About Pepin County
Pepin County is located in west-central Wisconsin along the Mississippi River, bordered by Pierce County to the north, Dunn County to the east, and Buffalo County to the south, with the Mississippi River forming its western boundary with Minnesota. The county seat is Duval, one of the smallest county seats in Wisconsin, with a population of approximately 430 residents.
- The Register of Deeds office, also at the courthouse, maintains all land and property records for the county.
- The County Assessor's office provides property assessment and taxation services.
Pepin County encompasses approximately 232 square miles of land area and is one of Wisconsin's smallest counties by both area and population, with a total population of approximately 7,300 residents according to recent census estimates. The county was established in 1858 and named after Pepin Lake, a naturally occurring lake that is actually a widening of the Mississippi River. The area is historically significant as the birthplace of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote the Little House in the Big Woods based on her childhood in the Town of Pepin.
Major landmarks include Lake Pepin itself, which stretches for 22 miles and is a popular destination for recreational boating, fishing, and water sports. The Pepin County Courthouse, located at 740 7th Avenue West in Duval, houses most county offices. The Pepin County Clerk's office is situated in the courthouse and handles vital records, elections, and various administrative functions.
The county maintains a primarily rural character with agriculture, tourism, and small businesses forming the economic backbone, and the scenic Great River Road (State Highway 35) runs through the county along the Mississippi River.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Pepin County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of the county. This office handles patrol duties, manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is committed to community safety and offers various programs, including crime prevention initiatives and community outreach efforts. The office also has specialized divisions that focus on drug enforcement and emergency response, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement services throughout the county.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Pepin County is primarily provided by the Pepin County Sheriff's Office and the Durand Police Department. The Sheriff's Office covers the unincorporated areas and collaborates with the Durand Police Department to address crimes within the city limits. The Durand Police Department focuses on maintaining public safety within Durand, handling local ordinances, and responding to emergencies. Both agencies work together on major investigations and share resources to enhance law enforcement effectiveness across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Pepin County Sheriff's Office, located at 740 7th Avenue West in Duval, Wisconsin 54130, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (715) 672-5944 and maintains a website at pepincountywi.gov where limited information is available. The Sheriff's Office operates the Pepin County Jail, a small detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving shorter terms.
- Citizens may request arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office, either in person or by mail.
- Response time for public records requests typically ranges from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate information and jail roster inquiries can be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though Pepin County does not currently maintain an online inmate search database due to the facility's small size. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Pepin County Sheriff's Office for unincorporated areas and smaller villages, while the City of Duval contracts with the Sheriff's Office for police services. The Village of Stockholm and other small communities within the county also rely on the Sheriff's Office for primary law enforcement response.
Arrest records in Pepin County are public records under Wisconsin Statute 19.32, which establishes the state's public records law. Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the same public records request process, though the Sheriff's Office may charge reasonable fees for copying and staff time as permitted under Wisconsin Statute 19.35(3). The Sheriff's Office maintains primary jurisdiction over county highways and unincorporated areas, investigates serious crimes, operates the jail, and provides court security services for the Pepin County Circuit Court.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Pepin County's criminal records system includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. The Pepin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, which are accessible to the public under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. For comprehensive background checks, residents can utilize the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides statewide criminal history reports.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pepin County are maintained by the Pepin County Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about the circumstances of an arrest, including the date, time, location, and charges filed. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, in compliance with the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Arrest records typically include personal information about the arrestee, the arresting agency, and the status of the case.
- Requests for these records are processed in accordance with state regulations, ensuring transparency and public access to information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Pepin County Jail, located within the Pepin County Government Center in Durand, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Wisconsin state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of bail, which can be arranged through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pepin County are taken and retained by the Pepin 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. While there is no dedicated online portal for mugshot searches, individuals can request copies directly from the office. Wisconsin does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement or if the charges are dropped.
Courts & Case Records
Pepin County court matters are handled by the Pepin County Circuit Court, part of Wisconsin's Seventh Judicial Circuit. The courthouse is located at 740 7th Avenue West, Duval, Wisconsin 54130, and the Clerk of Circuit Court can be reached at (715) 672-8857. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters arising in Pepin County. Wisconsin consolidated its court system in the 1970s, eliminating separate county courts and creating a unified circuit court system, so the Circuit Court handles all trial-level matters.
- The Clerk of Circuit Court office maintains physical case files and can provide certified copies of court documents for a fee, typically $1.25 per page plus a certification fee.
