Tax-Forfeited Land Sales

Tax-forfeited land, managed by St. Louis County, is land that has forfeited to the State of Minnesota for non-payment of taxes.

A list of land for potential sale is prepared by the Land & Minerals Department and submitted for County Board approval. State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approval is also necessary for certain parcels (on water, mineral potential, etc). Once approved, properties are sold at public auction to the highest bidder. Three public auctions and several private adjoining owner sales are held each year. If a property does not sell at auction, it may be available over-the-counter, on a first come, first served basis, or offered through the continuous online auction.

The County may reoffer individual unsold tracts at periodically adjusted prices, based on market conditions, to the general public on an over-the-counter listing or online auction until the tracts are sold or withdrawn. Adjoining owners will not be re-notified when such price adjustments occur. It is the sole responsibility of any prospective buyer to monitor any potential price adjustments.

Auction lists will be available approximately one month prior to the auction. Sales can be paid for in full on the day of the sale or the purchaser may enter into a contract with the county for a period not exceeding 10 years. The down payment is 10% of the purchase price or $500, whichever is greater, plus fees. The current annual interest rate as determined by statute is 10%. For those parcels for which there is an estimated volume of timber, the appraised value of the timber must be paid in full at the time of purchase, in addition to the down payment. If bid up, the timber value increases at the same rate as the auction bid-up. Certified assessments must be paid in full at the time of purchase, in addition to the down payment.