About Wabasha County

County Seat the city of Wabasha County
Established 1849
Population 21,519 residents
Area 550 square miles

Wabasha County is located in southeastern Minnesota along the Mississippi River, forming part of the state's border with Wisconsin. Established in 1849, it is one of Minnesota's oldest counties and was named after a succession of Dakota chiefs who bore the name Wabasha. Wabasha County seat is the city of Wabasha County, which is also the oldest city in Minnesota. Wabasha County includes approximately 525 square miles and has a population of roughly 21,519 residents according to recent estimates. Wabasha County's scene is characterized by the scenic Mississippi River valley, limestone bluffs, and fertile agricultural land. Major communities include Lake City, Plainview, Kellogg, Mazeppa, and Wabasha County seat of Wabasha. Wabasha County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and historic river towns. The National Eagle Center in Wabasha attracts thousands of visitors annually, particularly during the winter months when bald eagles congregate along the Mississippi River. Wabasha County is part of the Rochester metropolitan area and benefits from proximity to Mayo Clinic's economic influence. Wabasha County Courthouse is located at 625 Jefferson Avenue in Wabasha, housing many county offices. Wabasha County Recorder's office maintains land records and vital statistics, while the County Assessor's office handles property valuations and tax assessments. Wabasha County Auditor-Treasurer manages financial operations and property tax collection. Wabasha County's agricultural heritage remains strong, with family farms producing corn, soybeans, dairy products, and livestock. The Mississippi River provides not only scenic beauty but also recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and wildlife observation.

  • The Mississippi River provides not only scenic beauty but also recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and wildlife observation.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Wabasha County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across Wabasha County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with maintaining public safety, running Wabasha County jail, and processing arrests. It also manages criminal records and provides various community services. It operates several divisions, including patrol, investigations, and a K-9 unit, each playing a crucial role in maintaining law and order in Wabasha County.

Police Departments

In addition to Wabasha County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Wabasha County is provided by several municipal police departments. The Lake City Police Department, Plainview Police Department, and Wabasha Police Department are key agencies serving their respective cities. These departments handle local law enforcement duties, including traffic enforcement, crime investigation, and community policing. They often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional initiatives, making sure of full coverage and public safety throughout Wabasha County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Wabasha County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving Wabasha County, located at 625 Jefferson Avenue in Wabasha, Minnesota. Wabasha County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. Inmate information can typically be obtained by calling the jail directly at during business hours.

  • Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
  • Response times for public records requests typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request and staff availability.

Minnesota law enforcement agencies follow the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, which governs access to public records including arrest records. Municipal police departments in Wabasha County include the Lake City Police Department, Plainview Police Department, and Wabasha Police Department, each serving their respective communities. To request arrest records or incident reports, citizens should submit written requests to the appropriate law enforcement agency, either the Sheriff's Office for unincorporated areas or the municipal police department for incidents within city limits.

Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public data under Minnesota law, though access policies may vary by agency.

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Wabasha 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 Welcome to the Official Web Site of Wabasha County, Minnesota.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Wabasha 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 Wabasha 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 Wabasha County Jail.
  • Sheriff's Office: Sheriff s Department Wabasha County, MN.
  • The bond and bail process allows 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

Wabasha County is served by Minnesota's Third Judicial District Court, with Wabasha County Courthouse located at 625 Jefferson Avenue in Wabasha, Minnesota 55981. The courthouse phone number is unlisted. Wabasha County Court has general jurisdiction over criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and probate matters arising in Wabasha County. Minnesota provides online access to court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system at mncourts.gov/access-case-records, where users can search for case information by party name, case number, or attorney.

  • The MCRO system provides access to most public court records, though certain case types such as juvenile matters, adoption records, and some family court files are confidential under Minnesota law.
  • There is no fee to search court records online, though copies of documents may require payment.
  • Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Court Administrator's office for a fee, typically around ten dollars for the first page and one dollar for each additional page.
  • For traffic and other petty misdemeanor citations, the Violations Bureau accepts payments and processes cases that do not require court appearances.
  • Court calendars and hearing schedules can be accessed online or by contacting the Court Administrator's office directly.

Property & Public Records

Wabasha County Recorder's Office, located at 625 Jefferson Avenue in Wabasha, Minnesota 55981, maintains land and property records for Wabasha County. The Recorder can be contacted through the office’s website. This office is responsible for recording and preserving documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, satisfactions, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. Minnesota law requires recording of certain documents to provide constructive notice and establish priority of interests in real property.

  • Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Recorder's office for statutory fees, typically around ten dollars for the first page and one dollar for subsequent pages.
  • Recording fees vary based on document type and length.
  • The office accepts requests in person, by mail, or sometimes by email.
  • Processing time for copy requests is usually within a few business days.

The Recorder's office maintains an index of recorded documents searchable by grantor, grantee, or property description. Many Minnesota counties, including Wabasha County, participate in online property information systems. Property tax information is managed by Wabasha County Assessor's office through the office the Auditor-Treasurer's office for The Assessor's office determines property valuations for tax purposes, while the Auditor-Treasurer collects property taxes and maintains tax records.

Citizens can often search property information, including parcel maps, ownership data, and tax history, through Wabasha County's Geographic Information System (GIS) or online property search portal accessible through Wabasha County website at co.Wabasha County.mn.us.

Vital Records

Vital records in Wabasha County, Minnesota are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are available from Wabasha County Recorder's office located at 625 Jefferson Avenue, Wabasha, MN 55981, for events occurring within Wabasha County. Minnesota Statutes Section 144.225 governs access to vital records and establishes eligibility requirements for obtaining certified copies.

  • The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is typically twenty-six dollars, with processing times of approximately one to two weeks when requested in person or by mail.
  • Their website at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords provides online ordering options through VitalChek with expedited processing available for additional fees.
  • The fee for a marriage license is approximately one hundred fifteen dollars.
  • To obtain vital records, requestors must complete an application form providing the event details and proof of identity and relationship to the registrant.
625 Jefferson Avenue, Wabasha, MN 55981
590 Park Street, St. Paul, MN 55155

Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old are restricted to certain individuals including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with documented legal interest. The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, located at 590 Park Street, St. Paul, MN 55155, maintains statewide vital records and is an alternative source for birth certificates from 1900 forward and death certificates from 1908 forward.

Marriage licenses are issued by Wabasha County Recorder's office, which also maintains marriage records. Minnesota has no waiting period for marriage licenses, and the license is valid for six months. Divorce records are maintained by the District Court Administrator's office at the courthouse.

Business & Licensing

Business and licensing records in Wabasha County, Minnesota are managed by several agencies depending on the business type and activity. Wabasha County Recorder's office at 625 Jefferson Avenue, maintains filings for assumed names (doing business as or DBA) and certain business related documents. Business entities such as corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State's office.

  • This database is free to search and provides full information about Minnesota businesses.
  • The Lake City Chamber of Commerce can be reached through lakepepin.com, and Wabasha County-Kellogg Chamber of Commerce provides resources for local businesses at wabashamn.org.

The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online Business Database at mnsecofstate.gov where anyone can look up registered business entities, view filing history, check business status, and access annual renewal information. Local business licenses and permits are typically issued by individual municipalities within Wabasha County, so businesses should contact the city clerk's office in Lake City, Plainview, Wabasha, or other municipalities where they operate. Wabasha County Planning and Zoning Department, handles building permits, conditional use permits, zoning compliance, and land use matters in unincorporated areas.