- Filing fees vary by case type, with civil filing fees generally around $195 for standard actions and small claims fees at approximately $95 for claims under $10,000.
Municipal courts in Pepin County handle traffic citations, ordinance violations, and other minor offenses occurring within incorporated municipalities, with each county maintaining its own municipal court schedule. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal at wcca.wicourts.gov provides free online access to circuit court case information for Pepin County, including civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims, and traffic cases. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney to view case summaries, charges, dispositions, and scheduled hearings.
Court records access in Wisconsin is governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 758 and Supreme Court Rules, which establish that most court records are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order. Online case information is free to search, but obtaining official copies of documents requires contacting the Clerk's office. The Circuit Court holds regular sessions in Duval with visiting judges assigned to the county on a rotating basis.
Property & Public Records
The Pepin County Register of Deeds office, located at 740 7th Avenue West in Duval, Wisconsin 54130, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (715) 672-8980 and provides services during regular business hours Monday through Friday. The Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), land contracts, easements, plat maps, certified survey maps, and condominium declarations.
- Wisconsin law requires that documents affecting real property be recorded with the Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
- Recording fees are established by Wisconsin Statute 59.43 and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Register of Deeds for a fee, typically $2.50 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- Abstract and title searches are commonly performed at the Register of Deeds office by title companies, attorneys, and individual property owners researching chain of title.
Pepin County offers online access to recorded land records through a subscription-based system, though basic searches may be available on the county website. The Pepin County Tax Assessor's office maintains property assessment records and tax rolls, providing information on property valuations, tax assessments, and ownership. Property tax information can typically be accessed through the county's website or by contacting the County Treasurer's office at (715) 672-8861.
Wisconsin is a full disclosure state, meaning that property transfer return forms documenting sale prices are publicly available, providing transparency in real estate transactions. Pepin County maintains a GIS (Geographic Information System) parcel viewer that may be accessible online, allowing users to search property information by address, parcel number, or owner name, and view parcel boundaries, assessment data, and aerial imagery.
Vital Records
Vital records for Pepin County, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are maintained by both the Pepin County Clerk's office and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The Pepin County Clerk's office, located at 740 7th Avenue West, Duval, Wisconsin 54130, phone (715) 672-8978, maintains local copies of vital records and issues marriage licenses for couples intending to marry in Wisconsin. Birth and death certificates occurring in Pepin County from October 1907 forward are available from the County Clerk's office.
- The fee for a certified copy of a birth or death certificate is typically $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time, as established by Wisconsin Statute 69.22.
- Certified copies generally require 1-2 weeks for processing when requested by mail, or immediate issuance if requested in person and the record is readily available.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Pepin County Clerk's office with a fee of approximately $106, and Wisconsin has no waiting period or blood test requirement, though the license is valid for 30 days from issuance.
- Online ordering of certified vital records is available through the state's authorized vendor VitalChek at vitalchek.com, though additional service fees apply.
- Requesters must provide proper identification and proof of eligibility to receive restricted vital records under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 69.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Wisconsin law, which restricts access to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or other qualified applicants. Divorce records (formal name: records of dissolution or annulment) are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court rather than the County Clerk. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office in Madison serves as the central state repository for all Wisconsin vital records and can be reached at (608) 266-1371 or through their website at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Pepin County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and license required. The Pepin County Clerk's office at 740 7th Avenue West, Duval, Wisconsin 54130, phone (715) 672-8978, handles registration of fictitious business names (also called trade names or "doing business as" names) for businesses operating in the county. DBAs must be registered with the county clerk in each county where the business maintains an office or conducts substantial business operations.
- The registration fee is typically around $30 and must be renewed every five years under Wisconsin law.
For formal business entity formation and registration, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions maintains the statewide business entity database, which can be searched free of charge at businesssearch.wi.gov. This online portal allows searches for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered business entities, displaying the entity's status, registered agent, formation date, and filing history. Professional licenses including those for contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, with online license verification available at dsps.wi.gov.
Retail 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. Building permits and zoning approvals in Pepin County are handled by the Pepin County Zoning Department, located in the courthouse at 740 7th Avenue West, phone (715) 672-8972. The zoning office administers county land use regulations, issues building permits for new construction and renovations, conducts inspections, and enforces zoning ordinances in unincorporated areas of the county.
