About Pierce County
Pierce County is located in west-central Wisconsin along the Mississippi River and St. Croix River valleys, offering spectacular natural beauty and a rich agricultural heritage. Pierce County Seat is Ellsworth, situated in the heart of this 576-square-mile region. As of the 2020 Census, Pierce County has a population of approximately 42,200 residents, making it a mid-sized Wisconsin county with a strong rural character balanced by proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
- Pierce County Courthouse is located at 414 West Main Street in Ellsworth, housing the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and other essential offices.
Established in 1853 and named after President Franklin Pierce, Pierce County is renowned as Wisconsin's premier cheese-producing region, particularly famous for its cheddar and curds. Major landmarks include the Kinnickinnic River State Natural Area, Rush River, Nugget Lake County Park, and the historic communities of River Falls, Prescott (where the St. Croix meets the Mississippi), and Bay City.
Pierce County Administration Building at 412 West Kinne Street contains additional county departments including the Assessor's Office and Land Management. Pierce County's economy balances dairy farming, manufacturing, healthcare, education (University of Wisconsin-River Falls), and tourism. Pierce County's strategic location along two major river systems and its designation as part of the St.
Croix National Scenic Riverway contribute to its unique character as both a working agricultural scene and a destination for outdoor recreation.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Pierce County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Pierce County. The office oversees the operation of Pierce County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations unit, and a dedicated team for handling drug-related offenses.
Police Departments
Pierce County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Pierce County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the River Falls Police Department and the Prescott Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city, while the Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in rural areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response across Pierce County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Pierce County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 555 South Rush Street in Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011, is the primary law enforcement agency for Pierce County. The department operates Pierce County Jail, a 54-bed facility located at the same address, which houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website inmate roster or by calling the jail directly for The roster typically includes names, booking dates, charges, and bond information.
- There may be a fee for copies, typically $0.25 per page.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records and can be requested through the same process.
Municipal police departments within Pierce County include the River Falls Police Department (222 Lewis Street, River Falls), which serves Pierce County's largest city, and the Prescott Police Department (800 Borner Street, Prescott). Arrest records in Pierce County are public records subject to Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, the Wisconsin Public Records Law.
Processing times for record requests typically range from 5-10 business days depending on the complexity of the request. Wisconsin law requires that records custodians respond to requests as soon as practicable and without delay. Pierce County does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Pierce County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Pierce County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which offers access to criminal history information for employment, licensing, and personal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pierce County are maintained by Pierce County Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about the arrest, including the date, charges, and arresting officer. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, and requests are processed under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Arrest records typically include personal information, the nature of the charges, and court dates.
Jail & Inmate Records
Pierce County Jail, located in Ellsworth, is the primary detention facility for Pierce County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal details of the arrested individuals. Inmate information can be accessed through Pierce County's online inmate lookup system. Visitation rules require appointments, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct and dress code.
- The bond process in Wisconsin allows for cash bonds or bail bonds through licensed agents, and information on recently arrested individuals can be found through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pierce County are taken and retained by Pierce County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These 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 mugshot removal laws, individuals can request removal from certain websites through legal channels.
Courts & Case Records
Pierce County is served by Pierce County Circuit Court, part of Wisconsin's Seventh Judicial District. The courthouse is located at 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including felonies, civil cases exceeding $50,000, family law matters (divorce, custody, paternity), probate and estate proceedings, juvenile cases, small claims up to $10,000, and traffic violations.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- Online access through WCCA is free, though bulk data requests may incur fees.
Pierce County Circuit Court records can be searched through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, available online at wcca.wicourts.gov, which provides free public access to circuit court case information statewide. The database includes case summaries, party information, charges, judgments, and case proceedings, though certain sensitive records such as juvenile cases and certain family law documents are restricted. In-person record searches can be conducted at the Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays).
Pierce County Clerk of Courts office can be reached at extension 232. Municipal courts operate in River Falls and Prescott, handling local ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other minor offenses within their respective jurisdictions. Public access to court records is governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 19.21 and Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Chapter 70, which establish the presumption that court records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law or court order.
Property & Public Records
Pierce County Register of Deeds office, located at 414 West Main Street (Courthouse), Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011, maintains land and property records for Pierce County. The office can be reached at and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Register of Deeds records and preserves documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens (mechanic's, judgment, tax), easements, restrictive covenants, plat maps, certified survey maps, and various other instruments affecting real property title.
- Pierce County offers online land record searches through Lamar Company at piercewi.fidlar.com, providing free public access to recorded documents dating back to the early 1900s.
- Pierce County Property Listing system provides property assessment information through the County Land Information Office website.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Recording fees for new documents are $30.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
Users can search by name (grantor/grantee), document type, legal description, or document number. Most documents recorded since the 1980s are available as digital images that can be viewed and printed. Property tax information is maintained by Pierce County Treasurer's Office, with online tax information and payment available through Pierce County website.
Pierce County Land Information Office maintains a full Geographic Information System (GIS) with interactive parcel maps available at gis.co.pierce.wi.us, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, zoning, floodplains, and other spatial data layers. Pierce Municipal Assessor's Office at maintains property assessment records including property characteristics, assessed values, and exemptions.
Vital Records
Vital records for Pierce County, Wisconsin are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are available through Pierce County Register of Deeds office at 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011 Wisconsin birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old are restricted to eligible individuals including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a direct and tangible interest.
- Birth certificate copies cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if the record is on file; mail requests take 2-3 weeks.
- The marriage license fee is $110.00, and couples must apply together in person with valid identification.
- Marriage records (certificates of marriage) are filed with the Register of Deeds after the ceremony.
Marriage licenses are issued by Pierce County Clerk's office at 414 West Main Street There is a six-day waiting period after application before the license is valid, and licenses expire after 30 days. Divorce records (certified copies of divorce decrees) must be obtained from Pierce County Clerk of Circuit Court for The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office (PO Box 309, Madison, WI 53701-0309, phone 608-266-1371) is the state repository and can provide certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for events occurring anywhere in Wisconsin.
Online ordering is available through the state VitalChek service at vitalrecords.wi.gov with expedited shipping options. Wisconsin vital records law is codified in Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 69. Requesters must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate their eligibility to receive restricted records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Pierce County, Wisconsin are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Pierce County Clerk's office at 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, WI 54011, phone, handles certain local business registrations including dog licenses and some permit applications. However, most formal business entity formations (corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships) are registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
- Pierce County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) at www.piercecountyedc.com provides resources for business development and expansion.
The Wisconsin Secretary of State Business Search is available online at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch, providing free access to business entity records including registration dates, status, registered agents, and addresses for all corporations, LLCs, and other entities registered in Wisconsin. Fictitious name registrations (doing-business-as or DBA names) for sole proprietorships and partnerships are filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and searchable through the same database. Pierce County Zoning Office at 412 West Kinne Street, phone, issues building permits, zoning permits, and land use permits for unincorporated areas of Pierce County.
Incorporated municipalities (River Falls, Prescott, Ellsworth, Bay City, Maiden Rock, Plum City) issue their own building and occupancy permits. Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers) are typically issued by Wisconsin state agencies rather than at Pierce County level. Wisconsin seller's permits for sales tax collection are obtained through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue at revenue.wi.gov.
The River Falls Chamber of Commerce at www.rfchamber.com and Pierce County Economic Development Corporation serve as resources for local business information. Food establishment licenses are issued by Pierce County Public Health at.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pierce County, Wisconsin are administered by Pierce County Clerk's office, located at 414 West Main Street, Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011. Pierce County Clerk is the chief election official and can be reached at or via email through Pierce County website at co.pierce.wi.us. Voter registration in Pierce County can be completed online through the statewide MyVote Wisconsin system at myvote.wi.gov, in person at the County Clerk's office or municipal clerk offices, by mail using the Wisconsin Voter Registration Application, or at the polls on Election Day with proof of residence.
- Absentee ballots can be requested online through MyVote Wisconsin, by mail, email, fax, or in person at municipal clerk offices.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by 5:00 PM on the Thursday before the election, though in-person absentee voting deadlines vary.
- Citizens may request copies of election materials, observe election processes including ballot counting, and file open records requests for election related documents under Wisconsin's Public Records Law (Wis.
Wisconsin law requires voter registration at least 20 days before an election for online or mail registration, though same-day registration is available at the polls or during in-person absentee voting with proper identification. All Wisconsin voters must present an acceptable photo ID when voting, including Wisconsin driver's license, Wisconsin ID card, military ID, passport, or certain other specified documents. Pierce County residents can find their polling place, view sample ballots, check registration status, and request absentee ballots through the MyVote Wisconsin portal at myvote.wi.gov by entering their name and date of birth.
Pierce County has approximately 30 polling locations across its municipalities and townships. Military and overseas voters have extended deadlines. In the November 2024 general election, Pierce County recorded approximately 67% voter turnout, consistent with Wisconsin's traditionally high participation rates in presidential elections.
Election records available to the public include voter registration lists (available for purchase for election related purposes), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees (searchable at cfis.wi.gov), candidate nomination papers and declarations, precinct-by-precinct election results, and polling place locations. Pierce County Clerk publishes unofficial results on election night and official canvass results within days of each election. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring Wisconsin's gubernatorial race, state constitutional officers, U.S.
Senate (depending on the cycle), all U.S. House seats including Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District (which includes Pierce County), half of the Wisconsin State Senate, all Wisconsin Assembly seats, and county offices. Wisconsin elections are governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 5-12, which establish transparency requirements for election administration.
Stat. §§ 19.31-19.39).
Economy & Demographics
Pierce County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare, and tourism sectors. Agriculture remains foundational, with Pierce County consistently ranking among Wisconsin's top dairy counties, producing approximately 400 million pounds of milk annually.
- The median household income in Pierce County is approximately $76,000, slightly above the Wisconsin average.
Pierce County is particularly renowned for cheese production, with several major cheese plants including Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, famous for its cheese curds and recognized as the "Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin." Manufacturing employs a significant portion of the workforce, with major employers including Andersen Windows & Doors in River Falls (one of the nation's largest window manufacturers), Target Corporation's distribution center in River Falls, and smaller manufacturers producing plastics, metal fabrication, and food products.Healthcare is provided primarily by River Falls Area Hospital (part of HealthPartners) and smaller clinics. Pierce County's unemployment rate typically ranges from 2.5% to 4%, reflecting the diverse employment base. Tourism contributes substantially, with visitors drawn to the St.
Croix National Scenic Riverway, Mississippi River recreation, fishing, kayaking, the Kinnickinnic River (a premier trout stream), and agritourism including farm visits and the annual Pierce County Fair. Pierce County's proximity to the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area (30-50 miles) makes it attractive for commuters and has spurred residential development while maintaining rural character.
Recent economic development initiatives focus on downtown revitalization in River Falls and Ellsworth, expansion of broadband internet access in rural areas, and attraction of knowledge-based businesses. Commercial development along Highway 35 and Interstate 94 continues to expand the retail and service sectors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (WCCA) | Property: Yes: Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Inmate Roster Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Yes: MyVote Wisconsin Portal | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Pierce County provides excellent digital access to most public records with online portals for court, property, and election information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Pierce County
Explore public records for 11 cities and communities in Pierce County, Wisconsin.