About Eau Claire County
Eau Claire County is located in west-central Wisconsin, acting as a regional hub for commerce, education, and healthcare. Eau Claire County Seat is the City of Eau Claire, which is also the largest county in Eau Claire County. Eau Claire County includes approximately 638 square miles and has a population of approximately 105,000 residents as of recent census estimates.
- The Register of Deeds office, also at 721 Oxford Avenue, maintains land records, deeds, and mortgages.
Eau Claire County was established in 1856, carved from portions of Chippewa County, and takes its name from the Eau Claire area River, which French fur traders named 'Eau Claire County' meaning 'clear water.' The convergence of Eau Claire County and Chippewa Rivers shaped Eau Claire County's early economy, which was dominated by lumber production in the 19th century. Today, Eau Claire County is home to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire County, a major educational institution, and is a regional medical center. Major landmarks include Carson Park, Phoenix Park along the Chippewa River, and the Pablo Center at the Confluence performing arts venue.
Eau Claire County Courthouse is located at 721 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire County, WI 54703. Eau Claire County Clerk's office operates from the Government Center at 721 Oxford Avenue and handles vital records, marriage licenses, and election administration. Eau Claire Municipal Assessor's office oversees property assessments and taxation records.
Eau Claire County uniquely blends its lumber heritage with modern healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors, making it a active community in the Chippewa Valley region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Eau Claire County. This office manages Eau Claire County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable divisions within the department include the patrol division, investigations, and the jail division, each playing a critical role in maintaining public safety and order in Eau Claire County.
Police Departments
Eau Claire County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Eau Claire Police Department and the Altoona Police Department. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Eau Claire County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office, located at 721 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Eau Claire County and provides regional services including patrol, investigations, and jail operations. Eau Claire County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same address, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences of one year or less.
- To obtain arrest records, citizens may submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the relevant municipal police department, specifying the subject's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in jail booking records and may be viewed through the online inmate lookup system or requested directly from the Sheriff's Office.
- Response times and copying fees apply as prescribed by state law.
- Wisconsin law allows agencies to charge actual, necessary, and direct costs associated with locating, copying, and mailing records.
Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's website, where the public can search for current inmates by name and view booking information, charges, and bond status. Municipal police departments within Eau Claire County include Eau Claire County Police Department (serving the City of Eau Claire), Altoona Police Department, and Augusta Police Department, each with jurisdiction within their respective city limits. Under Wisconsin's public records law, Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, arrest records and booking logs are generally considered public records and can be requested from the law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Eau Claire County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Department of Justice offers additional resources for residents seeking full background checks, making sure of public safety and informed decision-making.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Eau Claire County are maintained by Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the guidelines set by the Wisconsin Public Records Law. An Eau Claire County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. The process ensures transparency and accessibility If you need information on arrests within Eau Claire County.
Jail & Inmate Records
Eau Claire County Jail, located in the city of Eau Claire, is the primary detention facility for Eau Claire County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainee. Inmate lookup is available through Eau Claire County's official website, providing information on current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to this facility and require scheduling in advance.
- The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the posting of bail to secure release, with specific procedures outlined by Eau Claire County jail for those recently arrested in Eau Claire County.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Eau Claire County are taken and retained by Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be searched through the sheriff's website or by submitting a formal request to the office. Wisconsin does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may seek removal through legal channels if applicable. The availability of mugshots is subject to public records laws, making sure of public access while balancing privacy concerns.
Courts & Case Records
Eau Claire County Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction serving Eau Claire County, located at 721 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703. The court can be reached at and handles civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims, and traffic matters. Eau Claire County has four Circuit Court branches presided over by elected judges. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website at wcca.wicourts.gov provides free online access to case records, allowing users to search by party name, case number, or attorney.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by statute: $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- Online access through WCCA is free for basic case information, though detailed documents may require in-person requests.
- Probate matters, including estates and guardianships, are handled by the Circuit Court with records maintained by the Register in Probate.
This database includes criminal, civil, family, probate, small claims, traffic, and forfeiture cases filed in Eau Claire County. Municipal courts operate separately in the cities of Eau Claire, Altoona, and Augusta, handling municipal ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other local matters within their jurisdictions. These courts maintain their own records and are not included in the statewide WCCA database.
