About Marathon County
Marathon County is located in central Wisconsin, serving as a vital hub for commerce, culture, and outdoor recreation in the northwoods region. The county seat is Wausau, a city of approximately 39,000 residents situated along the Wisconsin River. Marathon County spans 1,545 square miles and has a total population of approximately 138,000 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in northern Wisconsin. The county was established in 1850 and named after Marathon, Greece, commemorating the ancient battle site.
- Major landmarks include Rib Mountain State Park, which features one of the highest points in Wisconsin at 1,924 feet elevation, and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, renowned for its Birds in Art exhibition.
The county's economy historically centered on lumber, paper manufacturing, and dairy farming, with major employers including Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau Paper, and several insurance companies. Public records services are administered through several key offices: the Marathon County Register of Deeds, located at 500 Forest Street in Wausau, manages land and property records; the Marathon County Clerk's Office at the same address handles vital records and elections; and the Assessor's Office maintains property tax records and valuations. The county's diverse landscape includes the Wisconsin River corridor, extensive forest lands, and productive agricultural areas that contribute to its mixed economy.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Marathon County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. This office manages the Marathon County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also provides patrol services, investigates crimes, and offers community programs such as D.A.R.E. and neighborhood watch initiatives. The department is committed to public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure a coordinated response to crime and emergencies.
Police Departments
In addition to the Marathon County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county, including the Wausau Police Department, Mosinee Police Department, and Schofield Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits and work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional initiatives. The Wausau Police Department, for example, handles urban policing, while the Sheriff's Office covers rural areas and provides additional support as needed.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Marathon County is primarily provided by the Marathon County Sheriff's Department, headquartered at 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (715) 261-1200 and maintains a website at co.marathon.wi.us/departments/sheriff. The department operates the Marathon County Jail, a detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35, arrest records and booking information are considered public records and must be made available upon request unless exempted for active investigation purposes.
- Citizens can request arrest records by contacting the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, either in person, by mail, or through written request.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Marathon County Jail's online inmate search system, though historical records may require a formal public records request.
- The Sheriff's Office processes requests within a reasonable timeframe as mandated by Wisconsin's Open Records Law.
- Response times vary based on the complexity and volume of the request, and fees may apply for copying and certification services.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Marathon County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Marathon County Clerk of Courts maintains court records, while the Sheriff's Office handles arrest and incident reports. To conduct a background check in Wisconsin, individuals can request records from the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking comprehensive background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Marathon County are maintained by the Marathon County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments within the county. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency. These records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information. Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, public access to these records is generally allowed, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Marathon County Jail, located in Wausau, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals, and inmates can be searched through an online inmate lookup tool provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, allowing scheduled visits with restrictions on the number of visitors and duration. In Wisconsin, the bond or bail process allows for the release of individuals pending trial, with conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Marathon County are taken and retained by the Marathon County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a request to the office. Wisconsin does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites, although their accuracy and update frequency can vary.
Courts & Case Records
Marathon County's judicial system operates under the Wisconsin Circuit Court system, with the Marathon County Circuit Court located at the Marathon County Courthouse, 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403. The court can be reached at (715) 261-1300. Marathon County Circuit Court handles all civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters within its jurisdiction. The court is part of Wisconsin's Ninth Judicial District and currently has five circuit court branches serving the county.
- The WCCA system provides statewide access to most circuit court records, though certain sensitive cases involving juveniles or sealed matters are restricted.
- For certified copies of court documents, requesters must contact the Clerk of Circuit Court at (715) 261-1300.
- Fees for certified copies are established by Wisconsin Statute § 814.61, typically $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- Online access through WCCA is free for case information, but official certified documents require in-person or mail requests with appropriate fees.
- Probate matters are handled by the Register in Probate within the Circuit Court system and include estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments.
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) provides free online public access to circuit court case records at wcca.wicourts.gov, where users can search by name, case number, or attorney to view case summaries, charges, dispositions, and scheduling information. Municipal courts in Marathon County handle ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other local matters for incorporated municipalities. Each city operates its own municipal court with jurisdiction over violations occurring within city limits.
According to Wisconsin Statute § 758.18, municipal court records are public and available for inspection during regular business hours.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Marathon County are maintained by the Marathon County Register of Deeds, located at 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403, phone (715) 261-1290. The office maintains records dating back to the county's establishment, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens (mechanics liens, tax liens, judgment liens), easements, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property. Marathon County offers robust online access to land records through its official website at co.marathon.wi.us/departments/register-of-deeds.
- Certified copies of documents require a formal request and payment of statutory fees, currently $4.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page under Wisconsin Statute § 59.43.
- Recording fees are established by state statute, with recording a standard deed costing approximately $30.00.
The online search system allows free public searching of recorded documents by grantor/grantee name, document type, legal description, and parcel number. Images of recorded documents are typically available for viewing and printing at no charge for informational purposes. Property tax records and assessment information are managed by the Marathon County Treasurer's Office at (715) 261-1450 and the Assessor's Office.
The county maintains an excellent Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer accessible at maps.co.marathon.wi.us, providing aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, tax data, zoning designations, and land use classifications. This free online tool enables property research without visiting county offices. The Register of Deeds office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and accepts documents for recording in person, by mail, or increasingly through electronic recording systems utilized by title companies and lending institutions.
Vital Records
Vital records for Marathon County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates can be obtained from the Marathon County Register of Deeds - Vital Records Division at 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403, phone (715) 261-1290. The office maintains birth records occurring in Marathon County and death records for Marathon County residents.
