Beltrami County Public RecordsMinnesota

As of the 2020 Census, Beltrami County, MN, had a population of 46,228. The median age was 33.2 years. About 50.5% were male and 49.5% female. Racially, 74.5% identified as White, 19.7% American Indian or Alaska Native, 2.7% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 4.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county features notable diversity, especially with one of the highest percentages of American Indian residents in Minnesota.

Beltrami County, MN, had 29,512 registered voters in 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, municipal, and school board races; the 2020 presidential election saw 16,739 votes for Donald Trump and 11,823 for Joe Biden. Polling locations are spread across 31 precincts. The county faces issues such as Native American representation and rural access. Election administration is managed by the Beltrami County Auditor-Treasurer. Major parties are DFL and GOP. In recent years, turnout surpassed 75%. Voter registration requires a Minnesota ID or proof of residence, and absentee/mail voting is available.

Beltrami County, MN, has 43 public schools, including 6 high schools. About 89% of adults have a high school diploma, and 24% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school test scores are below the Minnesota state average (math proficiency: 37%, reading: 49%). School safety initiatives include student resource officers and anti-bullying programs. The area offers adult education and career-technical programs through Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College, supporting lifelong learning and workforce readiness.

As of 2022, Beltrami County, MN has an employment rate of about 56.1%. Leading industries for employment include Health Care & Social Assistance (22.5%), Retail Trade (14.6%), and Educational Services (11.2%). The most common occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (15.3%) and Sales (10.1%). Mean commute time is approximately 17.9 minutes, with 77.7% of workers driving alone and 8.3% carpooling. The majority of residents work within the county, with Bemidji being the primary employment center.

Beltrami County, MN, has a homeownership rate of about 66%, with median home values around $196,000 as of 2023, up from $170,000 in 2020. Median gross rent is approximately $900/month. The housing stock consists mainly of single-family homes, with some apartments and manufactured homes. Popular neighborhoods in Bemidji, the county seat, include Nymore and Northern Township. Property taxes average 1.12% of home value. Recent trends show steady price appreciation and moderate demand, especially near lakes and the university.

Beltrami County, MN, reported a violent crime rate of 301.9 per 100,000 residents in 2022, slightly below the Minnesota state average. Property crime, however, was higher, with a rate of 2,796 per 100,000, reflecting concerns about theft and burglary. The Sheriff's Office actively encourages reporting through online, phone, and in-person channels, aiming for community engagement and proactive response. While overall crime rates have slightly decreased since 2020, Beltrami County remains above the state average for property crimes, indicating ongoing safety challenges.