The Clerk of Circuit Court's office at 721 Oxford Avenue manages court records and accepts filings for the Circuit Court. Under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.21, court records are presumed open to the public unless specifically exempted by law or court order. In-person record searches are available during business hours, and the Clerk's office can provide guidance on accessing specific case files.
The court also handles juvenile matters, though those records have restricted access to protect minors' privacy under Wisconsin Statutes § 938.78.
Property & Public Records
Eau Claire County Register of Deeds office, located at 721 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703, maintains official land records for Eau Claire County. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and its website at co.eau-claire.wi.us/departments/register-of-deeds provides access to services and resources. The Register of Deeds records and maintains real estate documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, land contracts, and plat maps.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $4.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, as established by Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43.
- Tax bill information, payment history, and special assessments are also available through Eau Claire County's online property tax inquiry system.
Eau Claire County offers a free online property search system called mix, accessible through the Register of Deeds website, which allows users to search land records by grantor/grantee name, document type, legal description, or parcel number dating back several decades. Users can view scanned images of recorded documents online at no charge for informational purposes. Eau Claire Municipal Assessor's office, located at the Government Center, maintains property assessment records and can be contacted for information regarding property valuations, classifications, and assessment appeals.
Property tax records are administered by the County Treasurer's office for Eau Claire County provides a full online GIS mapping system and parcel viewer accessible through Eau Claire County website, allowing users to search properties by address, parcel number, or owner name. The GIS system displays property boundaries, acreage, assessed values, zoning information, and aerial imagery. These digital tools provide substantial transparency and convenience for property research without requiring an in-person visit.
Vital Records
Vital records for Eau Claire County, Wisconsin are maintained by Eau Claire County Register of Deeds, located at 721 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703 Birth certificates for births occurring in Eau Claire County from October 1907 forward are available from the Register of Deeds office. The fee for a certified birth certificate is $20.00 for the first copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing less. Processing time is typically immediate for in-person requests during business hours; mail requests generally take 7-10 business days.
- Death certificates for deaths occurring in Eau Claire County from October 1907 forward are also available from the Register of Deeds at the same fee schedule.
- Couples must apply in person, with both parties present, and pay a $110.00 license fee.
- Marriage records (certificates of marriage) are filed with and available from the Register of Deeds.
- Divorce records (final divorce decrees) are court records maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court and can be accessed through that office.
- Their website at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords offers online ordering through VitalChek with expedited processing available for an additional fee.
Wisconsin law under Wisconsin Statutes § 69.20-69.24 governs access to vital records, restricting birth and death certificates to eligible persons including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or interest. Marriage licenses are issued by Eau Claire County Clerk's office at 721 Oxford Avenue
Wisconsin requires a six-day waiting period after application before the marriage license is issued, though this can be waived by court order. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office in Madison is the state repository for vital records statewide and can provide certified copies of any Wisconsin birth, death, or marriage record for events from October 1907 forward. Online ordering is available for eligible applicants who can verify their identity and relationship to the record subject.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Eau Claire County involves both county-level and state-level processes. Eau Claire County Clerk's office at 721 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703, phone, handles certain local business registrations including trade name (DBA - doing business as) certificates for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. Trade name registrations are filed at Eau Claire County level and are public records available for inspection.
- The database provides information on business names, registered agents, formation dates, status, and principal office addresses.
- Farwell Street, Suite 101, Eau Claire County, and accessible at www.eauclairechamber.org, provides resources and networking opportunities for local businesses.
For full business entity searches in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions maintains the statewide business entity database accessible at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch. This free online search tool allows users to look up corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered business entities throughout Wisconsin, including those operating in Eau Claire County. Business licenses for specific activities such as retail sales, food service, alcohol beverage sales, and professional services are often administered at the municipal level by the cities of Eau Claire area, Altoona, and Augusta.
