About Washington County
Washington County is located in the eastern portion of Minnesota, directly adjacent to the Wisconsin border along the St. Croix River. Washington County Seat is Stillwater, a historic riverfront city founded in 1848 and known as the birthplace of Minnesota. Washington County includes approximately 423 square miles and serves a population of over 267,000 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in the state. Washington County is part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and features a diverse scene of rolling hills, river bluffs, forests, and productive agricultural land.
Major cities within Washington County include Stillwater, Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Lake Elmo, Forest Lake, Oak Park Heights, and Mahtomedi. Washington County is renowned for the scenic St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, numerous parks and trails, and its blend of rural charm with suburban development.
Washington County was established in 1849 as one of Minnesota's original nine counties. Washington County Government Center is located at 14949 62nd Street North in Stillwater, housing many administrative offices. Key county agencies include Washington County Recorder's Office, responsible for maintaining land records and documents; the County Assessor's Office, which handles property valuations and tax assessments; and the License Center, which processes vital records and various permits.
Washington County is served by excellent schools, has a strong economic base, and offers residents both natural beauty and proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan amenities. What makes Washington County unique is its successful balance between preserving natural resources and historic communities while accommodating thoughtful growth and development.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Washington County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services throughout Washington County, particularly in unincorporated areas. It operates Washington County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable programs include crime prevention initiatives and a dedicated K-9 unit, which assists in search and rescue operations, as well as drug detection.
Police Departments
In addition to Washington County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Washington County, including those in Woodbury, Cottage Grove, and Forest Lake. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, focusing on local crime prevention and community safety. These departments often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and regional law enforcement initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Washington County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Washington County is provided by Washington County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 15015 62nd Street North in Stillwater, Minnesota 55082. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process, and operates Washington County Jail, a detention facility housing pre-trial and sentenced inmates.
- Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through public records requests submitted to the Sheriff's Office, though some may be viewable on the online roster.
- Processing fees may apply for extensive searches or copies.
Citizens can look up current inmates through Washington County Jail Roster, accessible online through the Sheriff's Office website, which provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and expected release dates. Municipal law enforcement is provided by police departments in Stillwater, Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Forest Lake, Oak Park Heights, Mahtomedi, and other incorporated cities within Washington County. Arrest records in Washington County are public information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), which governs access to government data.
Some arrest information is considered public data, while certain details may be classified as private or confidential under state law.
Washington County does not have tribal police jurisdictions within its boundaries, but the Sheriff's Office maintains mutual aid agreements with surrounding counties and federal law enforcement agencies.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Washington County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Bureau offers online access to public criminal records, helping with transparency and public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Washington County are maintained by Washington County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, often requiring a formal request under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Washington County Jail, located in Stillwater, is the primary detention facility for Washington County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific hours designated for visits. In Minnesota, the bond or bail process allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail's administration office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Washington County are taken and retained by Washington County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These 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 can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty. The availability of mugshots online may vary, and some third-party websites may also host these images.
Courts & Case Records
Washington County is served by the Minnesota Tenth Judicial District Court, with Washington County Courthouse located at 14949 62nd Street North in Stillwater, Minnesota 55082. The courthouse phone number is. Washington County Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, family, juvenile, and probate matters arising in Washington County. Minnesota's district courts are courts of general jurisdiction handling felonies, gross misdemeanors, civil cases over $15,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate and estate proceedings, and juvenile delinquency cases.
- Lower-level matters such as misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, and civil cases under $15,000 are also heard in District Court.
- The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides online access to court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system at www.mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records.aspx.
- Basic case information searches are available for a fee of $8.00 per search, with document viewing requiring additional payment.
- In-person access to court files is available at Washington County Courthouse during business hours, and certified copies can be obtained for statutory fees.
The court system does not have separate municipal or justice courts; all matters are consolidated in the District Court system. Court records in Washington County can be searched through Minnesota's statewide system. Some records are restricted from public access under Minnesota Court Rules and Minnesota Statutes Section 13.87, including certain juvenile records, adoption files, mental health proceedings, and sealed records.
Public access to court records in Minnesota is governed by Minnesota Court Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, which became effective in 2007 and balance transparency with privacy protections. The court also maintains a public counter where staff can assist with basic information, though they cannot provide legal advice.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Washington County are maintained by Washington County Recorder's Office, located at 14949 62nd Street North in Stillwater, Minnesota 55082. The Recorder's Office can be reached at and operates a website at www.co.washington.mn.us/recorder.
- Washington County offers free online access to recorded documents through a searchable database on the Recorder's website, allowing users to search by name, document type, parcel number, or recording date.
- Digital images of most documents recorded since the early 1980s are available online at no charge, with older records available through the office or on microfilm.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or online, with fees of $10.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- The Assessor's Office provides online access to property tax information, valuations, parcel data, and sales information through Washington County website.
The office maintains and provides access to a wide range of recorded documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, satisfactions of mortgages, mechanic's liens, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, plat maps, easements, homestead declarations, and other instruments affecting real property in Washington County. Property tax information is maintained by Washington County Assessor's Office, located at the same Government Center address Washington County also maintains a full Geographic Information System (GIS) and online parcel viewer accessible through www.co.Stillwater area.mn.us/GIS, providing interactive maps showing property boundaries, ownership, zoning, environmental features, and assessment data.
This free public tool allows users to search by address, parcel ID, or owner name and generate detailed property reports.
