,100 residents that is the governmental and commercial hub. Swift County includes approximately 752 square miles of primarily agricultural land, characterized by gently rolling prairies, numerous lakes, and the Chippewa River which flows through the southern portion of Swift County.
According to recent census estimates, Swift County has a population of approximately 9,500 residents. Swift County Courthouse, located at 301 14th Street North in Benson, houses most county offices including the County Recorder, County Clerk, and County Assessor. Major communities include Benson, Appleton, Clontarf, Kerkhoven, Murdock, and De Graff.
Swift County is known for its rich agricultural heritage, with corn and soybean production dominating the scene. Swift County is also home to several lakes popular for recreation, including Lake Hassel and Monson Lake State Park, which commemorates the 1862 Broberg family cabin, the sole surviving structure from the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 in southwestern Minnesota. Swift County's economy remains deeply tied to agriculture, agribusiness, and related services, while also supporting small manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors that serve the rural population.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Swift County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Swift County. This office patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Swift County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is focused on the security of all residents and provides various services, including issuing permits and conducting investigations.
Police Departments
In addition to Swift County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Swift County is supported by municipal police departments in cities such as Benson and Appleton. Each city department is responsible for policing within its respective city limits, handling local crime, and working on community policing initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Swift County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 301 14th Street North in Benson, Minnesota 56215, provides primary law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated areas of Swift County and contracts with several smaller municipalities.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and booking photos.
Inmates can be located by contacting the jail directly at during business hours; there is no online inmate roster publicly available as of current records. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Benson Police Department serving the city of Benson, and other communities may contract with the Sheriff's Office or rely on Minnesota State Patrol for support. Arrest records in Swift County are considered public data under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), specifically Minnesota Statutes § 13.82 and § 13.87 which govern access to criminal justice data.
Booking photographs (mugshots) are generally considered public unless their release would jeopardize an ongoing investigation. There are no tribal law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in Swift County, as there are no federally recognized reservations within county boundaries, though Swift County is within the traditional territory of the Dakota people.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Swift County's criminal records cover a range of documents, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request criminal history information through the Bureau, which offers statewide data. The criminal records system in Swift County ensures that public safety is upheld by tracking and documenting criminal activities within Swift County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Swift County, Minnesota, are maintained by Swift County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Swift County, including the charges and personal information of the arrested individuals. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act governs the accessibility of public records, for public access and the right to information. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Swift County Jail, located in Benson, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Swift County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and guidelines that must be adhered to by visitors.
- The bond and bail process in Minnesota allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Swift County are taken and retained by Swift County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through requests to the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online through third-party websites, the official source remains the Sheriff's Office. Minnesota law does not specifically address mugshot removal, but individuals may seek legal advice if they wish to have their mugshots removed from public access.
Courts & Case Records
Swift County is served by Minnesota's Eighth Judicial District Court, with Swift County District Court located in Swift County Courthouse at 301 14th Street North, Benson, MN 56215. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Swift County Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters arising in Swift County. Minnesota operates a unified court system, so there are no separate municipal or justice courts; all cases are heard in District Court, though some matters may be handled by referees or magistrates.
- Remote access to detailed case documents requires registration and payment of fees: $8.00 per document for registered users, or free public access terminals are available at the courthouse.
- Civil filing fees vary by case type, typically ranging from $285 to $400, while criminal and family court records access may be restricted depending on the nature of the case and applicable privacy laws.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Court Administration office for a statutory fee of $14.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page.
- Swift County Court Administrator's office maintains an index of all cases and can assist with records requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
Property & Public Records
Swift County Recorder's Office, located at 301 14th Street North, Benson, MN 56215, maintains all land records for Swift County and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Recorder's Office is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, easements, plat maps, and other instruments. Minnesota law requires that most real property documents be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public and establish chain of title.
- The office provides public access to recorded documents dating back to Swift County's organization in 1871, with older records available on microfilm and newer records digitized.
- Copy fees are established by Minnesota Statutes § 357.18 and typically include $8.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page; certified copies carry an additional fee.
- The Assessor's Office provides information on assessed values, classifications, and ownership for taxation purposes.
Swift County does not currently offer a full free online search for recorded documents; however, interested parties can visit the Recorder's Office in person to search indexes and obtain copies. Swift County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel data, and property characteristics. Swift County participates in a Geographic Information System (GIS) that may be accessed through Swift County website at co.swift.mn.us, offering parcel boundary maps, ownership information, and tax data.
Property tax information and payment status can be obtained from Swift County Treasurer's Office for Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 governs public access to government data, and property records are generally classified as public data, available to any person upon request without demonstrating a particular need or interest.
Vital Records
Vital records for Swift County, Minnesota, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both Swift County Clerk's Office and the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. Birth certificates for births occurring in Swift County can be requested from Swift County Clerk at 301 14th Street North, Benson, MN 56215
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is typically $26.00 for the first copy and $19.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- The fee structure for death certificates matches that of birth certificates.
- Processing time at Swift County level is typically 5-10 business days when requested in person or by mail with proper identification and documentation.
- The marriage license fee is $115.00, and there is a five-business-day waiting period before the license becomes valid.
- Marriage certificates (records of marriage already performed) can also be obtained from the County Clerk for $9.00.
Minnesota law restricts access to birth records for 100 years from the date of birth; only the subject of the record (if of legal age), parents listed on the record, legal representatives, or individuals with a tangible interest may obtain certified copies. Death certificates are similarly restricted for a period of time under Minnesota Statutes § 144.225, with access limited to immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with documented property rights or claims. Marriage licenses are issued by Swift County Clerk's Office; both parties must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification.
