About Taylor County
Taylor County is located in north-central Wisconsin, established in 1875 and named after former U.S. President Zachary Taylor. The county seat is Medford, a city of approximately 4,300 residents that serves as the governmental and commercial hub. Taylor County encompasses roughly 975 square miles and maintains a population of approximately 19,500 residents according to recent census estimates. The county is characterized by extensive forestlands, agricultural lands, and numerous lakes and streams that define its rural character.
- The Taylor County Courthouse, located at 224 South Second Street in Medford, houses key county offices including the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and Treasurer.
Major landmarks include the Ice Age National Scenic Trail which passes through the county, Perkinstown Winter Sports Area, and the Jump River which offers exceptional recreational opportunities. The county's economy has historically been anchored by forestry, dairy farming, and manufacturing. The Taylor County Recorder's Office maintains land records dating back to the county's founding.
The County Assessor's office, also located in the courthouse, manages property assessments and tax records for all municipalities within Taylor County. What makes Taylor County unique is its blend of working forests managed for sustainable timber production, traditional family dairy farms, and growing tourism based on outdoor recreation. The county remains one of Wisconsin's most heavily forested counties, with approximately 70% forest cover, making it a destination for hunters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts seeking authentic north woods experiences.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the county, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees patrol operations, criminal investigations, and traffic enforcement. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office manages the Taylor County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is known for its community engagement programs and works closely with local schools and organizations to promote safety and crime prevention.
Police Departments
In addition to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments, including the Medford Police Department and the Rib Lake Police Department. These agencies are responsible for policing within their respective city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing initiatives. The Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Taylor County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 224 South Second Street in Medford, Wisconsin 54451, provides primary law enforcement services throughout the county's unincorporated areas and contracts services to several municipalities. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (715) 748-1438, and operates the Taylor County Jail, a detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Inmate information and jail rosters can be accessed through the Taylor County Sheriff's Office website at www.co.taylor.wi.us or by calling the jail directly at (715) 748-1438.
- Under Wisconsin's public records law, specifically Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records accessible to citizens upon request.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are typically available through the jail roster system or by specific public records request.
- The requesting party may be charged reasonable fees for copying and staff time as permitted under Wisconsin law.
- Processing times vary but most requests are fulfilled within 10 business days unless the records require extensive redaction or legal review.
Booking records typically include the inmate's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and projected release date. Municipal police departments operating within Taylor County include the Medford Police Department serving the city of Medford, and the Rib Lake Police Department serving the village of Rib Lake. To obtain arrest records in Taylor County, requests should be submitted in writing to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office or the relevant municipal police department, identifying the specific records sought with reasonable specificity.
Wisconsin law requires agencies to respond to public records requests as soon as practicable and without delay.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Taylor County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Taylor County Clerk of Courts maintains court records related to criminal cases, while the Sheriff's Office handles arrest and jail records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides access to statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Taylor County are maintained by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for documenting all arrests made within the county. These records include details such as the date and time of arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, either in person or by submitting a formal request. The Wisconsin Open Records Law governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to government documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Taylor County Jail, located in Medford, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to locate individuals currently held in custody. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with certain restrictions on the number of visitors and duration of visits.
- The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Taylor County are taken and retained by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at the county jail. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online through third-party websites, the official source remains the Sheriff's Office. Wisconsin does not have specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
Taylor County's judicial system operates through the Taylor County Circuit Court, located at 224 South Second Street, Medford, Wisconsin 54451. The Circuit Court can be reached at (715) 748-1425 and handles all civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters arising within Taylor County's jurisdiction. Circuit Court is part of Wisconsin's unified court system and operates under the administrative authority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
- The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains the official court file and provides certified copies of court documents for a statutory fee, typically $2.00 per page for copying plus $6.00 for certification.
The court maintains comprehensive case records including criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate estates, guardianships, traffic citations, and small claims actions under $10,000. Taylor County also has municipal courts in Medford and other incorporated municipalities that handle local ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other minor offenses within their respective jurisdictions. Court records in Taylor County can be searched through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, available online at wcca.wicourts.gov, which provides free public access to case information including party names, case numbers, filing dates, charges or causes of action, hearing dates, and case disposition.
Under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(1)(a) and applicable court rules, most court records are presumed open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. In-person record searches can be conducted at the Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Property & Public Records
The Taylor County Register of Deeds, located at 224 South Second Street, Medford, Wisconsin 54451, maintains all land and property records for the county. The Register of Deeds can be contacted at (715) 748-1466 and maintains records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, liens, satisfactions, easements, plat maps, and land survey records dating back to the county's establishment in 1875. Taylor County provides online access to land records through a subscription-based system, with document images and index searches available to the public.