Vital Records
Vital records for Washington County, Minnesota are handled through multiple offices depending on the record type. Birth and death certificates can be obtained from the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 64499, St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0499 Birth certificates cost $26.00 for a certified copy, and death certificates also cost $26.00, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $19.00 each. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Online ordering of birth and death certificates is available through VitalChek at www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords, with credit card payment and faster processing but additional service fees.
- Marriage licenses and marriage certificates in Washington County are processed through Washington County License Center, located at 14949 62nd Street North in Stillwater
- Marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers, with a fee of $115.00.
- Divorce records and dissolution decrees are maintained by the Minnesota Tenth Judicial District Court in Washington County and can be accessed through the court records system.
- Applicants requesting vital records must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Washington County are accessible through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For formal business entity registrations such as corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the primary resource is the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office.
- This database is updated regularly and provides access to documents filed with the state.
The Secretary of State maintains a free online Business Information Search at www.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens, where users can search by business name, file number, or registered agent to find information about registered entities, their status, registered office address, officers, and filing history. For local business licensing and assumed name certificates (doing business as or DBA filings), business owners file with Washington County Recorder's Office or the city clerk in their county of operation. Washington County does not have a centralized county-wide business licensing system; most business licenses are issued at the municipal level by cities such as Stillwater, Woodbury, and Cottage Grove.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Washington County Community Development Department, located at 14949 62nd Street North, phone, or by individual city building departments for areas within city limits. Professional and occupational licenses such as those for contractors, real estate agents, and health professionals are typically regulated at the state level through Minnesota's various licensing boards. Sales tax permits are issued by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Washington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, accessible at www.gwbcc.org, provides resources and networking opportunities for businesses operating in the Greater Stillwater area, while the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce serves businesses in the western portion of Washington County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Washington County, Minnesota are administered by Washington County Elections Office, operating under the oversight of Washington County Auditor-Treasurer. The Elections Office is located at 14949 62nd Street North, Government Center, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The office website at www.co.washington.mn.us/elections provides full election information, deadlines, and resources.
- Registered voters can find their polling place by visiting the Minnesota Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or by contacting Washington County Elections Office.
- Voters can request an absentee ballot online at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/AbsenteeBallotRequest, by mail, in person, or by fax.
Voter registration in Washington County can be completed online through the Minnesota Secretary of State at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, in person at Washington County License Center, by mail, or on Election Day at your polling place. Minnesota allows same-day voter registration with proof of residence. The registration deadline for advance registration is 21 days before any election, though Election Day registration remains available.
Minnesota does not require party registration. Washington County operates dozens of polling locations throughout its cities and townships on Election Day. Election records that are public in Minnesota include the statewide voter registration list (with some data suppressed for safety program participants), campaign finance reports filed with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics.
The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act governs what election data is public versus private. Washington County typically experiences strong voter turnout; in the 2024 general election, Washington County recorded approximately 82% turnout among registered voters, exceeding state averages and reflecting high civic engagement. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring United States House of Representatives races for Minnesota's congressional districts, potential U.S.
Senate race depending on the seat cycle, Minnesota Governor and constitutional officers, Minnesota State Legislature races for all 134 House seats and certain Senate seats, and various judicial positions and local offices. Absentee voting in Washington County is available by mail or in-person at Washington County License Center beginning 46 days before any election. Minnesota does not require an excuse to vote absentee.
Completed absentee ballots must be received by Election Day (postmarked ballots are not counted if received after Election Day). Transparency in Washington County elections is supported by Minnesota's strong public records laws, with citizens able to request voter registration statistics, turnout data, election results by precinct, absentee ballot acceptance rates, and campaign finance information under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. Washington County publishes unofficial election results on election night and certified results following the canvassing period.
Economy & Demographics
Washington County boasts a diverse and strong economy that benefits from its strategic location within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan statistical area while maintaining distinct economic sectors. Washington County's economy is anchored by several major employers including 3M Company with facilities in Washington County, Andersen Corporation (a leading window and door manufacturer with roots in nearby Bayport), HealthEast Care System, Guardian Angels' Medical Services and Rehab, Gopher Resource (battery recycling), and numerous technology firms.
- The median household income in Washington County is approximately $98,000, significantly above both state and national averages, reflecting Washington County's educated workforce and professional employment base.
Key economic sectors include advanced manufacturing, healthcare and medical services, retail trade, professional and business services, construction, and education. Washington County has seen substantial growth in the technology and information sectors, with Woodbury emerging as a regional center for corporate offices and tech companies. Tourism and recreation contribute meaningfully to the local economy, driven by the historic downtown Stillwater area with its antique shops, restaurants, and St.
Croix River attractions, as well as numerous lakes, parks, and trail systems throughout Washington County. Agriculture remains present in the northern and eastern portions of Washington County, though residential and commercial development has reduced farmland over recent decades. Major economic development initiatives include the expansion of Interstate 94 and Highway 36 corridors, continued commercial development in Woodbury and Cottage Grove, redevelopment of historic areas in Stillwater, and investments in renewable energy and sustainability.
Washington County unemployment rate typically tracks below state and national averages, reflecting the strong job market and diversified economy. Washington County's economic development efforts are coordinated through municipal economic development authorities and supported by organizations such as the Greater MSP economic development partnership.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/Fee Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 9/10, Washington County, Minnesota provides excellent digital access to most public records with free online property searches, court record systems, jail rosters, and election information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Washington County
Explore public records for 23 cities and communities in Washington County, Minnesota.