About St. Croix County
St. Croix County is located in northwestern Wisconsin along the Minnesota border, serving as part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Established in 1840, St. Croix County seat is Hudson, a vibrant riverfront city situated on the St. Croix River. St. Croix County includes approximately 736 square miles and has a population of around 93,000 residents, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in Wisconsin. St. Croix County's geography features rolling hills, numerous lakes, and the scenic St. Croix County National Scenic Riverway, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
- Croix County Government Center is located at 1101 Carmichael Road in Hudson, WI 54016, housing key offices including the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and Municipal Assessor.
- The Register of Deeds office maintains all land records and can be reached at the Government Center.
- Croix County's proximity to the Twin Cities provides significant economic opportunities while maintaining Wisconsin's traditional values.
Major communities include Hudson, River Falls, New Richmond, Roberts, and Somerset. St. St.
Croix County Clerk's office handles vital records, marriage licenses, and election administration. St. Croix Municipal Assessor's office manages property assessments and tax records.
St. Croix County is unique for its blend of suburban development and rural character, with strong agricultural heritage alongside growing residential communities. St.
Historic sites include the Octagon House in Hudson and the Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, reflecting St. Croix County's rich cultural heritage.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
St. Croix County, as well as maintaining St. Croix County jail and processing arrests. The office is dedicated to public safety and community engagement, offering programs such as neighborhood watch and crime prevention education. Croix County's emergency response and dispatch services, making sure of coordination during critical incidents.
Police Departments
In addition to St. Croix County, including the Hudson Police Department, New Richmond Police Department, and River Falls Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining law and order within their respective city limits, handling local crimes, traffic enforcement, and community policing initiatives. These agencies collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and emergencies, making sure of a coordinated response across St. Croix County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
St. Croix County's unincorporated areas and contracts with several municipalities. St. Croix County Jail, also located at the Government Center, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences.
- Current inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website via their online inmate roster, which provides booking details, charges, bond amounts, and anticipated release dates.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or individual police departments, though certain investigatory records may be temporarily exempt.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the online jail roster or by specific request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
- Processing times vary, and fees may apply for copies exceeding certain page limits.
- Wisconsin law requires law enforcement agencies to respond to records requests promptly, and agencies must provide written justification for any denials.
Municipal police departments operate independently in several cities: the Hudson Police Department serves St. Croix County seat, the River Falls Police Department serves the university community, the New Richmond Police Department serves that city, and smaller departments exist in Roberts, Somerset, and other incorporated areas. Arrest records in St.
Croix County are public under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, the Wisconsin Open Records Law, which establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in St. Croix County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. St. Croix County Clerk of Courts maintains court records, while the Sheriff's Office and local police departments handle arrest and incident reports. Residents can request background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which provides full criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in St. Croix County are maintained by St. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information. To obtain these records, individuals may need to submit a written request to the appropriate law enforcement agency, and fees may apply for processing and copying documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
St. Croix County Jail, located in Hudson, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within St. Croix County. The booking process at the jail involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current inmates by name. Visitation rules at St. Croix County Jail require scheduling in advance, with specific hours designated for family and attorney visits.
- The bond and bail process follows Wisconsin state guidelines, where individuals can post bail to secure their release pending court proceedings.
- Information on recent arrests can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or St.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in St. Croix County are taken and retained by St. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a request under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. While Wisconsin does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty. The availability of mugshots online has raised privacy concerns, but they remain an essential tool for law enforcement and public awareness.
Courts & Case Records
St. Croix County Circuit Court, part of Wisconsin's unified court system, is located at 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016, and is the trial court for all civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. St. Croix County has three circuit court branches with judges elected to six-year terms. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system provides free online access to most circuit court case information at wcca.wicourts.gov, allowing users to search by name, case number, or other criteria.
- Certified copies of judgments, divorce decrees, and other court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Court's office for a statutory fee of $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- The Register in Probate handles estate matters, guardianships, and mental health commitments, with records maintained at the same Government Center location.
