About Salem

Salem, Wisconsin is a community in Kenosha County, Wisconsin. This page consolidates verified public records resources for Salem, including law enforcement, court, vital, property, and government records.

Read more about public records in Salem

Salem is located in Kenosha County, Wisconsin and had a recorded population of approximately 11,416 at the last census. County and state agencies serving Kenosha County are the primary source for most government records affecting Salem residents.

Law enforcement in Salem is served by Salem Police Department and Kenosha County Sheriff's Office. Arrest records, booking information, and incident reports are maintained by these agencies and can usually be requested in person, by mail, or via online portals where available.

Court case records for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters in Kenosha County are maintained by the county trial court of general jurisdiction and, where applicable, by municipal or district courts. Statewide court case search tools published by the Wisconsin Judicial Branch can also be used to locate cases.

Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for Salem residents are issued through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, with local copies often available through the Kenosha County Clerk's office. Real-property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and parcel assessments are recorded with the county Register of Deeds and the municipal Assessor.

Most government records held by Wisconsin agencies are accessible under the Wisconsin Public Records Law, which sets a response window of a reasonable time and requires agencies to publish procedures for written records requests. Certain records (juvenile, sealed, victim, and active investigation records) may be withheld or redacted under statutory exemptions.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Salem

Salem Police Department

West Salem Police Department · To Protect and Serve Police Station · 175 Leonard St S, West Salem, WI, United States, Wisconsin · (608) 786-0407 · wspd@westsalemwi.gov · westsalemwi.gov/police · Closed now · Price Range ·.

Kenosha County Sheriff's Office

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency serving a diverse and growing community. As one of the larger agencies in Wisconsin, we provide comprehensive public safety services, including patrol, court operations, and the management of two large detention facilities.

https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/548/Sheriffs-Office

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Salem

Municipal Court - Village of Salem Lakes, WI

If you wish to contact the court about an upcoming or continuing case, please do not contact the Judge directly. In order to stay unbiased with all parties regarding cases, the Judge cannot personally discuss case matters. Contact the Court Clerk for any questions or concerns.

🔗 https://voslwi.gov/court

🏠 Property & Public Records in Salem

Kenosha County Register of Deeds

Property records for Salem, Wisconsin are maintained by the Kenosha County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Kenosha County, including Salem.

🔗 https://wrdaonline.org

Public Records & Services in Salem

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Salem, Kenosha County, Wisconsin are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Kenosha County school administration or the Wisconsin Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Salem, Kenosha County, Wisconsin is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Kenosha County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Salem police department or the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Salem Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Kenosha County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Salem, Wisconsin residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized third-party providers in Kenosha County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Salem Police Department or the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Wisconsin Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.

About Salem — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The Kenosha County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates throughout Kenosha County. Upon arrest, individuals undergo booking procedures that include fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. The facility offers an online inmate lookup service that allows the public to search for current detainees. Visitation follows specific guidelines with scheduled times that visitors must adhere to strictly.
Wisconsin's bond and bail process permits release of inmates under certain conditions, and information about posting bail can be obtained through the detention center's administration. Recently arrested individuals can be located through the jail's online inmate search tool.

Arrest Records

The Kenosha County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, providing detailed documentation of each arrest including the date, charges filed, and the arresting agency involved. Residents and attorneys can request these records by submitting a formal request under Wisconsin's Open Records Law. Each record includes personal information about the individual, specifics of the alleged offense, and the current status of the case.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Kenosha County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Kenosha County Clerk of Courts maintains court records related to criminal cases, while the Sheriff's Office handles arrest and booking records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Wisconsin Department of Justice also offers resources for background checks, so that Kenosha residents have access to criminal records.

Vital Records

For people looking for access to vital records in Salem, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintains the Salem Wisconsin Vital Records repository. This online portal allows residents to obtain birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for events that have occurred within the village. The process for requesting these documents is straightforward and can be completed entirely online, providing convenient access to important personal records.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating in Salem, Wisconsin can access resources through the Village of Salem Lakes. The local government's website provides information on business licenses, zoning regulations, and the permitting process for new developments or renovations. The Salem Lakes Building Department oversees the review and approval of construction projects, making sure of compliance with local codes and ordinances. This department works closely with the business community to help with smooth operations and foster economic growth within the village.

Economy & Demographics

The economy of Salem, Wisconsin, has seen steady growth and diversification in recent years, with a focus on small businesses and retail establishments. The village's strategic location along major highways has contributed to its appeal as a residential hub for commuters working in nearby cities. Key employers in the area include manufacturing companies, healthcare providers, and a mix of local service-oriented businesses.

Elections & Voter Records

Salem voters receive election services from the Kenosha County Clerk's Office, located at 1010 56th Street, Third Floor, Kenosha, WI 53140, phone (262) 653-2491, website https://www.kenoshacounty.org/189/County-Clerk. The County Clerk administers all elections for residents, including federal, state, county, and Town of Salem local races. Wisconsin residents can register to vote online at https://myvote.wi.gov, the official state election portal maintained by the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
Voters may register up to and including Election Day; online registration must be completed no later than 20 days before an election, but in-person registration is available at polling places on Election Day with proof of residence such as a Wisconsin driver's license, utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck showing current address. The state does not require voters to register by party affiliation. For Town of Salem local government, voters elect the Town Board - including the Town Chairman and four Supervisors - to two-year terms in odd-numbered years during the spring election cycle, typically held on the first Tuesday in April. The next Town of Salem elections will occur in April 2025 and April 2027. Since this is an unincorporated town governed by the Town Board, there is no mayor or city council. Voters can find their assigned polling place by entering their address at https://myvote.wi.gov, which provides precinct location, sample ballots, and hours of operation. The Town of Salem typically maintains polling places at the Salem School, 8232 Antioch Road, Salem, WI 53168, though voters should verify their specific location before Election Day. Wisconsin's public records law makes extensive election data publicly accessible: voter registration lists can be requested from the Kenosha County Clerk with certain privacy protections, campaign finance reports are available through the Wisconsin Ethics Commission at https://ethics.wi.gov, and precinct-level election results are published by the Kenosha County Clerk after certification. Wisconsin offers absentee voting by mail for any registered voter; residents can request an absentee ballot online through https://myvote.wi.gov by providing their name, date of birth, and address, with the deadline being 5:00 PM on the Thursday before the election. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail - must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day - or delivered in person to the Kenosha County Clerk's office or to the voter's polling place on Election Day. Wisconsin requires voter photo ID for both in-person and absentee voting; acceptable IDs include Wisconsin driver's license, Wisconsin state ID card, military ID, U.S. Passport, or other limited forms specified by state law. For detailed election information, visit the Kenosha County Clerk's elections page or the Wisconsin Elections Commission at https://elections.wi.gov.
City Info
StateWisconsin
CountyKenosha
Population11,416

Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Salem, Wisconsin, residents can register online through the Wisconsin Elections Commission's website, by mail, or in person at the Kenosha County elections office. Wisconsin requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Wisconsin Elections Commission's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Salem, contact the Kenosha County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Salem, Wisconsin are maintained by the Kenosha Municipal Assessor's Office and the Kenosha County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Kenosha County, including parcels in Salem. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Kenosha County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Wisconsin counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Kenosha County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Salem, Wisconsin residents are available through both county and state offices. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records, located in Madison, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Wisconsin. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Kenosha County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Kenosha County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.