About Oconto County
Oconto County is located in northeastern Wisconsin, bordered by Green Bay to the east and the Menominee Indian Reservation to the west. The county seat is Oconto, a historic city situated along the shores of Green Bay. Established in 1851, Oconto County encompasses approximately 1,003 square miles and serves a population of around 38,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
- The Oconto County Register of Deeds office maintains all land records and is located in the courthouse.
The county is named after the Oconto River, with the word 'Oconto' derived from an Ojibwe term meaning 'pickerel place.' Major communities include Gillett, Oconto Falls, Suring, Lena, and Mountain. The county is renowned for its vast forests, recreational lakes, and the Nicolet National Forest, which covers significant portions of the western region. Oconto County is home to Copper Culture State Park, one of the oldest burial sites in the Western Hemisphere, dating back over 5,000 years.
The county's economy historically relied on lumber, paper manufacturing, and agriculture, with dairy farming remaining prominent. The Oconto County Courthouse, located at 301 Washington Street in Oconto, houses several key agencies. The Oconto County Clerk, also at 301 Washington Street, oversees elections, vital records, and county board proceedings.
The County Assessor's office handles property valuations and tax assessments. Outdoor recreation drives significant tourism, with the Mountain Bay State Trail, numerous fishing lakes, and snowmobile trails attracting visitors year-round.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Oconto County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order across the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees patrol operations, manages the Oconto County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing initiatives and offers programs such as D.A.R.E. to engage with local residents. The office plays a crucial role in coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety throughout the county.
Police Departments
Oconto County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Oconto County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Oconto, Oconto Falls, and Gillett. Each city department is responsible for policing within its respective jurisdiction, handling local ordinances, and responding to community needs. The Sheriff's Office coordinates with these municipal departments on major crimes and investigations that cross jurisdictional boundaries, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Oconto County Sheriff's Office, located at 850 Park Avenue in Oconto, Wisconsin 54153, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (920) 834-6900 and maintains a website at co.oconto.wi.us with information on services and programs. The agency operates the Oconto County Jail, a detention facility housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmate lookup services are available by calling the jail directly at (920) 834-6950 or by visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours.
- Under Wisconsin Statutes Section 19.32, arrest records and booking information are considered public records and may be requested from the Sheriff's Office or individual police departments.
- Written requests citing Wisconsin's Open Records Law (Chapter 19) should be submitted to the records custodian at each agency.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records, though agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies.
- Processing time for records requests varies but agencies must respond within a reasonable time frame as required by state law.
Current inmate rosters typically include booking date, charges, and bond information, though online inmate search capabilities may be limited. Municipal law enforcement agencies in Oconto County include the Oconto Police Department, Oconto Falls Police Department, Gillett Police Department, and other smaller municipal departments serving incorporated cities and villages. The Menominee Tribal Police Department also operates within the county on reservation lands, maintaining jurisdiction over tribal members and certain offenses on the Menominee Indian Reservation.
Marine patrol and conservation enforcement is provided by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wardens stationed in the county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Oconto County encompass a range of documentation, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and entries in the sex offender registry. The Oconto County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under Wisconsin's open records laws. To conduct a background check, individuals can contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice, 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 Oconto County are maintained by the Oconto County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within the county, including the nature of the charges and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, in accordance with the Wisconsin Public Records Law. An Oconto County arrest record typically includes the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings related to the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Oconto County Jail, located in Oconto, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup is available through the Oconto County Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to access information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with specific procedures outlined by the county.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Oconto County are taken and retained by the Oconto 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 Office or online databases. While Wisconsin does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. The availability of mugshots online depends on the policies of the Sheriff's Office and any third-party services they may utilize.
Courts & Case Records
Oconto County is served by the Oconto County Circuit Court, part of Wisconsin's Eighth Judicial Circuit. The courthouse is located at 301 Washington Street, Oconto, Wisconsin 54153, and can be reached at (920) 834-6820. The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including felonies, civil cases exceeding $50,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, probate proceedings, juvenile cases, and small claims up to $10,000. Two circuit court branches serve Oconto County, with judges elected to six-year terms.
- The Clerk of Circuit Court charges fees for certified copies of judgments, court orders, and other documents according to the fee schedule established under Wisconsin Statutes Section 814.61.
- In-person record requests are accepted during regular business hours, and the court maintains an index of all cases dating back decades.
- Online case filing through the Wisconsin Court System's eFiling portal is available for attorneys and registered users.
Court records are managed by the Clerk of Circuit Court, located in the courthouse. Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) provides free online searching of circuit court cases at wcca.wicourts.gov, where users can search by name, case number, or other criteria to view case information, docket entries, and party details for most cases. Some sensitive cases, including juvenile matters and certain family law proceedings, are sealed and not available through public search.
Municipal courts in Oconto County handle ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other local matters for their respective municipalities. The Oconto County Court Commissioner assists with small claims, family law temporary orders, and initial appearances. Public access to court records is governed by Wisconsin Statutes Section 19.35 and Supreme Court Rules, which establish a presumption of public access with specific exceptions for confidential matters.
Property & Public Records
The Oconto County Register of Deeds, located at 301 Washington Street, Oconto, Wisconsin 54153, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (920) 834-6840 and operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The Register of Deeds records include warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfaction of mortgages, liens, easements, right-of-way documents, plat maps, and surveys dating back to the county's establishment. Wisconsin law requires recording of real property conveyances to provide public notice and establish chain of title.
- The office provides online access to recorded land documents through a searchable database available on the county website, allowing users to search by grantor/grantee name, parcel number, document type, or date range.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee, with standard copies available at lower cost.
- Real estate transfer returns, which document sale prices, are public records maintained by the Register of Deeds.
- Requests for bulk data or extensive research may require appointments and special handling fees as established by county ordinance.
Some historical records have been digitized, while older documents may require in-person research. The Oconto County Assessor's office, located at 212 Main Street in Oconto, handles property assessments and maintains assessment records. Property tax records are managed by the Oconto County Treasurer, also located in the courthouse complex.
The county provides a free online GIS property information system accessible through the county website, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, tax amounts, and property characteristics. This interactive mapping tool includes aerial photography and multiple data layers. Property tax bills, payment history, and tax sale information are available through the Treasurer's office at (920) 834-6825.
Vital Records
Vital records for Oconto County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. The Oconto County Clerk's office, located at 301 Washington Street, Oconto, Wisconsin 54153, phone (920) 834-6800, issues certified copies of birth certificates for births occurring in Oconto County from October 1907 forward, and death certificates for deaths occurring in the county from the same period.
- Processing typically takes one to two weeks for mail requests, with same-day service available for walk-in requests when staff workload permits.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Oconto County Clerk's office, requiring both applicants to appear in person with valid identification and payment of the license fee.
- Their website at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords provides online ordering options through VitalChek with expedited processing available for additional fees.
- All vital records requests must comply with Wisconsin's vital records statutes and proof of identity is strictly enforced to prevent fraud.
Birth certificate requests require completion of an application form, valid government-issued photo identification, proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate (only eligible persons may obtain certified copies), and payment of the statutory fee of $20 for the first copy. Death certificates follow similar procedures and fees, with certified copies available to immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons demonstrating direct and tangible interest as defined by Wisconsin Statutes Section 69.21. Wisconsin has no waiting period or blood test requirement, though there is a six-day waiting period after issuance before the license becomes valid.
Marriage certificates documenting completed marriages are also available from the County Clerk. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court as part of court case files. For vital records older than 100 years or for records when the county of event is unknown, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office in Madison serves as the central repository.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Oconto County involves multiple levels of government depending on the business type and activities. The Oconto County Clerk's office at 301 Washington Street, Oconto, Wisconsin 54153, phone (920) 834-6800, accepts filings for trade names (doing business as or DBA registrations) and maintains a registry of these assumed names as required by Wisconsin Statutes Section 134.16. Trade name registration fees are established by state law and registration is valid for five years.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Division of Corporate & Consumer Services serves as the registration authority. Their online business search portal at www.wdfi.org allows free searching of all registered business entities in Wisconsin by name, registered agent, or entity number, displaying formation dates, status, registered office address, and annual report compliance. Sales tax permits and seller's permits are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and are required for businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services.
Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, etc.) are regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Local business licenses and zoning permits are issued at the municipal level by individual cities and villages within Oconto County. The Oconto County Planning and Zoning Department, phone (920) 834-6820, handles zoning permits and land use matters in unincorporated areas.
Building permits for construction projects are issued by the Oconto County Building Inspection Department, which enforces the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code and Uniform Dwelling Code. The Oconto County Economic Development Corporation promotes business development and can be contacted for information on starting or expanding businesses in the county. The Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce at www.ocontochamber.org and the Oconto Falls Chamber of Commerce provide business networking, promotion, and community information for their respective areas.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Oconto County are administered by the Oconto County Clerk's office, serving as the county's chief election official. The County Clerk is located at 301 Washington Street, Oconto, Wisconsin 54153, phone (920) 834-6800, with election information available through the county website. Voter registration in Wisconsin is available online through MyVote Wisconsin at myvote.wi.gov, the official state voter information portal, where eligible residents can register, check registration status, view sample ballots, and find polling locations.
- In the November 2024 general election, Oconto County reported voter turnout of approximately 75-78 percent of registered voters, reflecting high engagement typical of presidential election years in Wisconsin.
- Voters may request an absentee ballot online through myvote.wi.gov, by mail, email, or in-person at their municipal clerk's office.
Wisconsin allows registration by mail, online, in-person at the County Clerk or municipal clerk offices, or at the polls on Election Day with proper proof of residence documentation. The voter registration deadline for advance registration is 5:00 PM on the third Wednesday before an election, though Election Day registration remains available at polling places with required documentation including proof of residence. Voters can find their specific polling place by entering their address at myvote.wi.gov or by contacting their municipal clerk.
Oconto County contains multiple municipalities, each operating polling locations for their residents. Public election records include voter registration lists (available with restrictions under Wisconsin Statutes Section 6.36), campaign finance reports filed with the county clerk for local candidates, candidate nomination papers and declarations, and certified election results by ward and county. Precinct-level results showing vote totals for each candidate and referendum question are public records available from the County Clerk after canvassing is complete.
The next major election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate (if Wisconsin has a seat up for election), Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly districts, county constitutional offices including Sheriff and County Clerk, and county board supervisors.
Absentee voting is available to all Wisconsin voters without requiring an excuse. Absentee ballot requests must be received by 5:00 PM on the Thursday before the election, though in-person absentee voting in the clerk's office is available until 5:00 PM on the Friday before Election Day (or until Sunday before the election if the county offers it). Wisconsin law requires voter photo ID for both in-person and absentee voting.
Election transparency in Oconto County follows Wisconsin's strong open records tradition, with citizens able to request voter lists, poll books, absentee ballot logs, and detailed canvass statements under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 19. Election observers may monitor polling places and canvassing procedures subject to reasonable regulations.
Economy & Demographics
Oconto County's economy is diversified across manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and natural resources sectors. Major employers include Georgia-Pacific paper mill operations, various metal fabrication and manufacturing facilities, healthcare providers including HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls, school districts, and county government. The manufacturing sector employs a significant portion of the workforce, with companies producing paper products, metal components, machinery, and wood products.
- The median household income in Oconto County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the Wisconsin state median.
- The county's proximity to Green Bay (approximately 30-40 miles from eastern portions) provides access to larger employment markets while maintaining lower costs of living.
Agriculture remains vital to the county economy, with over 800 farms covering approximately 200,000 acres. Dairy farming dominates agricultural production, with beef cattle, corn, soybeans, and hay also significant. The timber industry has historical importance, though its economic impact has declined from peak decades.
Tourism generates substantial revenue, particularly during summer and fall months when visitors enjoy fishing, boating, ATV trails, snowmobiling, and hunting. The Mountain Bay State Trail, a 83-mile multipurpose trail, attracts thousands of users annually. Recreational property ownership by non-residents contributes significantly to the tax base.
The Menominee Indian Tribe operates Menominee Casino Resort and other tribal enterprises, providing employment and economic activity. Unemployment rates in Oconto County typically track close to or slightly above state averages, with seasonal fluctuations related to tourism and construction. Economic development initiatives focus on broadband expansion to underserved rural areas, workforce training partnerships with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, and attracting value-added agricultural businesses.
Recent economic development projects include industrial park expansions and downtown revitalization efforts in Oconto and Oconto Falls.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (CCAP) | Property: ✅ Free GIS Search | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 7.5/10 — Oconto County provides strong online access to court and property records through state systems, with good election transparency. Jail and vital records require direct contact.
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Cities & Towns in Oconto County
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