Case records include dockets, filings, judgments, and scheduled hearings for most case types, though certain sensitive matters such as juvenile cases, mental health commitments, and some family law matters have restricted access. Municipal courts in Hudson, River Falls, New Richmond, and other municipalities handle local ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other non-criminal matters within their jurisdictions. These municipal courts maintain separate record systems, typically accessible through city clerk offices.
St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains the official court records and accepts filings in person or electronically through the state's e-filing system. Public access to court records is governed by Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 70.02 and Wisconsin Statutes § 19.21, which establish the presumption that court records are open unless specifically exempted by law.
Property & Public Records
St. Croix County Register of Deeds office, located at 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016, maintains full land and property records dating back to St. Croix County's formation. The office can be reached through the office operates Monday through Friday during business hours. The Register of Deeds records and preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, surveys, land contracts, tax liens, UCC filings, and vital records. St.
- Croix County offers free online access to land records through the Laredo system at applications.sccwi.gov, allowing users to search by name, parcel number, document type, or date range.
- Images of recorded documents are available online for documents recorded since the system's implementation, with older records available through in-person research or specific request.
- Recording fees follow Wisconsin statutory schedules, with basic documents typically costing $30.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Certified copies are available for an additional fee.
- The Register of Deeds office staff can assist with complex title searches and provide guidance on document recording requirements.
St. Croix Municipal Assessor's office, also at the Government Center, maintains property tax assessment records and can be contacted through the office’s website. Property tax information, assessment history, and parcel data are available through St. Croix County's Geographic Information System (GIS) at www.sccwi.gov, providing interactive maps, property characteristics, recent sales data, and tax information.
St. Croix County Treasurer's office handles tax collection and can provide payment history and delinquency information. All property records are public under Wisconsin's Open Records Law, though certain personal information may be redacted per Wisconsin Statutes § 19.355.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates in St. Croix County are maintained by St. Croix County Register of Deeds office at 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016 Birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first certified copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for additional copies. Certified copies are typically available within 5-10 business days if requested in person or by mail.
- Couples must apply together in person, provide valid identification, pay a $110.00 fee, and observe a six-day waiting period before the ceremony.
- Marriage records and divorce decree indexes are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court, with certified copies available upon request.
- State vital records can be ordered online through VitalChek at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords for an additional processing fee.
- The state office charges similar fees to county offices but provides convenient centralized access for records throughout Wisconsin.
Only eligible individuals may request vital records: the person named on the record (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, children, spouses, siblings, or authorized legal representatives must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest. Wisconsin Statutes § 69.20-69.24 govern vital records access and confidentiality. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old have restricted access.
Marriage licenses are issued by St. Croix County Clerk's office at the same Government Center location The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office in Madison is the state repository and can provide certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records for events occurring anywhere in Wisconsin.
Online orders typically take 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in St. Croix County involve multiple agencies depending on the business type and activity. St. Croix County Clerk's office at 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016, handles certain local business registrations and fictitious name filings (doing business as or DBA registrations) for businesses operating under names different from their legal names. However, most formal business entity formation and registration occurs through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
- This database includes entity name, registration date, status, registered agent information, and principal office address.
- Business owners must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for sales tax permits, employer withholding accounts, and other tax obligations at www.revenue.wi.gov.
The Wisconsin Corporate Registration Information System at www.wdfi.org provides free online searching of all business entities registered in Wisconsin, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other entities. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at dsps.wi.gov, covering professions from contractors to healthcare providers. Local business licensing varies by county within St.
Croix County, with cities like Hudson, River Falls, and New Richmond maintaining separate business licensing requirements through their respective city clerk offices. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by St. Croix County Planning, Development & Inspection Department, which enforces county zoning ordinances and state building codes in unincorporated areas.