Divorce records are maintained by Swift County District Court, not the vital records office, and must be requested through Court Administration. For expedited service or records when Swift County of event is unknown, the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records can be contacted at or online at www.health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords. Online ordering is available through VitalChek for an additional service fee.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility to receive restricted vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business license and registration records in Swift County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Swift County Clerk's Office, located at 301 14th Street North, Benson, MN 56215, phone, handles certain local business filings including assumed name certificates (DBAs or "Doing Business As" names) for businesses operating under a name different from the legal owner's name, as required by Minnesota Statutes § 333.01. The filing fee for an assumed name certificate is typically $50.00, and the registration must be renewed every ten years.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search tool at mnsecofstate.gov where users can look up registered business names, status, registered agents, and filing history.
- This database is updated regularly and provides access to Articles of Incorporation, Annual Renewals, and other corporate filings.
For formal business entity formation and registration, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, filings are made with the Minnesota Secretary of State's Business Services Division. Sales tax permits and related tax registrations are handled by the Minnesota Department of Revenue and can be researched or applied for at www.revenue.state.mn.us. Professional and occupational licenses (such as contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers) are generally issued by state-level licensing boards rather than county offices.
Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits in unincorporated Swift County are administered by Swift County Zoning Administrator and Environmental Services Department, which can be contacted through the office’s website. Individual cities within Swift County maintain their own building and zoning departments. The West Central Initiative (www.wcif.org) is a regional economic development resource, while the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce (www.bensonmnchamber.org) provides business networking and promotion services for companies operating in the Benson area and greater Swift County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Swift County, Minnesota are administered by Swift County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which serves as Swift County's official elections authority. The office is located at 301 14th Street North, Benson, MN 56215, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Voter registration information and resources are available through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us.
- To register, voters must be U.S.
- Absentee voting is widely available in Minnesota; voters may request an absentee ballot online at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, by mail, in person, or by contacting Swift County Auditor-Treasurer.
- Minnesota law allows no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any registered voter may vote by mail without providing a reason.
- Citizens may request copies of precinct-level election results, voter history data (which voters participated in which elections, though not how they voted), and campaign finance reports filed with Swift County.
Minnesota offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible citizens to register at their polling place on Election Day with proof of residence; however, pre-registration is encouraged and can be completed online, by mail, or in person at the County Auditor-Treasurer's office. The deadline for pre-registration is 21 days before any election. Citizens, at least 18 years old on Election Day, residents of Minnesota for 20 days, and have completed any felony sentence if previously convicted.
Voters can find their polling place by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or by contacting Swift County elections office directly. Swift County operates multiple polling locations on Election Day, with precincts in Benson, Appleton, and other communities throughout Swift County. Election records that are public under Minnesota law include voter registration rosters (with certain personal information redacted under Minnesota Statutes § 201.091), election results by precinct, candidate filings, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and absentee ballot statistics.
In the November 2024 general election, Swift County recorded a voter turnout of approximately 74%, consistent with high participation rates typical of Minnesota counties in presidential election years. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Minnesota constitutional offices including Governor, and state legislative seats.
Absentee ballot applications must be received by Swift County elections office no later than one week before Election Day, though voters may apply for emergency absentee ballots under certain circumstances closer to the election. Absentee ballots must be returned by mail (postmarked by Election Day and received within three days) or delivered in person to Swift County elections office by 3:00 p.m. On Election Day.
Swift County provides transparency in elections through public testing of voting equipment before each election, availability of election results on election night, post-election reviews, and public access to election related records as required by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 and Chapter 204B. Swift County Auditor-Treasurer's Office works to ensure accessible, secure, and transparent elections for all eligible voters.
Economy & Demographics
Swift County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with farming and agribusiness forming the foundation of economic activity. Swift County's 752 square miles of fertile prairie support extensive corn and soybean production, along with significant livestock operations including hog and cattle farming. Agricultural services, grain elevators, farm equipment sales and service, and crop input suppliers employ a substantial portion of the workforce.
- According to recent American Community Survey data, Swift County's median household income is approximately $59,000, somewhat below the Minnesota state median.
- Manufacturing has a presence in Swift County, with several small to mid-sized operations producing agricultural equipment components, metal fabrication, and food processing.
- Highway 12, a major east-west corridor connecting Minneapolis to the Dakotas, provides transportation access for goods movement.
Major employers in Swift County include Swift County government, Benson Public Schools, Swift County-Benson Hospital (a critical access hospital providing healthcare services), and various agricultural cooperatives and processing facilities. Swift County Seat of Benson is a retail and service center for the surrounding rural area, with grocery stores, farm supply businesses, automotive services, and financial institutions. The unemployment rate in Swift County typically tracks slightly above the Minnesota state average, reflecting the seasonal nature of agricultural employment and the challenges faced by rural economies.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on broadband expansion to support precision agriculture and remote work opportunities, downtown revitalization in Benson, and attraction of value-added agricultural businesses. Swift County's location along U.S. While Swift County does not have large corporate headquarters or industrial facilities, its stable agricultural base, affordable land and housing costs, and quality of life factors continue to support families and small businesses.
Tourism plays a modest role, with Monson Lake State Park, fishing, hunting, and heritage tourism attracting visitors primarily during summer and fall months.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: Online/GIS | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 6/10, Swift County provides access to most public records, though many require in-person visits or phone contact. State-level portals fill gaps for court and business records.