About Todd County
Todd County is located in central Minnesota, established in 1855 and named after John Blair Smith Todd, a delegate to Congress from Dakota Territory and a relative of Mary Todd Lincoln. The county seat is Long Prairie, situated along the Long Prairie River. Todd County encompasses approximately 979 square miles and has a population of around 25,000 residents according to recent census estimates. The county is characterized by rolling prairie lands, numerous lakes including Lake Carlos and Long Lake, and significant forested areas.
- The county's location along Highway 71 and proximity to Interstate 94 provides access to larger Minnesota cities while maintaining its rural character.
Major communities include Long Prairie, Staples, Browerville, Clarissa, and Eagle Bend. The county's history is deeply rooted in agriculture, timber harvesting, and the relationship with the local Ojibwe population. Todd County is home to portions of the Crow Wing State Forest and offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
Key county offices include the Todd County Recorder located at 215 First Avenue South, Suite 103, Long Prairie, MN 56347; the Todd County Clerk of Court at the Todd County Courthouse, 215 First Avenue South; and the Todd County Assessor's Office at the Government Center. The county maintains a strong agricultural economy while serving as a regional hub for central Minnesota. Historic sites include the Long Prairie River and remnants of early settlement period buildings.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Todd County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement throughout the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs, which are tailored to address the specific needs of Todd County residents. The office plays a crucial role in coordinating with local police departments to ensure public safety across the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Todd County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Long Prairie Police Department, Staples Police Department, and Browerville Police Department. Each of these departments is responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Todd County is primarily provided by the Todd County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 215 First Avenue South, Long Prairie, MN 56347. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (320) 732-6165 and maintains a website at www.co.todd.mn.us where citizens can access some public safety information. The Todd County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and serving shorter sentences.
- Arrest records in Todd County are public information under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 (Minnesota Government Data Practices Act) and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office or local police departments.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Citizens can request arrest records in person at the Sheriff's Office, by mail, or by phone, though written requests are preferred for documentation purposes.
Inmate information and jail roster searches are available by calling the jail directly at (320) 732-6164 or visiting the Sheriff's Office during business hours. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Long Prairie Police Department serving the county seat, and the Staples Police Department serving the city of Staples, the county's largest county. Smaller communities rely on Sheriff's Office patrols and Minnesota State Patrol support.
Booking photos and mugshots are generally considered public data under Minn. Stat. § 13.82 and § 13.87, though access procedures vary by agency.
Some booking information may be restricted if it relates to ongoing investigations. Response times vary but typically occur within 5-10 business days. There are no federally recognized tribal lands in Todd County, so tribal law enforcement does not operate within county boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Todd County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Todd County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) provides statewide criminal history checks. Residents can request background checks through the BCA, which compiles data from across Minnesota.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Todd County are primarily maintained by the Todd County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, and these records are subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which governs public access to government records. A typical arrest record in Todd County will include the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings that have taken place.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Todd County Detention Center, located in Long Prairie, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process at the detention center involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of each inmate. Inmate lookup services are available through the Todd County Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees.
- In Minnesota, the bond or bail process allows for the release of an inmate pending trial, and this can be arranged through the court system or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Todd County are taken and retained by the Todd County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are considered public records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or via online databases that compile such information. While the Sheriff's Office may provide access to mugshots, third-party websites often offer searchable databases for public convenience.
Courts & Case Records
Todd County is served by the Minnesota Seventh Judicial District Court, with the Todd County Courthouse located at 215 First Avenue South, Long Prairie, MN 56347. The court handles all civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters for the county. The Todd County Clerk of Court can be reached at (320) 732-4469. Minnesota operates a unified court system, so the District Court serves as both the trial court of general jurisdiction and handles matters that might be considered municipal or probate in other states.
- The Minnesota Court System provides online access to case records through the Minnesota Public Access (MPA) system at www.mncourts.gov/FindCourts.
- Copy fees are typically $5.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page, though certified copies cost $14.00 per document.
- The court also handles conciliation court (small claims) matters for disputes under $15,000, probate proceedings, and commitment hearings.
Court records in Minnesota are governed by Rule 4 of the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, which presumes most court records are accessible to the public unless specifically classified as private or confidential. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney to find case information, though some case types (such as juvenile, certain family matters, and sealed cases) are restricted. Remote access requires creation of an account and acceptance of terms of use.
In-person searches are available at the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed for lunch 12:00-1:00 PM). Traffic matters and misdemeanor criminal cases comprise a significant portion of the court's docket.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Todd County are maintained by the Todd County Recorder's Office, located at 215 First Avenue South, Suite 103, Long Prairie, MN 56347. The Recorder can be reached at (320) 732-4461. The office maintains records of all real property transactions including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, mortgage satisfactions, liens, lis pendens, easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting title to real property in the county. Minnesota law requires recording of most real estate documents to provide constructive notice to the public.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or sometimes online, with fees typically set at $8.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page of the same document.
Todd County offers online access to recorded documents through a searchable database on the county website at www.co.todd.mn.us/recorder. The online system typically allows searches by grantor/grantee name, document type, date range, and parcel number. Document images may be viewable online, though some counties charge for printing or downloading official copies.
Property tax information and assessment records are maintained by the Todd County Assessor's Office at (320) 732-4488 and the Todd County Treasurer at (320) 732-4446. The Assessor's Office maintains property valuation records, parcel data, and ownership information. Todd County provides an online GIS property information system accessible through the county website, allowing users to search by address, parcel ID number, or owner name to view property boundaries, assessed values, tax information, and aerial imagery.
This service is typically free for informational purposes, though official tax statements and assessments must be obtained from the respective offices.