Incorporated municipalities maintain their own building inspection and zoning departments. The Pepin County Economic Development Corporation serves as the primary resource for business development and can be contacted for information on starting or expanding a business in the county.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pepin County are administered by the Pepin County Clerk, who serves as the chief election official for the county. The County Clerk's office is located at 740 7th Avenue West, Duval, Wisconsin 54130, and can be reached at (715) 672-8978. The office oversees voter registration, maintains voter rolls, coordinates with municipal clerks on election administration, canvasses election results, and provides election information to the public.
- Pepin County's 2024 general election turnout was approximately 80-82% of registered voters, reflecting the high civic engagement typical of Wisconsin counties in presidential election years.
- Voters can request absentee ballots through the MyVote Wisconsin website, by mail, email, or in person at their municipal clerk's office.
- Absentee ballot requests for mail delivery must be received by the Thursday before the election, and completed ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Wisconsin offers online voter registration through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, where eligible residents can register to vote, update their registration, request absentee ballots, find their polling place, view sample ballots, and track absentee ballot status. Voter registration in Wisconsin requires U.S. citizenship, residence in the reporting unit (ward or county) for at least 28 consecutive days before the election, and being at least 18 years old on or before Election Day.
Wisconsin allows same-day voter registration at polling places on Election Day with proof of residence, but online and mail registration must be completed at least 20 days before the election. Voters can find their specific polling place by visiting myvote.wi.gov and entering their address, or by contacting their municipal clerk. Pepin County contains multiple municipalities, each operating polling places for their residents on Election Day.
Election records that are public in Wisconsin include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate nomination papers and declarations of candidacy, and official election results by ward and county. The Wisconsin Elections Commission at elections.wi.gov maintains statewide campaign finance records and election results. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for U.S.
House of Representatives, U.S. Senate if applicable, Wisconsin Governor, other state constitutional officers, state legislature seats, and county offices. Absentee voting is available to all Wisconsin voters without requiring an excuse.
Wisconsin law requires voters to present photo identification when voting in person or include a copy of acceptable ID with absentee ballot applications. Transparency in elections is supported by Wisconsin's open records law (Wisconsin Statute 19.32-19.39) and election-specific statutes that make most election administration records publicly accessible. Citizens can request inspection of voter registration records, election administration documents, poll books, and other materials, though certain information such as social security numbers and driver's license numbers is redacted to protect privacy.
Economy & Demographics
Pepin County's economy is characterized by its small population, rural agricultural base, and growing tourism sector driven by Lake Pepin recreation and Laura Ingalls Wilder heritage tourism. Agriculture remains a foundational economic sector, with dairy farming, crop production (corn, soybeans, hay), and livestock operations providing employment and income for many county residents. The median household income in Pepin County is estimated at approximately $62,000, slightly below the Wisconsin state average.
Tourism and hospitality represent increasingly important economic drivers, particularly during summer months when Lake Pepin attracts boaters, anglers, and recreational visitors from the Twin Cities metropolitan area and throughout the Midwest. The Village of Stockholm, known for its antique shops, art galleries, and waterfront location, serves as a tourism destination along the Great River Road. Major employers in the county include local school districts, healthcare providers, small manufacturing operations, retail establishments, and agricultural businesses.
Pepin County does not host major corporate facilities or large industrial employers due to its small size and rural character. The county's unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly below state averages, reflecting the stable if modest employment base. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing small businesses, promoting tourism, encouraging entrepreneurship, and maintaining the county's high quality of life and scenic resources.
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway designation brings recognition and visitor traffic to the Mississippi River corridor through Pepin County. Broadband internet expansion has been identified as an economic development priority to support remote work and business competitiveness. The county's proximity to larger employment centers in Eau Claire, La Crosse, and the Minneapolis-St.
Paul metropolitan area also influences its economy, with some residents commuting for employment. Agricultural land preservation and balancing development with environmental protection remain ongoing considerations in county planning and economic development.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online | Property: ✅ Online (Register of Deeds) | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail Preferred | Business: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 7/10 — Pepin County provides good digital access through state portals for courts and elections, with property records available online, but jail and vital records require direct contact with county offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Pepin County, Wisconsin?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Pepin County, Wisconsin?
How do I get a criminal background check in Pepin County, Wisconsin?
How can I look up sex offenders in Pepin County, Wisconsin?
How do I register to vote in Pepin County, Wisconsin?
How do I look up property records in Pepin County, Wisconsin?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Pepin County, Wisconsin?
How do I find business license records in Pepin County, Wisconsin?
Cities & Towns in Pepin County
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Pepin County.