South Milwaukee Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official South Milwaukee, Wisconsin government websites.
About South Milwaukee City Government
Annual Budget
$9.5 million
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the South Milwaukee Common Council, which consists of 7 elected members. Council members are elected to serve 2-year terms, with elections held every spring. The council is responsible for making decisions on local legislation, budget approvals, and community services.
For the fiscal year 2023, South Milwaukee's approximate annual operating budget is $9.5 million. This budget encompasses various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
Regular meetings of the South Milwaukee Common Council are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the South Milwaukee City Hall, located at 2424 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI 53172. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local governance and community issues.
About South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The city has a strong community identity, with neighborhoods such as Oak Creek and the downtown area, which hosts various local businesses and community events. South Milwaukee has a historical significance as it was once a hub for the steel industry, particularly with the presence of the South Milwaukee Steel Works, which played a pivotal role in the local economy during the 20th century.
In terms of economic development, South Milwaukee has been focusing on revitalizing its downtown area, with a budget of approximately $1.5 million allocated for infrastructure improvements in 2023. This investment aims to enhance the community's appeal and support local businesses, fostering a vibrant economic environment.
South Milwaukee, Wisconsin Public Records & Government Resources
South Milwaukee Wisconsin Archives and Genealogy
Wisconsin Historical Society archives and genealogy for South Milwaukee.
South Milwaukee Wisconsin Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Wisconsin for South Milwaukee.
Wisconsin Courts – South Milwaukee Case Search
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access case search for South Milwaukee.
South Milwaukee Wisconsin Vital Records
Wisconsin Department of Health Services vital records for South Milwaukee.
South Milwaukee Wisconsin Missing Persons
Wisconsin DOJ missing persons for South Milwaukee.
South Milwaukee Wisconsin Most Wanted
Wisconsin DOJ most wanted for South Milwaukee.
South Milwaukee Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry
Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry for South Milwaukee.
South Milwaukee Wisconsin Criminal History Records
Wisconsin DOJ criminal history record search for South Milwaukee.
South Milwaukee Wisconsin Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for South Milwaukee.
City of South Milwaukee
Directory of South Milwaukee city records and information 2424 15th Avenue South Milwaukee, WI 53172 Phone: 414-762-2222
South Milwaukee Police Department
Crime prevention and law enforcement services 2424 15th Avenue South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172 Phone: (414) 768-8060
South Milwaukee Fire Department
Fire protection, suppression, and emergency services 929 Marshall Court South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172 Phone: (414) 76
South Milwaukee City Clerk
Official city records City Administration Building 2424 15th Avenue South Milwaukee, WI 53172 Phone: 414-762-2222
South Milwaukee Municipal Court
Municipal ordinance violations 2424 15th Avenue South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172 Phone: (414) 768-8060
South Milwaukee Inspection Department
Building permit and code enforcement 2424 15th Avenue South Milwaukee, WI 53172 Phone: 414-762-2222, ext. 140
South Milwaukee Public Library
Access to libraries, reference materials, and research assistance 1907 10th Avenue South Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53172 Phon
School District of South Milwaukee
General education information and services 901 15th Avenue South Milwaukee, WI 53172-1521 Phone: (414) 766-5000
South Milwaukee Election Information
Voter and candidate registration information
South Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce
Listing of local businesses 2424 15th Avenue South Milwaukee WI 53172 Phone: (414) 762-2222, ext. 141
City of South Milwaukee Census Bureau Information
Population demographic information South Milwaukee, WI. 53172
South Milwaukee Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau
Conducting criminal background checks Wisconsin Department of Justice P.O. Box 7857 Madison, WI 53707-7857 Tel: 608-266-
State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections
South Milwaukee Inmate and offender search 3099 East Washington Avenue Post Office Box 7925 Madison, Wisconsin 53707-792
Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in South Milwaukee falls under the jurisdiction of multiple agencies working throughout Milwaukee County. The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office operates countywide, while municipal departments including the Milwaukee Police Department, West Allis Police Department, and Wauwatosa Police Department handle matters within their respective city boundaries. Each agency maintains its own jurisdiction and handles day-to-day law enforcement duties in its coverage area.