The City of Eau Claire County requires various business licenses and permits depending on the nature of the business, administered through the City Clerk's office. Sales tax permits are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and are required for businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services. Professional licenses (such as those for contractors, electricians, plumbers, real estate agents, and healthcare professionals) are generally issued by Wisconsin state licensing boards rather than county offices.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated areas of Eau Claire County are handled by Eau Claire County Planning and Development Department for The Greater Eau Claire area Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 101 N.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Eau Claire County are administered by Eau Claire County Clerk's office, located at 721 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703. Eau Claire County Clerk is the chief election official for Eau Claire County and can be contacted through the office’s website. Eau Claire County elections website at co.eau-claire.wi.us/departments/county-clerk/elections provides full information on voter registration, polling places, absentee voting, election results, and upcoming elections.
- Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day by providing proof of residence.
- For those registering by mail or online before an election, the deadline is the third Wednesday before Election Day (20 days prior).
- Residents can find their polling place, view their sample ballot, check voter registration status, and request absentee ballots through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov.
- These records can be requested from the County Clerk under Wisconsin's open records law.
- Absentee ballots in Eau Claire County can be requested through the MyVote Wisconsin website, by mail, email, or in-person at the County Clerk's office or your municipal clerk's office.
Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online at myvote.wi.gov, the official state voter portal, or in person at the County Clerk's office, municipal clerk offices, the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles, or at the polling place on Election Day. Wisconsin requires voters to present an acceptable photo ID when voting. Election records that are public in Wisconsin include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate nomination papers and declarations of candidacy, and official election results by ward and precinct.
Eau Claire County typically experiences voter turnout rates above the state average in presidential elections, with the November 2024 general election seeing approximately 75-78% turnout of registered voters, reflecting Eau Claire County's high civic engagement. The next major election is November 3, 2026, which will include midterm elections for U.S. House of Representatives, U.S.
Senate (if applicable to the cycle), Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly seats, county offices, and local municipal positions. Wisconsin law allows any registered voter to vote absentee without providing a reason. Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before Election Day for regular mail delivery, though in-person absentee voting is available until the Sunday before Election Day.
Military and overseas voters have additional accommodations under federal and state law. Transparency in Eau Claire County elections is strong, with public access to campaign finance data through the Wisconsin Ethics Commission website at ethics.wi.gov, and election results posted promptly after canvassing. Citizens can request to observe election processes including ballot counting and canvassing procedures, making sure of accountability and public confidence in election administration.
Economy & Demographics
Eau Claire County's economy is diverse, anchored by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and service industries. Eau Claire County's largest employers include Marshfield Clinic Health System, Mayo Clinic Health System, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Hospitals, and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, which together employ thousands of residents. The education sector is particularly significant, with UW-Eau Claire enrolling approximately 10,000 students and acting as a major economic driver through employment, research, and cultural contributions.
- The median household income in Eau Claire County is approximately $60,000 according to recent census estimates, slightly above the state median.
Manufacturing remains important to Eau Claire County's economy, with companies like Menards corporate headquarters (based in Eau Claire), 3M, Hutchinson Technology, and Andersen Corporation operating facilities in Eau Claire County. Key economic sectors include healthcare and social assistance, educational services, manufacturing, retail trade, and accommodation and food services. Agriculture continues to contribute to the rural economy, particularly dairy farming, though its proportional economic impact has declined compared to historical levels.
Eau Claire County has seen growth in technology and professional services sectors, with entrepreneurship initiatives supported by the University and local economic development organizations. Eau Claire County Regional Economic Development Corporation works to attract and retain businesses in Eau Claire County. Recent economic development projects have focused on downtown Eau Claire revitalization, including the Pablo Center at the Confluence arts venue which opened in 2018.
Tourism contributes to the local economy through events, outdoor recreation along the Chippewa River State Trail, and cultural attractions. The unemployment rate in Eau Claire County typically tracks close to or below the Wisconsin state average, reflecting a relatively stable and diversified economy. Workforce development initiatives through Chippewa Valley Technical College provide training aligned with employer needs in healthcare, manufacturing, and technical fields.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via WCCA | Property: Yes: Free Online Search (Mix & GIS) | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online via MyVote WI | Overall Score: 9/10, Eau Claire County provides excellent digital access to most public records with online portals for property, court, jail, and election information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Eau Claire County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin.