About Price County
Price County is located in north-central Wisconsin, established in 1879 and named after Wisconsin Congressman William T. Price. The county seat is Phillips, a community of approximately 1,400 residents situated along the Elk River. Price County encompasses approximately 1,280 square miles and has a total population of around 13,500 people, making it one of the more sparsely populated counties in Wisconsin. The county is characterized by dense forests, numerous lakes, and the Flambeau River State Forest, which covers over 90,000 acres and attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
- The Price County Courthouse, located at 126 Cherry Street in Phillips, houses the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and other essential administrative offices.
- The Register of Deeds maintains property records, land transactions, and recorded documents.
The region's economy has historically been driven by timber, paper production, and tourism, with significant portions of the county still covered by working forests. Price County is home to several natural attractions including Lake Holcombe, Sailor Lake, and extensive snowmobile and ATV trail systems that draw visitors throughout the year. The County Clerk's office manages vital records, election administration, and various licensing functions.
The County Assessor's office, also located at the courthouse, handles property valuations and assessment records for tax purposes. Price County retains much of its frontier character with vast stretches of undeveloped land, making it a destination for hunting, fishing, and wilderness recreation.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Price County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services in the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, maintaining public safety, and enforcing laws. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office operates the Price County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community outreach programs and collaborates with local agencies to address crime prevention and public safety initiatives.
Police Departments
In addition to the Price County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. The Phillips Police Department and the Park Falls Police Department are key law enforcement agencies serving their respective cities. These departments handle local law enforcement duties, traffic control, and community policing. They often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Price County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 104 South Lake Avenue in Phillips, Wisconsin 54555, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (715) 339-3011 and maintains a website at pricecountywi.gov where citizens can access information about services, community programs, and public safety initiatives. The Sheriff's Office operates the Price County Jail, a detention facility that houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences.
- Inmate information and jail roster can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office by calling the main number or visiting in person during business hours, though online inmate lookup capabilities are limited.
- To request arrest records, citizens should submit a public records request to the Price County Sheriff's Office in writing, either in person, by mail, or by email if available.
- Requesters should provide as much identifying information as possible including the subject's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Wisconsin and may be obtained through the same public records request process, though the agency may charge reasonable copying fees.
- The Sheriff's Office typically processes requests within a reasonable timeframe as required by state law, though complex requests may take longer.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Price County encompass a range of offenses, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Price County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. To conduct a background check in Wisconsin, individuals can contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for residents seeking detailed background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Price County are maintained by the Price County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including the charges filed, date, and location of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, these records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Price County Jail, located in Phillips, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and guidelines that must be adhered to.
- The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail staff.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Price County are taken and retained by the Price 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. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites that aggregate public records. Wisconsin does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can request removal from private websites under certain circumstances.
Courts & Case Records
Price County court matters are handled by the Price County Circuit Court, located at the Price County Courthouse, 126 Cherry Street, Phillips, Wisconsin 54555. The court can be reached at (715) 339-3325. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters arising in Price County, including felonies, misdemeanors, family law cases, probate matters, small claims, traffic violations, and juvenile proceedings. Wisconsin's unified court system places Circuit Courts as the trial courts of general jurisdiction in each county.
- To obtain certified copies of court documents, judgments, or case files, requesters must contact the Clerk of Circuit Court at the courthouse address above.
- Fees for certified copies are established by Wisconsin statute at $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system provides free online access to circuit court case information at wcca.wicourts.gov, where users can search by name, case number, or other identifying information to view case details, party information, charges, and case outcomes. Some sensitive cases including juvenile matters and certain family law proceedings may have restricted access to protect privacy. The court maintains records for both current and historical cases, with some older records archived.
Public access to court records in Wisconsin is governed by Supreme Court Rule 72 and Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, which establish the presumption that court records are open to the public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by law. The Price County Municipal Court may handle local ordinance violations for municipalities within the county, though jurisdiction varies by county.
Property & Public Records
The Price County Register of Deeds office, located at 126 Cherry Street, Phillips, Wisconsin 54555, maintains land and property records for the entire county. The office can be contacted at (715) 339-3114. The Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, land contracts, liens (mechanics liens, tax liens, judgment liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, certified survey maps, and various other instruments affecting title to real property.
- Wisconsin law requires that documents affecting real estate be recorded with the county Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice and establish priority of interests.
- Price County offers online property record searching through a web-based system accessible via the county website, allowing users to search by owner name, parcel number, or legal description.
- The office charges statutory fees for recording documents and providing copies: $30 for recording the first page of most documents plus $2.00 for each additional page, with additional fees for certain document types.
- Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
The office maintains both current and historical records dating back to the county's founding. Some records may be viewable online at no charge, while others may require in-person access or certified copies. Property tax records are maintained by the Price County Treasurer's office at the same courthouse address and can be contacted at (715) 339-3336.
The county offers a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer accessible through the county website, providing interactive maps showing parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessment values, and tax data. This tool is valuable for researching property before purchase, verifying boundaries, and accessing assessment information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Price County, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. The Price County Clerk's office, located at 126 Cherry Street, Phillips, Wisconsin 54555 (phone: 715-339-3336), serves as the local custodian for vital records.
- Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for additional copies.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained from the County Clerk in the county where the marriage will take place, with a fee of approximately $110 and a six-day waiting period after application.
- The state of Wisconsin offers online ordering of vital records through the VitalChek service at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords, though expedited fees apply for this service.
Birth and death certificates occurring in Price County can be requested from the County Clerk for events within the county, though most Wisconsin vital records requests are now processed through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, Vital Records Office at 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703. Wisconsin birth records are restricted for 100 years from the date of birth and can only be obtained by the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the record, legal guardian or conservator, or legal representative upon presentation of proper identification. Death records are restricted for 50 years.
Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court where the divorce was granted. Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Wisconsin Statutes § 69.20-69.24, which govern vital records access and confidentiality.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Price County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity and license required. The Price County Clerk's office at 126 Cherry Street, Phillips, Wisconsin 54555 (715-339-3336) maintains certain local business records including fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) and some county-issued licenses.
- This database is updated regularly and provides the most comprehensive source for Wisconsin business entity information.
However, most formal business entity registrations including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities must be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, which maintains the state's central business registry. The Wisconsin Business Entity Search is available online at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch where users can search for registered businesses by name, registered agent, or registration number, accessing information about business status, registered office address, officers and directors, and filing history completely free of charge. Professional licenses including those for healthcare providers, contractors, real estate agents, and other regulated professions are issued by various Wisconsin state licensing boards and can be searched 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 approvals, and land use permits are issued by the Price County Zoning Department, located at the courthouse, which can be reached at (715) 339-3116. The Phillips Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a resource for local business information and economic development, promoting commerce throughout Price County.
Businesses operating in municipalities may require additional local licenses from city or village clerks.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Price County are administered by the Price County Clerk's office, located at 126 Cherry Street, Phillips, Wisconsin 54555. The County Clerk serves as the chief election official and can be reached at (715) 339-3336 for election-related inquiries. Voter registration in Price County can be completed online through the Wisconsin MyVote website at myvote.wi.gov, in person at the County Clerk's office, at the Division of Motor Vehicles when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, by mail using a voter registration form, or at the polling place on Election Day.
- Wisconsin requires voters to register by 11:59 p.m.
- Absentee ballots in Price County can be requested through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, by contacting the County Clerk in writing, by email, or in person.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received no later than 5:00 p.m.
- on the fifth day before the election, though earlier requests are encouraged.
online or by close of business in person, no later than the third Wednesday before any election, though same-day registration is available at polling places on Election Day with proof of residence. Wisconsin law requires voters to present acceptable photo identification when voting in person, including Wisconsin driver's licenses, state ID cards, military IDs, passports, or tribal IDs. Voters can find their specific polling place by visiting myvote.wi.gov and entering their residential address, or by contacting the County Clerk.
Price County election records that are public include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance filings for local candidates and committees, candidate nomination papers and declarations of candidacy, and precinct-by-precinct election results. In the November 2024 general election, Price County voter turnout was approximately 72-75%, consistent with typical rural Wisconsin county turnout in presidential elections. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for U.S.
House of Representatives, one U.S. Senate seat, Wisconsin Governor, other statewide constitutional officers, Wisconsin State Assembly, State Senate (odd-numbered districts), and local offices. Military and overseas voters have additional options and extended deadlines.
Wisconsin election records transparency is governed by Wisconsin Statutes §§ 5.05, 7.23, 19.31-19.39, which establish that most election-related documents are public records accessible to citizens upon request, subject to redaction of certain personal information to protect voter privacy.
Economy & Demographics
Price County's economy has traditionally been anchored by natural resource extraction, forest products, and tourism, reflecting its heavily forested landscape and recreational amenities. The timber and paper industries have been historical cornerstones, though the sector has contracted in recent decades with mill closures affecting employment. Major employers in the county include healthcare providers such as Flambeau Hospital in Park Falls, school districts, county government, and retail establishments.
- The median household income in Price County is approximately $47,000, which is below the state average, reflecting the rural character and limited industrial base.
Tourism represents a growing economic sector, with thousands of visitors annually drawn to the Flambeau River State Forest, extensive ATV and snowmobile trail systems, fishing lakes, and hunting opportunities. The county's location in the North Woods region makes it attractive for seasonal recreation including ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing. Agriculture plays a secondary role compared to other Wisconsin counties, with some dairy operations and crop farming, but forestland dominates the landscape.
Small-scale manufacturing, logging operations, and service businesses supporting the tourism industry provide additional employment. The unemployment rate in Price County has historically tracked slightly above state averages, with seasonal fluctuations related to tourism and outdoor recreation. Economic development efforts have focused on promoting broadband expansion to rural areas, supporting small business development, and marketing the county's recreational assets.
The county's remote location presents challenges for attracting new employers, while the abundance of public lands and natural resources offers opportunities for outdoor recreation businesses and eco-tourism ventures.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (WCCA) | Property: ✅ Online Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Limited Online, In-Person/Phone | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Portal | Business: ✅ Online (State Database) | Elections: ✅ Online (MyVote WI) | Overall Score: 7/10 — Price County provides good digital access to court and property records, while jail and vital records require more direct contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Price County
Nearby Counties
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