Search Burleigh County, ND Property Records

In Burleigh County, North Dakota, property records are managed primarily at the county level, with the Recorder serving as the central custodian for recorded land documents. Property tax assessment data is administered separately by the Tax Equalization, while the Auditor oversees tax billing and collections.

While county offices handle the bulk of property record-keeping, cities and townships may maintain local records, usually tied to zoning and land use processes.Per the records, the county's property landscape is shaped by a median home value of $289,900.00, a median rent of $935.00, and a median household income of $83,482.00. The county also levies a median annual real estate tax rate of approximately 0.54% on residential properties.

Access to Burleigh County, ND, property records can be facilitated online, in person, by mail, by email, or through other request methods offered by the responsible office.

Many searches begin online because digital resources provide convenient access to a wide range of property-related information.

The subscription-based North Dakota Recorders Information Network (NDRIN) platform can provide access to deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, and similar filings. For property assessment data, parcel details, and sales history, users may consult the county Parcel Search tool.

PropertyChecker can also provide access to property information through flexible search inputs. This tool allows users to locate ownership details and parcel-related records with minimal steps. It supports quick retrieval of property data for basic research and verification.

If online systems are not sufficient, records may also be requested in person, by mail, email, or telephone. These methods are commonly used for requests that require additional verification or direct staff assistance.

To conduct more accurate searches, users typically need to provide a property address, parcel identification number, or the current owner's name. Having the parcel number can speed up searches considerably, since it connects directly to specific records across multiple databases.

Users should be aware that some records may be subject to access limitations or fees. For example, viewing document images through NDRIN generally requires a paid subscription, while older records that have not been digitized may only be available for in-person review.

Certified copies of recorded documents may also require payment of statutory fees, and certain records may involve additional processing or verification before release.

Property Ownership and Title Information

Ownership and title records in Burleigh County are maintained by the County Recorder. The office keeps official documents such as deeds, mortgages, easements, leases, plats, liens, and other recorded instruments related to real property. These records can verify legal ownership and document changes in property rights over time.

Each document is indexed using document number, recording date, party names, instrument type, recording location, and legal property description. Public computers are available at the Recorder’s Office in Bismarck for on-site access. Those who cannot visit the office may subscribe to the North Dakota Recorders Information Network (NDRIN) for remote retrieval.

Property Sales and Transaction History

Burleigh County property sales history and transaction records can be found through the Parcel Search system. This tool often provides parcel-linked sales data, including transaction dates and recorded sale amounts. To identify the parties involved in each transaction, property appraisers and researchers may examine recorded deeds maintained by the County Recorder.

For a broader view of sales data, PropertyChecker can present deed transfers, loan records, and purchase history gathered from public and private sources. This tool can help users review multiple transaction records associated with a property to understand ownership patterns and market valuation trends better.

Property Tax Assessment and Payment Records

The County Tax Equalization Department handles property tax assessment in Burleigh County. This office determines property values, reviews exemptions, and ensures consistent assessments across all parcels. Through the Parcel Search system, users can access assessed value, exemption status, and related assessment details used for taxation purposes.

Tax billing and payment records are managed separately by the County Auditor. The office prepares tax statements in accordance with established assessed values. It offers the Online Tax Search system, which allows taxpayers to review current tax balances, payment history, and due dates for specific parcels.

Property owners who wish to challenge an assessed value may contact the County Tax Equalization Department. The agency can provide guidance on filing procedures, required documentation, and deadlines for assessment review.

Property Characteristics and Parcel Details

A property parcel search may be conducted to review detailed property characteristics in Burleigh County. The Parcel Search system serves as the main tool for this process and allows users to search by parcel number or property address.

Once a parcel is located, the Residential Building Information section of the system can outline key property features. It may include occupancy type, architectural style, year built, and total living area. Additional details may cover room counts, building descriptions, basement finish, plumbing features, decks, patios, and garage specifications.

Zoning, Land Use, and Planning Records

The County Building, Planning, and Zoning Department manages zoning and land use records in the unincorporated areas of Burleigh County.

This department enforces zoning regulations and reviews applications for subdivision plats, zoning amendments, text changes, special use permits, and variances. It also provides access to zoning documents, including the county zoning map used to identify permitted land uses and zoning districts.

For properties located within city limits, zoning and planning matters are handled by the respective municipal office.

In the City of Lincoln, the Planning and Zoning Board manages local zoning inquiries and development review requests. It can provide zoning information, planning guidance, and development standards. It also maintains the Lincoln Zoning Map, which can show zoning districts and land use designations within city boundaries.

Legal Documents Affecting Property

Legal instruments that can define or affect property rights in Burleigh County are maintained by the County Recorder. These land documents may include deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, easements, and plats. Users may access these records in person during office hours or through a paid subscription on the North Dakota Recorders Information Network (NDRIN) portal.

For a more complete review of liens or encumbrances on a parcel, researchers may also examine court records, such as civil judgments, foreclosure actions, and probate matters. These documents are maintained separately by the County Clerk of the District Court and may provide additional context on legal claims affecting property.