Vital Records
Vital records for Todd County, Minnesota are maintained at both the county and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Todd County can be requested through the Todd County Recorder's Office at 215 First Avenue South, Suite 103, Long Prairie, MN 56347, or by calling (320) 732-4461. Under Minnesota Statutes Section 144.225, birth records are private for 100 years and death records are private for 30 years, with access restricted to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a tangible interest.
- The fee for a certified copy of a birth or death certificate is typically $26.00 for the first copy and $19.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Processing time is generally 5-10 business days for mail requests and immediate to same-day for in-person requests if the record is readily available.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords for an additional service fee, with expedited shipping options available.
- Marriage license fees are approximately $115.00.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest. The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, located at P.O. Box 64499, St.
Paul, MN 55164-0499, maintains statewide vital records and serves as a backup resource for obtaining certificates. Their phone number is (651) 201-5970. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the county where the marriage will take place, through the Todd County Recorder's Office.
Both parties must appear in person with valid identification, and there is a five-day waiting period after application before the license is valid. Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are maintained by the Todd County Clerk of Court at the Todd County Courthouse and can be requested at (320) 732-4469, subject to privacy restrictions under Minnesota court rules.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Todd County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Todd County Recorder's Office at (320) 732-4461 handles certain business name filings, though most business entity formation and registration occurs at the state level. The Minnesota Secretary of State's Office maintains the primary database of business entities operating in Minnesota, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and non-profit organizations.
- The Minnesota Business Records Search is available free online at mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us, allowing searches by business name, file number, or registered agent.
- This database provides information on business status, registration date, principal office address, registered agent, and annual renewal status.
Businesses operating under an assumed name ("doing business as" or DBA) must file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Minnesota Secretary of State, which becomes part of the searchable public record. Local business licensing requirements vary by county within Todd County. The City of Long Prairie and City of Staples each maintain their own business licensing requirements for certain types of businesses operating within city limits.
Contact the respective city clerk offices for specific local licensing requirements. Building permits and zoning matters are handled by the Todd County Zoning Department, which can be reached through the Todd County Environmental Services office at (320) 732-4420. Commercial building permits, land use permits, conditional use permits, and variance applications are matters of public record.
The Long Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce (website: longprairiechamber.com) and Staples Motley Area Chamber of Commerce provide business resources and networking opportunities for local businesses. Sales tax permits and professional licenses (such as contractor licenses, real estate licenses, or professional certifications) are issued by various Minnesota state agencies and can be verified through the respective licensing boards.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Todd County, Minnesota are administered by the Todd County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which serves as the county's election authority. The office is located at 215 First Avenue South, Suite 200, Long Prairie, MN 56347, and can be reached at (320) 732-4487. Election information is available on the county website at www.co.todd.mn.us. Voter registration in Minnesota is available online through the Minnesota Secretary of State at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, by mail, in person at the County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, or at polling places on Election Day.
- Minnesota allows same-day voter registration, meaning eligible residents can register and vote on Election Day by providing proof of residence.
- Absentee voting in Minnesota is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse.
- Absentee ballots can be requested beginning 46 days before an election, and completed ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.
- Chapter 204B) ensures transparency in elections, allowing citizens to request copies of election results, voter turnout statistics, and absentee ballot data.
However, pre-registration is encouraged and must be completed at least 21 days before Election Day for your name to appear in the polling place roster. 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 the Todd County Auditor-Treasurer. Election records that are public in Minnesota include the voter registration list (with some personal information redacted under Minn.
Stat. § 201.091), campaign finance reports filed with the state Campaign Finance Board, candidate filings, and precinct-level election results. All election results are public immediately after certification.
Todd County, like much of rural Minnesota, typically sees voter turnout of 70-80% in presidential election years and 50-60% in midterm elections. In the November 2024 general election, turnout was consistent with historical patterns for the county. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate races, Minnesota state constitutional offices including Governor, and state legislative seats. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Todd County Auditor-Treasurer's Office. Minnesota law (Minn.
Stat. Poll watchers and election observers are permitted under Minnesota law with proper credentials.
Economy & Demographics
Todd County's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy, with dairy farming, corn, soybeans, and livestock production dominating the rural landscape. The county contains significant agricultural processing operations.
- The median household income in Todd County is estimated at approximately $55,000 to $60,000, which is below the Minnesota state average, reflecting the rural agricultural character of the county.
- The county's location between the Twin Cities metro area and the Brainerd Lakes area provides some economic connectivity, though the county maintains its agricultural and small-town character.
Major employers in Todd County include North Memorial Health Clinic in Long Prairie, providing healthcare services to the region; manufacturing facilities in Staples including companies in metal fabrication and food processing; and the Long Prairie Packing Company, a significant meat processing operation. The Staples-Motley School District and Long Prairie-Grey Eagle School District are major public sector employers. The unemployment rate typically ranges between 4% and 6%, varying seasonally with agricultural cycles.
Tourism contributes to the local economy through fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation, particularly around the county's numerous lakes and the Crow Wing State Forest. Retail and service businesses concentrated in Long Prairie and Staples serve the county's population and surrounding rural areas. Economic development efforts focus on supporting agricultural businesses, attracting light manufacturing, and enhancing Main Street vitality in the county's small towns.
The Todd County Economic Development Commission works to retain and attract businesses. Healthcare and social assistance represent growing employment sectors as the population ages. Challenges include workforce development, broadband internet access in rural areas, and diversification beyond traditional agricultural dependence.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via MPA | Property: ✅ Free GIS/Recorder Search | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ State Online Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7/10 — Todd County provides good digital access to property and court records, with election information readily available online, though jail rosters and vital records require direct contact.
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Cities & Towns in Todd County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Todd County, Minnesota.
Nearby Counties
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