Stearns County, MN Property Records
Property records in Stearns, Minnesota, document ownership, parcel boundaries, assessed values, property tax details, legal descriptions, sales history, and recorded land documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. These records are useful for buyers, sellers, property owners, researchers, real estate professionals, and attorneys who need to verify ownership, review tax information, confirm legal descriptions, or research a property’s history.
Official records are maintained by Stearns County offices, including property assessment, tax, and recording departments. Users can access reliable information through the county’s online tools and office resources on the official Stearns property records website, where they can find guidance for searching parcels, reviewing tax details, and obtaining recorded documents. For certified copies or legal verification, users should contact the appropriate Stearns County office directly.
Stearns County, MN Property Records & Statistics
Stearns County has a median rent of $841, essentially level with the national figure of $840.25 and above the Minnesota median of $808. The median home value is $232,400, higher than the state's $190,000 and the national $173,750, which shows a market priced above both benchmarks.
The county's median property tax rate is 0.97%, just under the state rate of 0.98% and above the national rate of 0.74%. Combined with higher home values, that means tax bills are likely to be larger than in many parts of the country even though the rate is close to the state norm.
Median household income is $78,698, higher than $70,066 statewide and $65,108 nationally. Unemployment is low at 2.16%, below both the state's 2.29% and the national 2.87%, pointing to a solid job market.
Renter-occupied housing accounts for 16.67% of occupied homes, slightly above the state's 16.38% and below the national 21.81%. In all, Stearns County is a stronger-income, lower-unemployment county where home values run above state and national levels, rents are in line with the national median, and most households own their homes.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
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Property Records, Assessments, and Valuations in Stearns
Stearns County property records cover tax assessments, recorded deeds, property valuations, foreclosure filings, and assignment and release documents. The county has 72,128 total parcels, including 56,204 residential and 3,540 commercial parcels, with tax records covering 95.63% of the population and an assessment year of 2025. Recorded documents include 71,759 deeds, and valuation data is available for 43,348 properties.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Parcels | 72,128 |
| Residential Parcels | 56,204 |
| Commercial Parcels | 3,540 |
| Tax Record Coverage | 95.63% |
| Assessment Year | 2025 |
| Deed Records | 71,759 |
| Properties with Valuation Data | 43,348 |
| Latest Valuation Update | August 19, 2025 |
| Notice of Trustee Sale Records | 5,341 |
| Latest Notice of Trustee Sale | August 28, 2025 |
Assignment and Release Records
Assignment and release records track what happens to a mortgage after it is recorded. An assignment shows that a mortgage was transferred from one lender or loan holder to another, while a release shows that a mortgage was satisfied and the lien removed from the property.
Stearns County has 18 assignment and release records available for research. They include 0 assignment documents and 18 release documents, along with 0 other documents, recorded from January 13, 2025, through August 20, 2025.
For property research, these records help show whether a mortgage on a property has been paid off. Because the available records cover a short window in 2025, they are most useful for recent releases. Buyers, owners, and researchers can pair them with the county's deed records to confirm the status of a loan before a sale or refinance.
How to Search Stearns County, MN Property Records
Stearns County property records are maintained by the Property Services Recording Division, which records deeds and related real estate documents. The county has 72,128 parcels, and its recorded deeds run from January 2, 2007 through August 18, 2025.
The Stearns County official records search is the online portal for looking up recorded documents. For details about the office, visit the Stearns County Recording Services page. Those who submit documents electronically can find instructions on the Stearns County eRecording Services page.
The Recording Division is at 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Call 320-656-3855 for help with a search or copy request.
To search, sign in to the portal, then enter a property address, owner name, or document details. Review the results, open the record that matches, and compare dates and parties to confirm it is the right one.
Stearns Registrar of Deeds
The Stearns County Probate Office is located at 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park, MN, 56387 and can be reached at 320-656-3855. Office hours are Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Records can be accessed through erecording.stearnscountymn.gov or the official website stearnscountymn.gov.
Stearns County Property Services Recording Division
Stearns County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Stearns County property records by address?
Use the Stearns County official records search and enter the property address to find recorded documents tied to it. If you don't see a match, try fewer words from the address or search by owner name. The Recording Division at 320-656-3855 can also help you locate a parcel.
How can I find property owners in Stearns County?
Ownership is shown in recorded deeds. Search the Stearns County official records search by address or name and review the deed that transferred the property. The county holds 71,759 deed records from January 2, 2007 through August 18, 2025. For help, call 320-656-3855.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Stearns County?
Stearns County's assessment year is 2025, and the assessor's data was last updated on July 14, 2025. For a specific parcel's value, call the Property Services Recording Division at 320-656-3855 and ask which county office handles assessment questions. Have the address or parcel number ready.
Where can I find Stearns County property tax bills and payment records?
Stearns County's tax records currently reflect the 2024 tax year. To find a bill or payment record, call 320-656-3855 and ask the Property Services staff which office issues and collects property taxes. You can also visit the Stearns County Recording Services page for county contact details.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Stearns County?
Search recorded documents through the Stearns County official records search. The county has 71,759 deed records. In person, visit 3301 County Road 138, Waite Park, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, or call 320-656-3855. Electronic filers can use the eRecording Services page.
Where can I access Stearns County parcel maps and GIS information?
Parcel mapping is managed outside the recording office, but staff can point you toward it. Call the Property Services Recording Division at 320-656-3855 with a parcel number or address and ask which Stearns County department provides parcel maps and GIS information. The county has 72,128 parcels, so a specific identifier is helpful.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Stearns County?
Permits and zoning are handled by county and city offices rather than the recording office. Call 320-656-3855 and ask which department covers your property. If the parcel is within a city such as Waite Park or St. Cloud, local city offices may handle permits, so ask about both city and county requirements.
How can I create a list of property owners in Stearns County?
Search the Stearns County official records search by address or name and note the owners named in recorded deeds. For larger owner lists, call the Recording Division at 320-656-3855 to ask what records can be provided and how requests are handled.