About Williams County
Williams County is located in the northwest corner of North Dakota, bordered by Montana to the west and stretching across 2,077 square miles of rolling prairie, badlands terrain, and oil-rich formations. Williams County Seat is Williston, which is the economic and governmental hub for Williams County. As of the 2020 Census, Williams County had a population of approximately 40,950 residents, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in North Dakota due to the Bakken oil boom that began in the late 2000s.
Williams County was established in 1890 and named after Erastus Appelman Williams, an early pioneer and legislator. Major landmarks include Fort Buford State Historic Site, where Sitting Bull surrendered in 1881, and Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site along the Missouri River. Williams County is home to the Williston Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in North America.
Williams County government operates through several key offices located primarily in Williston: the County Recorder's office at Williams County Courthouse, 205 East Broadway, Williston, ND 58801; the County Clerk of Court; the County Director of Tax Equalization who maintains property valuations; the County Auditor who handles elections and licensing; and the County Treasurer managing tax collections. Williams County's economy has transformed dramatically from agriculture-based to energy-dominated, bringing significant infrastructure development and population growth that has challenged and expanded county services.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Williams County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Williams County. It oversees the patrol of rural areas, manages Williams County Correctional Center, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community outreach programs and has specialized divisions such as the K-9 unit and narcotics task force.
Police Departments
In addition to Williams County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Williams County is provided by municipal police departments, including the Williston Police Department and the Tioga Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective city limits. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives. Each department has jurisdiction over its county, handling local crime prevention, investigations, and community policing efforts.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Williams County Sheriff's Office, located at 222 East Broadway in Williston, ND 58801, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Williams County and provides countywide services including civil process, court security, and jail operations. Williams County Correctional Center, adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Within Williams County, the Williston Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services for the City of Williston and can be contacted, located at 22 East Broadway.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly, where staff can provide information on current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond information. Arrest records and booking information in Williams County are considered public records under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 44-04, the state's open records law. Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in arrest records and may be viewed at the jail facility or requested as part of public records requests, though some sensitive information may be redacted for ongoing investigations or juvenile cases.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol also maintains a presence in Williams County, handling traffic enforcement on state and interstate highways. Processing times for records requests typically range from 24 hours to several business days depending on the scope of the request, and fees may apply for copying and certification services as permitted under state statute.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Williams County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides full criminal history reports. The bureau's services are accessible to the public, for public access and aiding in employment and housing decisions. The state's system allows for thorough checks while maintaining the integrity of individual privacy rights.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Williams County are maintained by Williams County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the North Dakota Open Records Statute. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings related to the arrest. The process ensures transparency and public access to information while protecting individual privacy rights.
Jail & Inmate Records
Williams County Correctional Center, located in Williston, is the primary detention facility for Williams County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Williams County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. The facility provides an inmate lookup service through its website, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- In North Dakota, the bond or bail process allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the correctional center.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Williams County are taken and retained by Williams County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at Williams County Correctional Center. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While North Dakota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed may need to pursue legal avenues or contact the hosting entity directly. The availability of mugshots is subject to state and local regulations regarding public records.
Courts & Case Records
Williams County is served by the Northwest Judicial District of the North Dakota District Court system, with Williams County Courthouse located at 205 East Broadway, Williston, ND 58801. Williams County Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, divorce and family law cases, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Clerk of District Court office can be reached at and maintains all court records, case files, and provides public access to court documents.
- Williams County also handles small claims matters (disputes under $15,000) through the District Court's small claims division.
- Copy fees are typically $1.00 per page for standard documents, with certified copies available for $10.00 plus copy charges.
- Online access through the state system is free for basic searches, though detailed document copies may require in-person requests or mail orders with appropriate fees.
