About La Crosse County
La Crosse County is located in the Driftless Area of western Wisconsin, positioned along the Mississippi River where Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa converge. The county seat is La Crosse, which serves as the largest city and regional economic hub. Established in 1851, La Crosse County encompasses approximately 474 square miles and has a population of roughly 120,000 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in western Wisconsin. The county is named after the game of lacrosse, which French explorers observed Native Americans playing in the region.
- Major landmarks include Grandad Bluff, which rises 600 feet above the city and offers panoramic views of three states, the La Crosse River State Trail, and Perrot State Park along the Mississippi River.
- The Register of Deeds office is located at 400 4th Street North, Room 1300, La Crosse, WI 54601.
- The County Assessor's office provides property valuation services and maintains tax assessment records.
The county is home to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a major educational institution, and serves as a healthcare center for the tri-state area with multiple major medical facilities. The La Crosse County Clerk operates from the same building and handles elections, vital records, and county board administration. What makes La Crosse County unique is its distinctive topography—unlike most of Wisconsin, this area was untouched by glaciers during the last ice age, creating the dramatic bluffs, valleys, and coulees that define the Driftless Area landscape.
The county balances urban amenities in the City of La Crosse with rural agricultural communities in surrounding townships.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The La Crosse County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the operation of the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office also provides patrol services, investigates crimes, and collaborates with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety. Notable programs include community policing initiatives and a drug task force aimed at reducing substance abuse-related crimes in the county.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in La Crosse County is provided by the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The La Crosse Police Department serves the city of La Crosse, while the Onalaska Police Department and Holmen Police Department serve their respective communities. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, sharing resources and information to effectively address criminal activity across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The La Crosse County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving the unincorporated areas of La Crosse County and providing countywide services. The Sheriff's Office is headquartered at 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601, and can be reached at (608) 785-9629. The agency operates the La Crosse County Jail, a detention facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Citizens may request arrest records by contacting the arresting agency directly, either the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Requests should be made in writing, though some agencies accept verbal or email requests.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's inmate search system and may also be obtained by formal public records request.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of reports and documents.
- The La Crosse County jail roster is updated regularly and provides transparency regarding who is currently detained in the county facility.
Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office website at www.lacrossecounty.org/sheriff, where the public can search current inmates by name or booking number, view booking dates, charges, and bond information. Municipal police departments within La Crosse County include the La Crosse Police Department (serving the City of La Crosse), the Onalaska Police Department, the Holmen Police Department, and the West Salem Police Department, each with jurisdiction in their respective municipalities. Arrest records in La Crosse County are considered public information under Wisconsin Statutes §19.31-19.39, the Wisconsin Public Records Law.
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all bookings, arrests made by deputies, incident reports, and crash reports. Some records may be restricted if they involve ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or sensitive victim information as outlined in Wisconsin law.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in La Crosse County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. These records are maintained by the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Residents can conduct background checks through the Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The bureau's services are available to both individuals and organizations seeking comprehensive background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in La Crosse County are maintained by the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information. Access to these records is governed by the Wisconsin Open Records Law, which ensures transparency and public access to government documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
The La Crosse County Jail, located in the city of La Crosse, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup is available through the county's official website, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require scheduling in advance, with guidelines provided on the sheriff's website.
- The bond and bail process follows Wisconsin state law, allowing for cash bonds or bail bonds through approved agencies.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in La Crosse County are taken and retained by the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by submitting a formal request. Wisconsin does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related criminal record.
Courts & Case Records
La Crosse County courts operate under the Wisconsin Circuit Court system, with the La Crosse County Circuit Court located at 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601. The court can be reached at (608) 785-9581. La Crosse County has six circuit court branches handling civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims, juvenile, and traffic matters. Wisconsin Circuit Courts have original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases filed in the county.
- The La Crosse County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains the official court record and provides public access to court files.
- Fees for copies are established by Wisconsin statute: $1.25 per page for standard copies, with certified copies costing an additional fee.