Jail & Inmate Records
Individuals arrested in South Milwaukee and throughout Milwaukee County are typically processed through the Milwaukee County Jail in downtown Milwaukee, which serves as the primary detention facility. The booking process follows standard procedures: fingerprinting, photographing, and collection of personal information. Family members and attorneys can search for current detainees through the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office website, which maintains an online inmate lookup system.
Visitation is permitted but requires advance scheduling, and visitors must follow specific rules regarding identification and conduct during visits. Wisconsin's bond and bail system allows detainees to secure release prior to trial by posting an amount set by the court.
Arrest Records
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments throughout Milwaukee County maintain arrest records for incidents within their jurisdictions. Residents and attorneys can request these records through formal applications, which typically require identification and payment of a fee. Each arrest record contains the individual's name, date of arrest, specific charges filed, and booking details. The Wisconsin Open Records Law governs how these documents are accessed, establishing transparency requirements and ensuring public access to government records.
Court Records
The South Milwaukee Municipal Court handles local legal matters ranging from traffic violations and municipal ordinance infractions to small claims disputes. Residents seeking court records or case information can search through the Wisconsin Courts' online portal, which provides access to filings and case status updates. More serious criminal matters move beyond municipal court.
The South Milwaukee Police Department works in conjunction with the Milwaukee County Circuit Court system to process and maintain records related to felony arrests, formal charges, and criminal proceedings that require circuit court jurisdiction.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Milwaukee County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, along with local police departments, maintain these records. Background checks in Wisconsin can be conducted through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides statewide criminal history reports. The Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation also offers resources and support for accessing criminal records and ensuring public safety.
Public Records Access
Residents seeking historical information can access the Wisconsin Historical Society's South Milwaukee Archives and Genealogy portal, which houses historical documents, census data, and other records specific to the city and Milwaukee County. The City of South Milwaukee maintains property assessment records and land-related information through its Inspection Department website, providing a resource for current property data.
Vital Records
For vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, South Milwaukee residents can visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services' Vital Records office. This state-level agency oversees the maintenance and distribution of these important documents. The City of South Milwaukee's Clerk's office also provides support and guidance for individuals seeking access to vital records pertaining to the local community.
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses establishing operations in South Milwaukee obtain necessary licenses and permits through the city's Inspection Department. This office handles the issuance of business licenses, building permits, and other regulatory documents required for commercial activities within city limits. Zoning information and land-use regulations are accessible through the Inspection Department's online resources, providing entrepreneurs and business owners with the tools to navigate local regulations and understand what's permitted in various districts throughout the community.
Economy & Demographics
South Milwaukee's economy has evolved from its industrial roots, with a focus on revitalizing the downtown area and supporting local businesses. Major employers in the city include the South Milwaukee School District, Aurora Health Care, and various manufacturing and service-based companies. The city's 2023 budget allocates $1.5 million for infrastructure improvements to enhance the downtown area, signaling a commitment to fostering a vibrant economic environment.
Elections & Voter Records
ELECTION HUB for South Milwaukee, Wisconsin voters
The Milwaukee County Election Commission serves South Milwaukee voters from its offices at 901 N. 9th Street, Room 201, Milwaukee, WI 53233. Phone: (414) 278-4060. Website: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/County-Clerk/Election-Commission. Residents can register to vote online at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/RegisterToVote. The registration deadline is 20 days before any election. Acceptable identification includes a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID, or other approved documents.
The Milwaukee County Election Commission serves South Milwaukee voters from its offices at 901 N. 9th Street, Room 201, Milwaukee, WI 53233. Phone: (414) 278-4060. Website: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/County-Clerk/Election-Commission. Residents can register to vote online at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/RegisterToVote. The registration deadline is 20 days before any election. Acceptable identification includes a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID, or other approved documents.
Municipal elections for mayor and city council take place in spring, held on the first Tuesday in April. Candidate information is available on the city website at https://www.smwi.org/city-government/. Voters can locate their polling place at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/FindMyPollingPlace. Wisconsin considers many election records public, including voter registration lists, absentee ballot information, and campaign finance reports. These documents can be requested from the Milwaukee County Election Commission. Milwaukee County recorded a voter turnout of 71.5% in the 2024 presidential election. The 2026 election cycle will bring races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Wisconsin Governor, and various state and local offices to South Milwaukee and Milwaukee County voters. Wisconsin allows no-excuse absentee and mail-in voting. Voters can request a ballot at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/VoteAbsentee. Ballot return deadlines and additional requirements are detailed on the state website.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: 8/10 | Property: 8/10 | Arrest Logs: 7/10 | Vital Records: 7/10 | Business: 8/10 | Elections: 9/10 | Overall: 8.2/10 — South Milwaukee and Milwaukee County, Wisconsin have a fairly high level of government transparency, with robust access to court records, property information, and election data. Some limitations exist for arrest logs and vital records, but overall the region scores well for public access to information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for South Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin?
