About Outagamie County
Outagamie County is located in northeastern Wisconsin, situated at the heart of the Fox River Valley. Outagamie County Seat is Appleton, the sixth-largest city in Wisconsin and a vibrant economic and cultural center. Established in 1851, Outagamie County covers approximately 642 square miles and has a population of over 190,000 residents, making it one of the state's most populous counties. Outagamie County is named after the Outagamie (Fox) Native American tribe that historically inhabited Outagamie County.
- The Register of Deeds office, responsible for land and property records, operates at 410 South Walnut Street.
- Outagamie Municipal Assessor's office provides property assessment information and tax records.
Major cities include Appleton, Kaukauna, Little Chute, and the eastern portion of Grand Chute. The Fox River flows through Outagamie County, historically powering numerous paper mills and industrial operations that shaped Outagamie County's economy. Notable landmarks include the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton, the Paper Discovery Center, and the Hearthstone Historic House Museum, the world's first residence lit by a centrally-located hydroelectric power plant.
Outagamie County Courthouse is located at 320 South Walnut Street in Appleton. Outagamie County Clerk's office is also at the courthouse and handles various records including elections, vital records, and marriage licenses. Outagamie County is part of the Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah metropolitan area and is a major commercial hub for the Fox Cities region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Outagamie County's unincorporated areas. It operates Outagamie County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs and has specialized divisions such as the K-9 unit and a drug enforcement team. The sheriff's office is key to making sure of public safety and collaborates with local police departments to address crime and safety issues throughout Outagamie County.
Police Departments
Outagamie County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Outagamie County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Appleton Police Department, Kaukauna Police Department, and Little Chute Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city or town, handling local law enforcement duties. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, often collaborating on investigations and sharing resources to enhance public safety across Outagamie County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 320 South Walnut Street in Appleton, Wisconsin 54911, provides law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas of Outagamie County and operates Outagamie County jail facility.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest or to the Sheriff's Office for county arrests.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's online inmate lookup system or by specific public records request.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
Outagamie County Jail houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates, and the Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system accessible through their website where citizens can search current inmates by name or booking number. Municipal police departments serve incorporated areas including the Appleton Police Department (serving the largest city), Kaukauna Police Department, Little Chute Police Department, Seymour Police Department, Black Creek Police Department, Combined Locks Police Department, Kimberly Police Department, and Shiocton Police Department. Under Wisconsin Statutes §19.32-19.37, the Wisconsin Public Records Law, arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records.
Some arrest records may be subject to limitations if related to ongoing investigations or juvenile matters.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Outagamie County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides full criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Outagamie County are maintained by Outagamie County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal written requests, adhering to the Wisconsin Open Records Law. An arrest record in Outagamie County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's name. The sheriff's office provides guidance on how to access these records, for public access and compliance with state regulations.
Jail & Inmate Records
Outagamie County Jail, located in Appleton, is the primary detention facility for Outagamie County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through Outagamie County's online portal, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows Wisconsin state laws, allowing for the release of inmates upon payment of bail, which can be arranged through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Outagamie County are taken and retained by Outagamie 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 website or by submitting a request in person. Wisconsin does not have specific mugshot removal laws; however, individuals can seek removal through legal channels if the mugshot is deemed inaccurate or misleading. The availability of mugshots is subject to the state's public records law, making sure of public access while protecting individual privacy rights.
Courts & Case Records
Outagamie County is served by Outagamie County Circuit Court, which is part of Wisconsin's unified court system. The courthouse is located at 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton, WI 54911, and the main phone number is. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters. Wisconsin Circuit Courts have both original and appellate jurisdiction in their respective counties. The court operates multiple branches with several judges presiding over cases.
- For more detailed documents, certified copies, or restricted records, requests must be made to the Clerk of Circuit Court's office at the courthouse.
- The fee schedule includes $5.00 for the first page of a copy and $1.00 for each additional page, with certified copies costing an additional $5.00 per document.
- Outagamie County Register in Probate handles estates, guardianships, and trust matters, operating within the Circuit Court system.
- Online filing through the Wisconsin Court System is available for attorneys and registered users.
Court records can be accessed through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system at wcca.wicourts.gov, which provides free online access to case information, party names, case numbers, filing dates, and disposition information for most civil and criminal cases. However, certain sensitive cases including juvenile matters, mental health commitments, and some family law cases have restricted access. According to Wisconsin Statute §19.35(1), public records must be made available for inspection and copying during regular business hours.
Municipal courts in Appleton, Kaukauna, and other incorporated municipalities handle local ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other minor offenses within their jurisdictions.
Property & Public Records
Outagamie County Register of Deeds office, located at 410 South Walnut Street in Appleton, Wisconsin 54911, maintains and provides access to all land and property records for Outagamie County. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and their website at outagamie.org/registerofdeeds offers extensive online services. Available records include warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages and satisfactions, liens (including mechanics liens and judgment liens), easements, plat maps, subdivision documents, and various other recorded instruments affecting real property.
- The Register of Deeds has implemented a full online property search system called mix, accessible through their website, which allows free searching of recorded documents dating back many decades.
- Viewing document images online is free, though downloading or printing may require a paid subscription or per-page fees.
- The current recording fees are $30 for the first page and $2 for each additional page for most documents.
- Certified copies cost $5 for certification plus copy fees.
- Outagamie Municipal Assessor's office, accessible through Outagamie.org, provides property tax assessment information, including assessed values, property classifications, and tax history.
Users can search by name (grantor/grantee), property address, parcel number, document type, or document number. A geographic information system (GIS) parcel viewer is available online, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessment data, and aerial imagery. This interactive mapping tool is free to use and provides detailed property information including sales history, building characteristics, and land use.
In-person visits to the Register of Deeds office are welcome during regular business hours Monday through Friday, and staff can assist with complex searches or historical research.
Vital Records
Vital records for Outagamie County, Wisconsin are maintained by both Outagamie County Register of Deeds/Clerk's office and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Birth certificates for births occurring in Outagamie County can be requested from Outagamie County Register of Deeds at 410 South Walnut Street, Appleton, WI 54911 The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Processing time is typically immediate for in-person requests during business hours.
- Death certificates for deaths occurring in Outagamie County are also available through the same office at identical fees.
- Requesters must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Wisconsin Statute §69.21.
- Eligible requesters include the registrant (for birth certificates), family members, legal representatives, and others with a demonstrable legal interest.
- The fee for a marriage license is approximately $110, and there is a six-day waiting period after application before the license is issued.
- Marriage certificates (records of marriages performed) can also be obtained from the Register of Deeds office.
Marriage licenses are issued by Outagamie County Clerk's office at the courthouse, 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton. Divorce records (final divorce decrees) are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court at the courthouse, as divorces are court proceedings. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office in Madison is a central repository for all Wisconsin vital records and can provide certified copies for events occurring anywhere in the state.
Online ordering is available through the state's VitalChek system at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords, though convenience fees apply. Expedited processing and shipping options are available for additional fees.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Outagamie County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Outagamie County Clerk's office at 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton, accepts trade name (doing business as, or DBA) registrations and fictitious name filings for businesses operating in Outagamie County, with fees typically around $25 for initial registration.
- This search is free and provides full information about business structures.
These records are public and can be searched by contacting the County Clerk for formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities, businesses must file with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The state maintains a searchable database at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch where anyyou can look up business entities registered in Wisconsin, view their status, registered agents, filing history, and annual report compliance. Professional licenses including those for healthcare providers, real estate agents, contractors, and other regulated professions are issued by various Wisconsin state agencies and boards, searchable through the state's online credential verification systems.
Sales tax permits and employer registration are handled by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Local business licensing, zoning permits, and building permits are issued by individual municipalities for businesses operating within city limits, or by Outagamie County Planning and Zoning Department for unincorporated areas. The Planning and Zoning office, phone, handles land use permits, conditional use permits, rezoning applications, and related development matters.
Building permits for construction, renovation, and occupancy are issued by local building inspection departments. The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry, serving Appleton and the surrounding Fox Cities region, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development support, accessible at foxcitieschamber.com.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Outagamie County, Wisconsin are administered by Outagamie County Clerk's Office, located at 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton, WI 54911. The Elections Division can be contacted through the office’s website, and election information is available at outagamie.org/county-clerk/elections. Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online at MyVote.wi.gov, the state's full voter information portal, by mail, in person at the County Clerk's office, at your municipal clerk's office, or at the polls on Election Day.