- Online access through WCCA is free for basic case information, though detailed documents may require in-person or mail requests.
- The Register in Probate handles estate matters, guardianships, and mental health commitments as part of the circuit court system.
- Comprehensive fee schedules and filing procedures are available on the county's website and at the Clerk of Courts office.
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system provides free online access to circuit court case information at wcca.wicourts.gov, where users can search by name, case number, or other criteria to find case information, party names, charges, dispositions, and hearing dates. Court records are presumed to be public under Wisconsin Statutes §19.21 and §758.17, though certain records involving juveniles, mental health commitments, and sealed cases are restricted. Municipal courts operate in the cities of La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, and Bangor, handling ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other minor offenses within their jurisdictions.
Case files can be viewed in person at the courthouse during regular business hours.
Property & Public Records
The La Crosse County Register of Deeds, located at 400 4th Street North, Room 1300, La Crosse, WI 54601, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (608) 785-9773, and their website is accessible at www.lacrossecounty.org/register. The Register of Deeds records and indexes documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, easements, land contracts, plat maps, surveys, and UCC financing statements. Wisconsin law requires most real estate conveyances to be recorded to provide public notice and establish chain of title.
- For certified copies, fees are $10 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, as established by Wisconsin Statutes §59.43.
- The county provides an online GIS mapping system at gis.lacrossecounty.org, offering interactive parcel maps, ownership information, assessed values, property characteristics, zoning, and aerial imagery.
- The County Assessor's office provides assessment records, property cards detailing building characteristics, and sales data.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or by phone with credit card payment.
- Recording fees for new documents vary by document type and are calculated based on the number of pages and legal descriptions.
Vital Records
Vital records for La Crosse County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are filed with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, Vital Records Office, but certified copies for recent events can also be obtained through the La Crosse County Register of Deeds office at 400 4th Street North, Room 1300, La Crosse, WI 54601, phone (608) 785-9773. Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically immediate for in-person requests if the record is on file locally, or 7-10 business days for mail requests.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a demonstrable interest.
- Marriage licenses cost $110 and are valid for 30 days from issuance.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $20.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Wisconsin Statutes §69.20-69.24, which govern access to vital records. Marriage licenses are issued by the La Crosse County Clerk's office at 400 4th Street North, Room 1100, La Crosse, WI 54601, phone (608) 785-9581. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo ID and social security numbers.
Divorce records (decrees of divorce or legal separation) are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court at 333 Vine Street, La Crosse, WI 54601. The State of Wisconsin Vital Records office offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords for an additional processing fee. Historical vital records may require research assistance from the state archives or historical societies for events occurring more than 100 years ago.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in La Crosse County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. The La Crosse County Clerk's office at 400 4th Street North, Room 1100, La Crosse, WI 54601, (608) 785-9581, handles certain local business registrations and maintains records of business names and trade names filed at the county level.
- This free online search allows anyone to look up business registrations, view registered agents, filing dates, status, and annual report compliance.
- Contractors and builders must be registered with the State of Wisconsin and may require additional county or municipal permits depending on project location and scope.
For comprehensive business entity searches, including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and trademarks, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions maintains the statewide business entity database accessible at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and healthcare professionals are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, searchable at https://online.drl.wi.gov. Sales tax permits and employer registration are handled by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Local business licenses for activities such as food service, alcohol sales, building trades, and special occupancy permits are issued by individual municipalities within La Crosse County. The City of La Crosse Community Development Department at (608) 789-7512 handles zoning permits, building permits, and occupancy permits for businesses within city limits. The La Crosse County Planning, Resources & Development Department at (608) 785-9743 oversees zoning, land use, and building permits in unincorporated areas.