Education in South Milwaukee is served by local school districts. Students attend schools within Milwaukee County. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction oversees K-12 public education for the state, including curriculum standards, teacher certification, and school accountability.
For specific information about schools serving South Milwaukee, contact the local school district office or visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website to find district boundaries, school ratings, and enrollment information for your address.
For specific information about schools serving South Milwaukee, contact the local school district office or visit the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website to find district boundaries, school ratings, and enrollment information for your address.
2 What are the crime statistics for South Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin?
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the crime rate in South Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin for 2019 was 1,845.7 per 100,000 people. This is lower than the state average of 2,845.7 per 100,000 people. The most common crimes reported in South Milwaukee were larceny/theft (1,039.3 per 100,000 people), burglary (279.3 per 100,000 people), and motor vehicle theft (179.3 per 100,000 people).
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the South Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Library?
The South Milwaukee Public Library in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Wisconsin government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, which governs access to government documents in Wisconsin. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the South Milwaukee Wisconsin Archives and Genealogy at https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/. Contact the South Milwaukee Public Library reference desk for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
4 Where is the South Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Public Library located?
The South Milwaukee Public Library is located at 1907 10th Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI 53172.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in South Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin?
Fingerprinting services for South Milwaukee, Wisconsin residents are provided at the South Milwaukee Police Department, which serves Milwaukee County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the South Milwaukee Police Department for visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Wisconsin Department of Justice for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice at https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/criminal-history-record-search.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from South Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for South Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, you must contact the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds.
The vital records available from the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain a copy of a vital record, you must provide the full name of the person listed on the record, the date of the event, and the place of the event. You must also provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person listed on the record.
The vital records available from the Milwaukee County Register of Deeds include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain a copy of a vital record, you must provide the full name of the person listed on the record, the date of the event, and the place of the event. You must also provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person listed on the record.
7 How do I register to vote in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
ELECTION HUB for South Milwaukee, Wisconsin voters
Milwaukee County Election Commission serves South Milwaukee voters. Located at 901 N. 9th Street, Room 201, Milwaukee, WI 53233. Phone: (414) 278-4060. Website: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/County-Clerk/Election-Commission.
South Milwaukee residents can register to vote online at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/RegisterToVote. The deadline is 20 days before an election. Acceptable ID for registration includes a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID, or other approved document.
Milwaukee County Election Commission serves South Milwaukee voters. Located at 901 N. 9th Street, Room 201, Milwaukee, WI 53233. Phone: (414) 278-4060. Website: https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/County-Clerk/Election-Commission.
South Milwaukee residents can register to vote online at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/RegisterToVote. The deadline is 20 days before an election. Acceptable ID for registration includes a Wisconsin driver's license, state ID, or other approved document.
8 How do I look up property records in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Residents of South Milwaukee can access a variety of public records through the Wisconsin Historical Society's South Milwaukee Archives and Genealogy portal. This resource provides access to historical documents, census data, and other records relevant to the city and Milwaukee County. The City of South Milwaukee also maintains property assessment records and other land-related information through its Inspection Department website. Those in need of more detailed property data can turn to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue's real estate assessment tools.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
For vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, South Milwaukee residents can visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services' Vital Records office. This state-level agency oversees the maintenance and distribution of these important documents. The City of South Milwaukee's Clerk's office also provides support and guidance for individuals seeking access to vital records pertaining to the local community.
10 How do I find business license records in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
Businesses operating in South Milwaukee can obtain the necessary licenses and permits through the city's Inspection Department. This office manages the issuance of business licenses, building permits, and other regulatory documents required for commercial activities. Zoning information and land-use regulations are also accessible through the Inspection Department's online resources, helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate the local regulatory landscape.