Building Permits, Inspections, and Construction Records

In unincorporated portions of Burleigh County, the County Building, Planning, and Zoning Department oversees building permits, inspections, and construction-related records.

The department reviews applications for new development projects while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations. Its Permit and Inspection Portal allows users to submit applications, monitor review progress, request site visits, and access project information.

Properties within municipal limits are generally governed by their own local development offices. In the City of Bismarck, for example, these responsibilities fall under the Building Inspections Department. It provides a city permit portal that enables users to apply for approvals, track project status, request reviews, and access records associated with development activity.

Maps and Visual Property Data

The Parcel Viewer serves as the primary mapping tool for Burleigh County. It includes information for more than 48,000 parcels and can provide parcel outlines, property locations, and basic parcel identifiers.

In addition to parcel mapping, the system typically displays zoning districts, future land-use designations, and elevation information that may assist with planning and land-use research. Users can also access aerial and historical imagery to support comparison of current conditions with past land development patterns and site changes over time.

The Burleigh County Parcel Viewer maps out every township across the county, with a toolbar along the top offering search, editing, and layer tools for locating a specific parcel. Selecting a parcel directly on the map, like one within Sibley Butte Township, opens a "Results" panel on the right showing tax parcel data pulled straight from county records.

That panel lists the owner's name, mailing address, acreage, and a formatted legal description alongside details like school district, fire district, and floodplain status. A "Market and Taxable Values" section further down breaks out farmland, commercial, and residential figures separately, distinguishing market value from taxable value for each category.

A separate "Jurisdiction Authority" panel, triggered from clicking a specific area, outlines which office handles permitting, platting, zoning, and road approach for that location, often linking directly to relevant township or county department contacts.

Buttons near the bottom of the results panel also link out to property tax records and mapping services like Google Maps for further reference.

Displayed here are charts summarizing the county's tax rates, accompanied by insights into median home values, income figures, and rent rates.

Median Rent

$935.00

North Dakota	$688.00
National	$840.25

• +35.9 %
  vs North Dakota
• +11.3 %
  vs National

Median Home Value

$289,900.00

North Dakota	$131,900.00
National	$173,750.00

• +119.8 %
  vs North Dakota
• +66.8 %
  vs National

Median Household Income

$83,482.00

North Dakota	$76,250.00
National	$65,108.00

• +9.5 %
  vs North Dakota
• +28.2 %
  vs National

Median Property Tax Rate

0.54%

North Dakota	0.81%
National	0.74%

• -33.3%
  vs North Dakota
• -27.0 %
  vs National

Unemployment Rate

1.78%

North Dakota	1.59%
National	2.87%

• +11.9 %
  vs North Dakota
• -38.0 %
  vs National

Renter Occupied Housing

23.99%

North Dakota	19.11%
National	21.81%

• +25.5 %
  vs North Dakota
• +10.0 %
  vs National

The County Recorder serves as the official registrar of deeds in Burleigh County. This office preserves all recorded land instruments, dating back to 1873, when the county was organized. Among the documents maintained by the office are deeds, mortgages, easements, leases, plats, liens, and other instruments that can define property rights and land transactions.

Records from this office form a key foundation for other county functions. The Tax Equalization Department relies on ownership data from recorded deeds to support assessment work. Zoning and land use decisions may also reference plats and easements recorded in this office. Title companies also depend on grantor-grantee indexes when conducting property research.

Public access to these instruments is available through on-site computer terminals at the Recorder’s Office. Remote access may also be obtained through a subscription to the North Dakota Recorders Information Network (NDRIN).

Apart from that, written requests may be sent to PO Box 5518, provided they include sufficient document details, applicable fees, and a self-addressed envelope for return processing. For current fee information and assistance, contact the office at (701) 222-6749.

Burleigh County has four cities that have been incorporated and 47 townships. Although county offices possess a lot of important property records, local governments seem to be in control of property matters like zoning, building permits, land use approvals, and enforcement of codes.

Below shows the cities and townships of Burleigh County and has links to their official websites where information can be found regarding local records, permits, and property-related services.

Note: Cities and townships without hyperlinks may not currently have an official website.

• Bismarck
• Lincoln
• Regan
• Wing
• Apple Creek Township
• Boyd Township
• Burnt Creek Township
• Canfield Township
• Christiania Township
• Clear Lake Township
• Crofte Township
• Cromwell Township
• Driscoll Township
• Ecklund Township
• Estherville Township
• Florence Lake Township
• Fort Rice Township
• Frances Township
• Ghylin Township
• Gibbs Township
• Glenview Township
• Grass Lake Township
• Harriet Township
• Hay Creek Township
• Hazel Grove Township
• Lein Township
• Lincoln Township
• Logan Township
• Long Lake Township
• Lyman Township
• McKenzie Township
• Menoken Township
• Missouri Township
• Morton Township
• Naughton Township
• Painted Woods Township
• Phoenix Township
• Richmond Township
• Riverview Township
• Rock Hill Township
• Schrunk Township
• Sibley Butte Township
• Steiber Township
• Sterling Township
• Taft Township
• Telfer Township
• Thelma Township
• Trygg Township
• Wildrose Township
• Wilson Township
• Wing Township