About Grant County
Grant County is located in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, bordered by the Mississippi River to the west, forming natural boundaries with Iowa and Illinois. Grant County Seat is Lancaster, situated in the central portion of Grant County. Grant County includes approximately 1,184 square miles, making it one of Wisconsin's larger counties by land area. As of recent census estimates, the population stands at approximately 52,000 residents. Grant County was established in 1836 and named after the mining grant given to early settlers during the lead mining boom.
- The Register of Deeds office operates at the same address, recording property transactions and maintaining land records.
Major landmarks include the historic Nelson Dewey State Park, Wyalusing State Park at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers, and the Potosi Brewery, one of Wisconsin's oldest breweries. Grant County is known for its rich agricultural heritage, scenic river bluffs, and its significant role in Wisconsin's lead mining history. Grant County Courthouse is located at 130 West Maple Street in Lancaster, housing various county offices.
Grant County Clerk's office, also at the courthouse, maintains vital records and election administration. Grant Municipal Assessor's office handles property valuations and tax assessment records. Grant County features several municipalities including Lancaster, Platteville (home to University of Wisconsin-Platteville), Boscobel, Cuba City, and Fennimore.
The terrain varies from river bottomlands to steep limestone bluffs and rolling agricultural lands. Grant County's economy has transitioned from mining to agriculture, education, and tourism, while maintaining its small-town character and historical significance in Wisconsin's development.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Grant County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Grant County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees the operations of Grant County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to transparency and community engagement, often participating in local events to foster positive relationships with residents.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Grant County is provided by Grant County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Platteville Police Department, Lancaster Police Department, and Boscobel Police Department are key agencies serving their respective cities. These departments handle local law enforcement duties, while the Sheriff's Office covers broader county areas and collaborates with city departments on major investigations. Coordination between these agencies ensures full coverage and efficient response to criminal activities.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Grant County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 128 East Maple Street in Lancaster, Wisconsin 53813, provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of Grant County. Grant County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same Lancaster address, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences.
- Inmate searches can be conducted by calling the jail directly at or visiting the facility during business hours; online inmate lookup capabilities may be limited and inquiries should be directed to the jail staff.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records and may be obtained through the same request process, though the Sheriff's Office may charge copying fees as permitted under Wisconsin law.
- Response time varies but agencies must respond to records requests as soon as practicable and without delay.
- The Wisconsin Department of Justice also maintains the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system where some criminal case information can be searched online.
Municipal police departments operate independently within Grant County's cities: the Platteville Police Department serves the largest county, while the Lancaster Police Department, Boscobel Police Department, Cuba City Police Department, and Fennimore Police Department provide law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions. Arrest records in Grant County are public records subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law, Wisconsin Statute §19.31-19.39, which establishes that citizens have a right to access government records with limited exceptions.
Grant County does not have tribal law enforcement agencies, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within county boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Grant County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which provides full criminal history reports. Grant County's criminal records system ensures that all legal proceedings and outcomes are accurately documented and accessible for authorized purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Grant County are maintained by Grant County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Wisconsin Open Records Law governs the accessibility of these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Grant County Jail, located in Lancaster, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Grant County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Wisconsin state laws, allowing for cash bonds or bail bonds through approved agencies.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Grant County are taken and retained by Grant County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some third-party websites may offer mugshot lookups, the most reliable source is the official county website. Wisconsin does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can request corrections or updates if inaccuracies are found.
Courts & Case Records
Grant County's judicial system operates under the Wisconsin Circuit Court system, with Grant County Circuit Court located at Grant County Courthouse, 130 West Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Grant County is part of Wisconsin's Seventh Judicial District and handles all civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters within its jurisdiction.
- The Circuit Court hears felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts over $10,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate and estate proceedings, and traffic citations.
- The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system provides free online searching of circuit court cases at wcca.wicourts.gov, where users can search by name, case number, or other criteria for most Grant County cases.
- The online system provides case summaries, party information, charge details, and disposition information, though complete case files require in-person review or formal requests.
- The Clerk of Circuit Court office at Grant County Courthouse maintains physical case files and can provide certified copies for a fee, typically $1.25 per page plus a certification fee.
- Probate records, including wills and estate proceedings, are maintained by the Register in Probate at the same courthouse location.
Municipal courts operate in several Grant County cities including Platteville, Lancaster, Boscobel, and other municipalities, handling local ordinance violations, traffic tickets, and minor offenses within city limits. Court records in Wisconsin are public under Wisconsin Statute §19.21(2) and Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Chapter 70, which establish presumptive public access to court records with limited exceptions for sensitive matters. Case file inspection is available during regular business hours at the courthouse.
Online access is free for basic case information, but obtaining complete documents or certified copies requires payment of statutory fees.
Property & Public Records
Grant County Register of Deeds office, located at 130 West Maple Street in Lancaster, WI 53813, maintains full land and property records for Grant County. The office phone number is. The Register of Deeds records and maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, military discharge papers (DD-214s), easements, land contracts, plat maps, surveys, and various other instruments affecting real property in Grant County. These records are public and available for inspection under Wisconsin's Open Records Law.
- Wisconsin Statute §59.43 establishes the duties and responsibilities of the Register of Deeds.
- Grant County offers online property record searching through its website, allowing users to search land records by grantor/Grant Countyee name, document type, or legal description.
- The Register of Deeds charges statutory fees for recording documents and providing certified copies, typically $30 for the first page of most documents plus $2 for each additional page, with certain exceptions.
- Grant County provides an online Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer that allows users to view property boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, and tax information.
- This GIS system can be accessed through Grant County website and provides interactive mapping tools.
Property tax records are maintained by Grant County Treasurer's office at and the Municipal Assessor, who can be reached through the courthouse. To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requesters should contact the Register of Deeds office with specific document information including document number, recording date, or parties involved. The office accepts requests in person, by mail, and by phone with payment arrangements.
Historical land records dating back to Grant County's establishment in 1836 are preserved and available for research, making Grant County an important resource for genealogical and title research.
Vital Records
Vital records for Grant County, Wisconsin, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Grant County may be obtained through Grant County Register of Deeds office at 130 West Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813 Wisconsin counties maintain birth records occurring within their jurisdiction, and the Register of Deeds is the local vital records custodian under Wisconsin Statute §69.21.
- Birth certificates cost approximately $20 for a certified copy, and requesters must provide proper identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Wisconsin law.
- Death certificates follow similar requirements and fees.
- Processing time for vital records requests at Grant County level is typically 1-2 weeks, though in-person requests may be fulfilled same-day if records are readily available.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $110, and there is a six-day waiting period before the license becomes valid.
- Online ordering typically includes additional convenience fees.
Marriage licenses are issued by Grant County Clerk's office at Grant County Courthouse, 130 West Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813 Couples must apply in person, with both parties present, and provide valid identification and Social Security numbers. The license is valid for 30 days after issuance.
Divorce records are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court at the same courthouse address. For vital records more than 100 years old or for records when Grant County office cannot locate them, the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, located at 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703, is the state repository. The state office can be reached at and offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords.
Acceptable identification includes valid driver's license, state ID, or passport. Birth records are restricted for 100 years and death records for 50 years to protect privacy.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Grant County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity and licensing required. Grant County Clerk's office at Grant County Courthouse, 130 West Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813, phone, handles local business registrations including fictitious name filings (doing business as or DBA registrations). These filings allow businesses operating under names other than their legal names to register with Grant County.
- The Wisconsin business entity search can be accessed online at www.wdfi.org where users can search for registered businesses by name, registered agent, or business ID number.
- This free online database provides information about business formation dates, registered agents, business addresses, and current status.
- The Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission provides planning assistance to Grant County.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other registered entities, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions maintains the official business registry. Professional licenses for occupations such as cosmetology, real estate, nursing, and other regulated professions are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, not at Grant County level. Building permits and zoning approvals in unincorporated Grant County are handled by Grant County Zoning Department, which can be reached through the courthouse.