- To register, voters must provide a valid Wisconsin driver's license or state ID, or provide proof of residence through documents such as utility bills, bank statements, or government correspondence.
- In the 2024 general election, Outagamie County experienced approximately 75-78% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with Wisconsin's traditionally high participation rates in presidential elections.
- Absentee voting in Wisconsin can be requested online through MyVote.wi.gov, by mail, email, fax, or in-person at your municipal clerk's office.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before Election Day for regular mail ballots, though in-person absentee voting is available earlier.
Wisconsin requires registration at least 20 days before an election for online, mail, or in-person registration at the clerk's office, though same-day registration is available at polling places on Election Day with proper proof of residence. Voters can find their polling place by visiting MyVote.wi.gov and entering their address, or by contacting their municipal clerk. Outagamie County comprises multiple municipalities, each with designated polling locations that may change, so verification before each election is recommended.
Public election records in Wisconsin include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate registration forms, nomination papers, and precinct-by-precinct election results. These records are available through the Wisconsin Elections Commission website and through the County Clerk's office. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate midterm elections, Wisconsin state constitutional offices including Governor (if applicable to the cycle), state legislative seats, and various county and local offices. Under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 5-12 governing elections and Wisconsin's Public Records Law (§19.31-19.39), citizens can request access to voter registration data, campaign finance filings, election results data, voting equipment documentation, and election administration records. Outagamie County maintains transparency in election administration with detailed reporting of results by ward and county, accessible on the County Clerk's website following each election.
Outagamie County Clerk works with municipal clerks throughout Outagamie County to ensure accurate voter rolls, proper election procedures, and timely reporting of results.
Economy & Demographics
Outagamie County boasts a diverse and strong economy anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and service industries. Outagamie County's economic foundation was historically built on paper manufacturing, using the Fox River's hydroelectric power, though the economy has successfully diversified in recent decades. Major employers include ThedaCare (a major regional healthcare system), Appleton Area School District, Outagamie County government, U.S. Venture (energy distribution), and several large manufacturing operations.
- The median household income in Outagamie County is approximately $68,000, above both state and national averages, reflecting Outagamie County's strong employment base.
Key economic sectors include advanced manufacturing (particularly paper products, packaging, and industrial equipment), healthcare and social services, retail trade (with significant regional shopping centers), education, finance and insurance, and professional services. Outagamie County is home to major facilities including Kimberly-Clark Corporation operations, Appvion paper manufacturing, Pierce Manufacturing (fire apparatus), and Plexus Corp (electronics manufacturing). The Fox Cities region, of which Outagamie County is the primary component, has consistently maintained unemployment rates below state and national averages, typically in the 2-3% range, indicating a tight labor market with strong job growth.
Notable economic development projects include the redevelopment of former industrial riverfront properties in Appleton, expansion of the Fox Cities Regional Airport, growth in the downtown Appleton commercial district, and attraction of technology and professional service companies. Outagamie County's strategic location along Interstate 41 (U.S. Highway 41) connecting Green Bay to Milwaukee, proximity to major markets, and educated workforce continue to attract business investment.
Lawrence University in Appleton and the Fox Cities campus of the University of Wisconsin contribute to workforce development and cultural vitality. Tourism and hospitality also contribute to the economy, with attractions, festivals, and the Building for Kids Children's Museum drawing visitors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (WCCA) | Property: Yes: Free Search (Mix/GIS) | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online (MyVote) | Overall Score: 9/10, Outagamie County provides excellent digital access to public records with online systems for most record types.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Outagamie County, Wisconsin?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Outagamie County, Wisconsin?
How do I get a criminal background check in Outagamie County, Wisconsin?
How can I look up sex offenders in Outagamie County, Wisconsin?
How do I register to vote in Outagamie County, Wisconsin?
How do I look up property records in Outagamie County, Wisconsin?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Outagamie County, Wisconsin?
How do I find business license records in Outagamie County, Wisconsin?
Cities & Towns in Outagamie County
Explore public records for 16 cities and communities in Outagamie County, Wisconsin.