Professional licenses such as those for contractors, healthcare providers, real estate agents, and other regulated professions are issued by the appropriate Minnesota state licensing boards rather than county offices. Sales tax permits are obtained from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. These organizations offer networking opportunities, business development resources, and community information for entrepreneurs and established businesses in Wabasha County.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Wabasha County, Minnesota?
To search for someone recently arrested in Wabasha County, Minnesota, you can contact the Wabasha County Jail. The jail provides an inmate lookup service through their official website where you can search by name. You can call the jail directly at their listed phone number for more information about recent arrests and inmate status.
Mugshots or booking photos in Wabasha County, Minnesota, can be obtained from the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office may provide access to these records through their official website or upon request at their physical location. It's advisable to contact the office directly to inquire about the availability of an online portal for viewing mugshots.
To obtain a criminal background check in Wabasha County, Minnesota, you should contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The BCA provides statewide background checks, and you can request these online or by mail. For local records, you may also visit the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office for guidance on accessing county-specific criminal history information.
You can look up sex offenders in Wabasha County, Minnesota, by accessing the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry. This registry is managed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and provides a searchable online database. You can search by name, location, or other criteria to find information about registered sex offenders in the area.
Voter registration in Wabasha County is managed by the County Auditor-Treasurer's office at (651) 565-3995. You can register online at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, by mail, or in person at the county office. Minnesota allows same-day voter registration at your polling place on Election Day, though pre-registering at least twenty-one days before an election is recommended. Absentee ballots are available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse and can be requested through the Auditor-Treasurer's office.
Property records in Wabasha County are maintained by the County Recorder's office at (651) 565-3638 for land documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens, and by the County Assessor's office at (651) 565-3640 for property valuations and tax information. Many records are searchable online through the county website at co.wabasha.mn.us, which provides access to property ownership data, tax records, and parcel maps. The Recorder's office can provide certified copies of recorded documents for a fee. Property tax payment information is available through the Auditor-Treasurer's office.
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Wabasha County are available from the County Recorder's office at 625 Jefferson Avenue, Wabasha, or by calling (651) 565-3638. The fee is typically twenty-six dollars per certified copy, and processing takes approximately one to two weeks. You can also order statewide vital records from the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records, which offers online ordering through VitalChek at health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords. Requestors must provide identification and proof of eligibility, as recent records are restricted to immediate family members and authorized individuals.
Business entity registrations including corporations and LLCs are searchable through the Minnesota Secretary of State's free online Business Database at mnsecofstate.gov. For assumed names (DBAs) filed in Wabasha County, contact the County Recorder's office at (651) 565-3638. Local business licenses are issued by individual city governments such as Lake City, Plainview, and Wabasha, so contact the appropriate city clerk's office. For zoning and building permits in unincorporated areas, contact the Wabasha County Planning and Zoning Department at (651) 565-3577.

Cities & Towns in Wabasha County

Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Wabasha County, Minnesota.

Economy & Demographics

Wabasha County's economy is diverse, combining traditional agriculture with manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and service industries. Wabasha County's 2020 median household income was approximately sixty-eight thousand dollars, slightly above the national median. Agriculture remains a key part of the local economy, with family farms producing corn, soybeans, beef cattle, dairy products, and hogs. The Mississippi River valley's fertile soil supports productive farmland that has been cultivated for generations.

  • Manufacturing provides significant employment, with companies producing a range of products from food processing to industrial components.
  • Wabasha County's location within reasonable commuting distance of Rochester's strong medical and technology economy provides economic stability and growth opportunities.

Lake City is home to several manufacturing facilities, and the community benefits from its location along Highway 61 and proximity to the Twin Cities and Rochester metropolitan areas. Healthcare employment is substantial due to proximity to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, with many Wabasha County residents commuting to Rochester for work. Tourism contributes meaningfully to the economy, particularly in the river communities of Wabasha and Lake City.

The National Eagle Center in Wabasha draws approximately forty thousand visitors annually, supporting local restaurants, lodging establishments, and shops. Recreational activities including boating, fishing, camping, and winter sports attract visitors year-round. Lake Pepin, a naturally occurring lake on the Mississippi River, is a popular destination for sailing and water sports.

Wabasha County's unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly below Minnesota's state average, which has historically been lower than the national rate. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on broadband expansion to rural areas, downtown revitalization in county communities, and support for small business development.

Elections & Voter Records

Elections in Wabasha County, Minnesota are administered by Wabasha County Auditor-Treasurer's office, which serves as Wabasha County's election authority. The office is located at 625 Jefferson Avenue, Wabasha, MN 55981, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Election information is available through Wabasha County website at co.Wabasha.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 Wabasha County elections office, or on Election Day at your polling place.

  • Minnesota allows same-day voter registration, though registering in advance helps reduce wait times.
  • Absentee voting in Minnesota is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse.
  • Absentee ballots must be requested by one week before Election Day for mail delivery, or applications can be submitted in person up to one day before the election.
625 Jefferson Avenue, Wabasha, MN 55981

The regular voter registration deadline is twenty-one days before an election, but Minnesota's same-day registration provisions mean eligible citizens can register and vote on Election Day by providing proper proof of residence. To find your polling place in Wabasha County, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or contact the Auditor-Treasurer's office. Wabasha County has multiple voting precincts in communities including Wabasha County, Lake City, Plainview, Mazeppa, Kellogg, and various townships.

Election records that are public in Minnesota include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports, and absentee ballot statistics. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 201 governs voter registration and access to voter data.

Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online, by mail, in person, or by email/fax to Wabasha County Auditor-Treasurer. Minnesota's election records are among the most transparent in the nation, with detailed results published at the precinct level and campaign finance data available through the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board.

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