Individual municipalities including Platteville, Lancaster, Boscobel, Cuba City, and Fennimore maintain their own building inspection and business licensing requirements for activities within city limits. Sales tax permits are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Grant County Economic Development Corporation works to promote business development and can provide information about starting a business in Grant County.
Local chambers of commerce including the Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce at www.platteville.com provide business networking and information resources for the business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Grant County, Wisconsin, is managed by Grant County Clerk's office, located at Grant County Courthouse, 130 West Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813. Grant County Clerk is the chief election official and can be contacted through the office’s website. The office website at grantcounty.org provides election information, though full voter resources are available through the Wisconsin Elections Commission at elections.wi.gov.
- To register, voters must be U.S.
- Grant County voters can request absentee ballots through the MyVote Wisconsin website, by contacting their municipal clerk directly, or through written request to Grant County Clerk for unincorporated areas.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before Election Day for mail ballots, though in-person absentee voting is available at clerk's offices until the Sunday before the election.
- Grant County maintains transparency in elections by making results available after certification, providing access to campaign finance filings, and allowing observation of ballot counting.
- Citizens can request copies of election materials under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, and the County Clerk's office provides information about candidates and referenda questions appearing on ballots.
Voter registration in Grant County can be completed online through the statewide MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, where eligible residents can register, check registration status, and access other election services. Wisconsin allows same-day voter registration at polling places on Election Day, though pre-registration must be completed online or by mail at least 20 days before the election. Citizens, Wisconsin residents for at least 28 consecutive days before the election, and at least 18 years old.
Voters can find their assigned polling place using the MyVote Wisconsin website by entering their address, which will display the specific polling location, sample ballot, and hours of operation. Grant County is divided into numerous voting wards across municipalities and townships, each with designated polling locations. Election records that are public under Wisconsin law include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate nomination papers and declarations, and official election results by ward and county.
Wisconsin Statute §5.05 and §19.35 govern public access to election records. Grant County voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 75-78%, reflecting Wisconsin's traditionally high civic engagement. The next major election is November 3, 2026, which will include midterm elections for U.S.
House of Representatives, one U.S. Senate seat, Wisconsin constitutional officers including Governor, and state legislative seats. Absentee voting is available to all Wisconsin voters without requiring an excuse.
Wisconsin requires photo ID for voting, whether in person or by mail for first-time absentee voters.
Economy & Demographics
Grant County's economy has diversified significantly from its historical foundation in lead mining to cover agriculture, education, manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Agriculture remains a key part of the local economy, with dairy farming, crop production (primarily corn and soybeans), and livestock operations providing substantial employment and economic output. Grant County contains hundreds of family farms that contribute to Wisconsin's reputation as America's Dairyland.
- Grant County's manufacturing sector includes food processing, metal fabrication, and industrial equipment production.
- Median household income in Grant County is estimated at approximately $60,000, slightly below the Wisconsin state average but reflecting the rural character and cost of living in Grant County.
Education plays a major economic role through the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, which employs hundreds of faculty and staff and brings thousands of students to Grant County, supporting local businesses and real estate markets. Major employers in Grant County include Southwest Health Center in Platteville, which provides healthcare services and employs several hundred workers, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster, and numerous manufacturing facilities. Tourism contributes to the economy through visitors to Wyalusing State Park, Nelson Dewey State Park, Mississippi River recreational activities, and historical sites related to lead mining heritage.
The unemployment rate in Grant County typically tracks close to the state average, generally in the 3-4% range during normal economic conditions. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and using Grant County's educational assets and quality of life advantages. Grant County Economic Development Corporation actively works to attract new businesses and support expansion of existing operations.
Grant County benefits from its location along the Mississippi River and proximity to the tri-state area of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (WCCA) | Property: Yes: Free Online Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Preferred | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online (MyVote WI) | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Grant County provides good digital access to property and court records with free online tools, though arrest logs and vital records require direct contact with county offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Grant County
Explore public records for 23 cities and communities in Grant County, Wisconsin.