North Dakota's court records are governed by North Dakota Century Code § 27-02-08 and Administrative Rule 37, which establish public access to most court proceedings and records unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. The North Dakota Supreme Court operates a statewide case search system at www.ndcourts.gov where users can search Williams County cases by party name, case number, or attorney, though some sensitive cases such as juvenile matters, adoption records, and certain family court files are restricted. Municipal Court in Williston handles city ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other municipal matters, operating separately from the District Court system at Williston City Hall.
Court record searches at the courthouse are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Property & Public Records
Williams County Recorder's Office, located in Williams County Courthouse at 205 East Broadway, Williston, ND 58801, maintains all land and property records for Williams County and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Recorder's Office houses documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens (mechanics, judgment, federal tax), easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and survey documents dating back to Williams County's establishment. Williams County provides online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system accessible via Williams County website at www.williamscountynd.gov, where users can search by grantor/grantee name, legal description, document type, or recording date.
- Non-subscribers can typically search indexes for free but must pay fees for document images or establish an account.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $10.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page.
- Property tax records are public under North Dakota law, and citizens can request tax statements, payment histories, and special assessment information either online, by phone, or in person.
- Recording fees are established by state statute and typically include $10.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page for most document types.
In-person searches are available free of charge at the Recorder's Office during business hours. Williams County Director of Tax Equalization's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, property characteristics, and valuation data. The Assessor provides an online Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool that allows users to search parcels by address, owner name, or parcel number, view aerial photography, property boundaries, and access assessment information without charge.
Williams County Treasurer's Office at handles property tax collections, tax payment history, and delinquent tax information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Williams County, North Dakota, including birth and death certificates, are maintained both at Williams County level and by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Vital Records. For recent vital events occurring in Williams County, certified copies of birth and death certificates can be requested through Williams County Public Health Unit or directly from the State Division of Vital Records, located at 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Department 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0200
- Processing time for mail requests is typically 2-3 weeks, while in-person requests at the state office can often be fulfilled the same day.
- Divorce decrees and dissolution records are maintained by Williams County Clerk of District Court as part of court case files and must be requested through the court system.
Birth certificate requests require proof of identity, proof of relationship to the registrant or demonstration of a direct and tangible interest, and the applicable fee of $7.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost the same amount and require similar identification and eligibility verification under North Dakota Century Code § 23-02.1, which restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with documented legal interests. Marriage licenses are issued by Williams County Recorder's Office at the courthouse, where couples must apply in person with valid identification; the license costs $65.00 and has no waiting period but is valid for 60 days from issuance.
Marriage certificates (proof of the ceremony having occurred) are recorded by the Recorder's Office after the officiant returns the completed license. North Dakota also offers VitalChek online ordering services at https://www.vitalchek.com for expedited processing of vital records with additional convenience fees, though orders still process through the state Division of Vital Records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Williams County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration required. Williams County Auditor's Office, located at 205 East Broadway, Williston, ND 58801, phone, handles certain local business licenses and permits required for operations within unincorporated areas of Williams County.
- Building permits for construction projects in Williams County are processed by Williams County Planning and Zoning Department, which also handles zoning compliance, conditional use permits, and subdivision approvals.
For business entity formations including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and trade names, the North Dakota Secretary of State maintains the central business registry accessible online at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov, where users can search by business name, registered agent, or file number and view formation documents, annual reports, and registered agent information at no charge. The Secretary of State's Business Registration Division can be contacted through the office’s website. assistance with new filings or obtaining certified copies of business documents. Doing Business As (DBA) names and fictitious name registrations are filed with Williams County Recorder's Office when operating under a name different from the legal entity name.
The City of Williston requires separate business licenses for operations within city limits; applications and information are available through Williston City Hall, 22 East Broadway The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner handles sales tax permits, which can be applied for online through the Tax Commissioner's website. Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, etc.) are issued by respective North Dakota state licensing boards rather than at Williams County level.