- Fees for certified copies are $20.00 for the first copy of a birth or death certificate and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously, as established by Wisconsin Statute § 69.22.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are on file; mail requests generally take 7-10 business days.
- Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record under Wisconsin law.
- The marriage license fee is $110.00, which includes the marriage certificate.
- Online ordering of Wisconsin vital records is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com, though convenience fees apply in addition to standard statutory fees.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Marathon County Clerk's Office at 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403, phone (715) 261-1500. Couples must apply in person, and Wisconsin law requires a six-day waiting period from application to license issuance, though the waiting period can be waived by court order. Divorce records (formally called "judgment of divorce") are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court as part of family court case files.
For vital records older than 100 years or when county records are unavailable, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office in Madison serves as the state repository. The state office can be reached at (608) 266-1371 or through their website at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Marathon County are maintained through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and licensing requirement. For business name registrations and doing-business-as (DBA) filings, individuals should contact the Marathon County Clerk's Office at 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403, phone (715) 261-1500. The County Clerk maintains records of fictitious name registrations and certain local business licenses.
- This database includes formation documents, annual reports, registered agent information, and current status.
However, the primary repository for business entity information is the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, which maintains the state business registry. The Wisconsin Secretary of State business entity search is available free online at corporationsearch.wicourts.gov, where users can search for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered business entities by name, registered agent, or business ID number. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and healthcare professionals are issued by respective Wisconsin state licensing boards and can be verified through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at dsps.wi.gov.
Sales tax permits and employer identification are handled by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits are administered by the Marathon County Planning and Zoning Department at (715) 261-1570, located at 500 Forest Street. Commercial building permits within incorporated municipalities are handled by local city building inspection departments.
The Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce serves Marathon County and can be reached at wausauchamber.com or (715) 845-6231, providing business development resources, networking opportunities, and economic development support for the region's business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Marathon County is managed by the Marathon County Clerk's Office, located at 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403. The County Clerk serves as the chief election official and can be reached at (715) 261-1500. Election information, sample ballots, polling place locations, and absentee ballot requests are available at co.marathon.wi.us/departments/county-clerk.
- Wisconsin requires voters to register at least 20 days before an election to vote by absentee ballot, though same-day registration is permitted at polling places on Election Day with proper identification.
- Absentee ballots in Marathon County can be requested online through MyVote Wisconsin, by contacting the County Clerk or the clerk of the county where the voter resides, or by mailing a written request.
- Wisconsin law allows any registered voter to vote absentee without providing a reason.
Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, in person at the County Clerk's office or municipal clerk's office, or at the polls on Election Day with proof of residence. Wisconsin's voter ID law requires voters to present acceptable photo identification, including Wisconsin driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport, or certain other government-issued IDs. Voters can find their polling place, view their sample ballot, and check registration status at myvote.wi.gov by entering their name and date of birth.
Marathon County election records that are public include voter registration lists (available for purchase for election-related purposes under Wisconsin Statute § 6.36), campaign finance reports for local candidates (filed with the County Clerk or Wisconsin Ethics Commission), candidate nomination papers, and detailed precinct-by-precinct election results. In the November 2024 general election, Marathon County recorded a voter turnout of approximately 76%, reflecting high engagement typical of presidential election years in Wisconsin. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring United States Senate and House of Representatives midterm elections, Wisconsin state constitutional offices including Governor (if applicable to the cycle), state legislative seats, and county offices including County Board supervisors and county-wide positions.
Absentee ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted. Under Wisconsin's open records law (Wisconsin Statute § 19.31), citizens have the right to inspect and obtain copies of election materials including poll books, tally sheets, and ballots (subject to certain security restrictions). Marathon County maintains transparency by posting unofficial election results on election night and official canvassed results shortly thereafter on the County Clerk's website.
Economy & Demographics
Marathon County's economy is diverse and robust, anchored by healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, paper production, agriculture, and tourism sectors. The county's largest employer is Aspirus Wausau Hospital and its associated healthcare network, employing over 6,000 workers across the region and serving as a regional medical hub for central and northern Wisconsin. The insurance industry has a significant presence with Greenheck Fan Corporation, a major manufacturer of air movement and control equipment, employing approximately 3,000 people at its Schofield headquarters.
- Manufacturing remains vital to the local economy, with companies producing everything from industrial fans to cranberry processing equipment.
- The median household income in Marathon County is approximately $60,000, slightly below the Wisconsin state median.
Other major employers include The Wausau School District, Marathon County government, Wausau Paper (though reduced from its historical peak), and various paper mills that continue the county's legacy in the paper industry. Agriculture continues to play an important economic role, with dairy farming, cranberry cultivation, ginseng production (Marathon County is a leading ginseng producer), and vegetable farming contributing substantially to the rural economy. The county's cranberry production is particularly notable, with Wisconsin being the nation's leading cranberry producer and Marathon County hosting significant acreage.
Tourism and outdoor recreation contribute measurably to the economy, with Granite Peak Ski Area (the largest ski resort in Wisconsin) at Rib Mountain, extensive ATV and snowmobile trail systems, and the Wisconsin River attracting visitors year-round. Unemployment rates in Marathon County typically track close to or slightly below state averages, ranging between 3-5% in recent years. Economic development initiatives are coordinated through the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce and the Marathon County Economic Development Corporation, focusing on business retention, workforce development, and attracting new industries to the region.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online via WCCA | Property: ✅ Free Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail Required | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 9/10 — Marathon County demonstrates excellent transparency with comprehensive online access to most public records, robust GIS mapping, and user-friendly digital services.
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