The La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 712 Main Street, La Crosse, WI 54601, (608) 784-4880, website www.lacrossechamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and maintains a directory of member businesses.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in La Crosse County are administered by the La Crosse County Clerk's office, located at 400 4th Street North, Room 1100, La Crosse, WI 54601. The County Clerk serves as the chief election official and can be reached at (608) 785-9581. The county elections webpage at www.lacrossecounty.org/clerk provides comprehensive voter information, polling place locations, sample ballots, and election results.
- Absentee voting is available to all registered Wisconsin voters without requiring an excuse.
- Absentee ballot requests can be submitted online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, email, or fax to the municipal clerk where the voter resides.
- Absentee ballots must be requested by the Thursday before the election (for regular mail delivery) or in person up until the Sunday before Election Day.
- Wisconsin law (Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 5-12) provides for transparent elections with public observation of ballot counting, post-election audits, and public records access.
Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online at myvote.wi.gov, in person at the County Clerk's office or municipal clerk offices, by mail, or at the polling place on Election Day. Wisconsin allows Election Day registration with proper proof of residence. The deadline for online and mail registration is 20 days before any election; after that, registration must be done in person at the municipal clerk's office during early voting hours or at the polling place on Election Day with proof of residence.
Voters can find their polling place, view their sample ballot, check registration status, and track absentee ballots at myvote.wi.gov by entering their name and date of birth. Election records that are public in Wisconsin include voter registration lists (with birth dates redacted for general public requests), campaign finance reports filed with the county or state, candidate nomination papers and declarations of candidacy, precinct-by-precinct election results, and statements of votes cast. In the November 2024 general election, La Crosse County reported approximately 67% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting robust civic engagement consistent with Wisconsin's traditionally high participation rates.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and U.S. Senate races, along with Wisconsin state legislative seats, constitutional officers, and local positions.
Completed absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Citizens may request copies of election materials, poll lists, and results under Wisconsin's Open Records Law, though some information such as full birth dates and certain voter contact information may be restricted to prevent identity theft and protect privacy.
Economy & Demographics
La Crosse County maintains a diverse economy anchored by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism industries. The county's largest employers include Gundersen Health System, one of the region's premier integrated healthcare networks with thousands of employees; Mayo Clinic Health System; the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with approximately 10,000 students and substantial staff; and the La Crosse School District. Manufacturing plays a significant role, with major employers including Trane Technologies (HVAC systems), Chart Inc.
- The median household income in La Crosse County is approximately $62,000, slightly above the state average for non-metropolitan areas.
(cryogenic equipment), and numerous smaller precision manufacturing operations. Agriculture remains important in rural townships, with dairy farming, crop production, and agribusiness contributing to the local economy. Tourism generates substantial revenue, driven by the county's Mississippi River location, Driftless Area scenery, recreational trails, breweries, and festivals such as Oktoberfest USA and Riverfest.
The retail and hospitality sectors benefit from La Crosse's role as a regional shopping and dining destination. Transportation and logistics companies leverage the county's location along Interstate 90, the Mississippi River, and rail corridors. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on downtown revitalization, riverfront development, expansion of the La Crosse Regional Airport, and attraction of technology companies.
The unemployment rate in La Crosse County typically tracks below the national average, ranging between 2.5% and 4% in recent years, reflecting a relatively stable and diversified economic base. The county benefits from workforce development programs coordinated through Western Technical College and workforce development boards serving the seven-county region.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (WCCA) | Property: ✅ Free Search (Laredo & GIS) | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online (MyVote.WI.gov) | Overall Score: 9/10 — La Crosse County provides excellent digital access to most public records with free searchable databases for courts, property, and jail records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in La Crosse County, Wisconsin?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in La Crosse County, Wisconsin?
How do I get a criminal background check in La Crosse County, Wisconsin?
How can I look up sex offenders in La Crosse County, Wisconsin?
How do I register to vote in La Crosse County, Wisconsin?
How do I look up property records in La Crosse County, Wisconsin?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in La Crosse County, Wisconsin?
How do I find business license records in La Crosse County, Wisconsin?
Cities & Towns in La Crosse County
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border La Crosse County.