The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, Williston, ND 58801, phone, website www.willistonchamber.com, provides business development resources, networking opportunities, and information about operating businesses in Williams County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Williams County, North Dakota, are administered by Williams County Auditor's Office, which serves as Williams County's official election authority. The Auditor's Office is located at 205 East Broadway, Williston, ND 58801, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The office manages voter registration, polling place operations, absentee voting, and election result tabulation for all federal, state, and local elections within Williams County. North Dakota is unique among U.S.
- However, voters may choose to provide their information in advance through the North Dakota Voter Information Portal at https://vip.sos.nd.gov to streamline the check-in process on Election Day.
- Mail-in absentee ballots must be requested by application and returned by the deadline specified in the instructions, typically by the close of polls on Election Day.
States in that it does not require voter registration; eligible residents may vote by simply providing proof of residency and identification at their polling place on Election Day, as established under North Dakota Century Code § 16.1-01-04.1. Voters need to provide a valid North Dakota driver's license, non-driver's identification card, or tribal government-issued ID with current address, or alternative documentation proving residency. To find your specific polling place in Williams County, voters can contact the County Auditor's Office or use the polling place lookup tool on the North Dakota Secretary of State's website by entering their residential address.
Election records that are public in North Dakota include precinct-level election results, lists of candidates filing for office, campaign finance reports (filed with the Secretary of State for state offices or the County Auditor for local offices), and abstract records showing vote totals by precinct. Williams County voter participation in the November 2024 general election was approximately 64% of eligible voters, consistent with North Dakota's traditionally strong civic engagement, particularly in presidential election years. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate seats, North Dakota state legislature positions, statewide constitutional offices, county offices, and local measures. Absentee voting in Williams County is available for any registered voter who prefers to vote before Election Day or cannot appear at the polls; applications for absentee ballots may be submitted to the County Auditor's Office beginning 40 days before an election.
North Dakota offers early voting at Williams County auditor's office during the weeks preceding Election Day. Election transparency in Williams County is strong; under North Dakota's open records law, citizens may request access to election materials including ballot accounting records, poll books, and canvass documents, though actual voted ballots remain sealed to protect voter privacy. Williams County Auditor's Office publishes unofficial election results on election night and certified official results after Williams County canvassing board completes its review, typically within a week of the election.
Economy & Demographics
Williams County's economy has been fundamentally transformed over the past fifteen years by the Bakken oil boom, making energy extraction and related services the dominant economic driver in Williams County. Williams County sits atop the Bakken formation, one of the largest oil reserves in the United States, and has experienced dramatic population growth, infrastructure investment, and economic expansion since the late 2000s.
- The Missouri River provides recreational economic opportunities, and Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site draws tourism.
Major employers in Williams County include oil and gas companies such as Hess Corporation, Continental Resources, Oasis Petroleum, and numerous oilfield service companies including Halliburton, Schlumberger, and Baker Hughes. The median household income in Williams County was estimated at approximately $96,000 according to recent American Community Survey data, significantly higher than the national median due to high-paying energy sector jobs, though the cost of living has also increased substantially. Beyond petroleum extraction, key economic sectors include transportation and logistics (pipeline companies, trucking, rail services), construction and infrastructure development, retail and hospitality services supporting the increased population, agriculture (wheat, barley, cattle ranching on remaining agricultural lands), and healthcare services through CHI St.
Alexius Health Williston Medical Center and other providers. The Williston Basin International Airport has expanded to serve increased business travel and workforce transportation needs. Unemployment in Williams County has historically been very low during oil boom periods, sometimes below 2%, though rates fluctuate with oil prices and production levels.
Notable economic development initiatives include the expansion of industrial parks, workforce housing projects to address severe housing shortages experienced during peak boom years, and infrastructure improvements including road reconstruction, water treatment facility expansion, and development of the Williston Research Extension Center operated by North Dakota State University focusing on agricultural and energy research.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Statewide Portal) | Property: Yes: Free Index Search, Paid Document Access | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Phone/In-Person Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: State Office or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: Yes: Results Online, No Registration Database | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Williams County provides good access to most public records with online tools for property and court searches, though some records require in-person or phone requests.