Incorporated municipalities handle their own building permits and zoning. St. Croix County Economic Development Corporation promotes business growth and retention, while the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce at www.hudsonwi.org and River Falls Chamber of Commerce serve as business advocacy organizations providing networking and resources.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in St. Croix County, Wisconsin?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in St. Croix County, Wisconsin?
How do I get a criminal background check in St. Croix County, Wisconsin?
How can I look up sex offenders in St. Croix County, Wisconsin?
How do I register to vote in St. Croix County, Wisconsin?
How do I look up property records in St. Croix County, Wisconsin?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in St. Croix County, Wisconsin?
How do I find business license records in St. Croix County, Wisconsin?
Cities & Towns in St. Croix County
Economy & Demographics
St. Croix County's economy reflects its position within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan statistical area, with many residents commuting to Minnesota for employment while St. Croix County maintains diverse local industries. The median household income in St. Croix County is approximately $85,000, significantly higher than the Wisconsin state average, reflecting St. Croix County's suburban prosperity and educated workforce.
Major economic sectors include advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, agriculture, and retail trade. Croix Countyal economy through operations, employment, and student spending. Manufacturing remains strong with companies like 3M, which operates facilities in St. Croix County, and numerous precision manufacturing firms serving medical device, aerospace, and industrial markets.
Abbott Laboratories maintains operations in St. Croix County, providing high-skilled jobs. The healthcare sector includes Hudson Hospital & Clinic, part of HealthPartners, and River Falls Area Hospital, employing hundreds of residents.
Agriculture continues as an important economic contributor, with dairy farming, crop production, and agribusiness supporting rural communities. St. Retail and service sectors have expanded significantly along Highway 35 corridor near Hudson, with major retailers and restaurants serving both local residents and Twin Cities visitors. Tourism centered on the St.
Croix River and St. Croix County's recreational amenities contributes substantially, particularly during summer months. Recent economic development projects include the expansion of industrial parks in New Richmond and Hudson, attracting distribution centers and light manufacturing.
St. Croix County's unemployment rate typically runs below state and national averages, ranging between 2-3% in recent years, indicating a tight labor market.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in St. Croix County are administered by St. Croix County Clerk's office, located at 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016. St. Croix County Clerk is the chief election official and can be contacted through the office’s website. The elections division website at www.sccwi.gov/elections provides full information about voter registration, polling locations, election results, and candidate filings.
- Croix County typically experiences
- Absentee voting in Wisconsin requires voters to submit a written request to their municipal clerk, which can be done online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, email, fax, or in person.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by 5:00 PM on the Thursday before Election Day for regular absentee voting, though in-person absentee voting at clerk offices extends through the Sunday before Election Day.
Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online at myvote.wi.gov, the official state voter registration portal, by mail using a registration form, or in person at the County Clerk's office, municipal clerk offices, or at the polling place on Election Day. Wisconsin allows Election Day registration with proper proof of residence. The registration deadline for online and mail registration is 20 days before any election, though in-person registration continues through Election Day.
Eligible voters must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old, residents of Wisconsin for at least 28 consecutive days before the election, and not currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction. Voters can find their specific polling place, view sample ballots, and check registration status at myvote.wi.gov by entering their address.
St. Croix County operates multiple polling locations throughout St. Croix County, with specific locations determined by municipal boundaries and ward divisions.
Election records that are public include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate nomination papers and declarations, and precinct-by-precinct election results. Wisconsin Statutes § 6.36 governs access to voter registration information, balancing transparency with privacy protections. St.
S. Senate and House races, Wisconsin gubernatorial election, state constitutional offices, Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate seats, and various county and local offices. Military and overseas voters have special provisions.
Wisconsin requires voters to show photo ID when voting in person or submit a copy with absentee ballots. St. Croix County Clerk maintains records of election administration, candidate filings, campaign finance reports, and historical election results, all available for public inspection under Wisconsin's Open Records Law.