- Recording fees vary by document type as established by Wisconsin statute, with standard deeds typically costing $30.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Register of Deeds for $2.00 per page plus $6.00 for certification.
- Document requests can be made in person, by mail, or by phone with payment by cash, check, or credit card.
- Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43 governs the duties and fee schedules for the Register of Deeds office.
The online system allows users to search by grantor/grantee name, document type, date range, and parcel number. Property tax records are maintained by the Taylor County Treasurer's Office, also located in the courthouse at 224 South Second Street, phone (715) 748-1468. The County Assessor's Office manages property assessments, parcel data, and assessment rolls, accessible by contacting (715) 748-1415.
Taylor County offers a free online GIS parcel viewer accessible through the county website at www.co.taylor.wi.us, allowing the public to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessed values, tax information, and aerial photography.
Vital Records
Vital records for Taylor County, Wisconsin are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Taylor County can be requested through the Taylor County Register of Deeds office at 224 South Second Street, Medford, Wisconsin 54451, phone (715) 748-1466. Wisconsin law under Wisconsin Statutes § 69.20-69.24 restricts access to vital records to eligible applicants including the record subject, immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a direct and tangible interest.
- Birth certificates 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 each additional copy.
- Processing time for vital records requests is typically 5-10 business days when submitted in person or by mail with proper identification and payment.
- Marriage licenses cost $110.00 and require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification.
- Marriage certificates cost $20.00 for certified copies.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Taylor County Clerk's Office, located at 224 South Second Street, Medford, Wisconsin 54451, phone (715) 748-1419. There is a six-day waiting period after issuance before the marriage can be performed. Divorce records are maintained by the Taylor County Clerk of Circuit Court as part of the court file.
For vital records older than 100 years or for statewide searches, the Wisconsin Vital Records Office in Madison can be contacted at (608) 266-1371 or through their website at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords. Online ordering of vital records is available through the VitalChek service, though additional processing fees apply. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of eligibility when requesting restricted vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Taylor County, Wisconsin are maintained by several agencies depending on the business type and licensing requirements. The Taylor County Clerk's Office, located at 224 South Second Street, Medford, Wisconsin 54451, phone (715) 748-1419, maintains records of fictitious name registrations (DBA - "doing business as" filings) for businesses operating under assumed names within the county. These local filings cost approximately $25.00 and must be renewed every five years under Wisconsin law.
- This free online system allows searches by business name, registered agent, or filing number, displaying the entity's status, formation date, registered office address, and filing history.
- The Taylor County Economic Development Corporation provides business development assistance and maintains information on local business resources, available through the county website.
For comprehensive business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Division of Corporate and Consumer Services maintains the official database accessible online at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue handles sales tax permits and employer identification requirements, accessible at www.revenue.wi.gov. Professional licenses for occupations such as real estate agents, contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, searchable at https://licensesearch.wi.gov.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in Taylor County are administered by the Taylor County Zoning Department, located at 224 South Second Street, Medford, phone (715) 748-1455. The department maintains records of building permits, conditional use permits, variances, and zoning ordinance compliance. The Medford Area Chamber of Commerce, serving Taylor County, can be contacted for business networking and community information at www.medfordwisconsinchamber.com.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Taylor County, Wisconsin are administered by the Taylor County Clerk's Office, located at 224 South Second Street, Medford, Wisconsin 54451. The County Clerk serves as the chief election official and can be reached at (715) 748-1419. The office oversees voter registration, maintains voter rolls, coordinates polling places, certifies election results, and ensures compliance with Wisconsin election laws.
- In the November 2024 general election, Taylor County recorded approximately 64% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with typical Wisconsin rural county performance in presidential election years.
- Absentee voting in Taylor County can be requested online through MyVote Wisconsin, by written request to the municipal clerk (not the County Clerk), or in person at the municipal clerk's office.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before the election for mail delivery, or absentee voting in-person at the clerk's office is available until the Sunday before Election Day.
- Citizens may request copies of election-related records under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 19, Wisconsin's public records law, by submitting written requests to the County Clerk's office.
Voter registration in Taylor County can be completed online through the statewide MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, by mail using a voter registration application, or in person at the County Clerk's office, municipal clerk offices, or at the polling place on Election Day. Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on Election Day by providing proof of residence such as a Wisconsin driver's license, utility bill, or bank statement showing current address. Online and mail registration must be completed no later than 20 days before an election.
Voters can find their specific polling place, view sample ballots, and check registration status through the MyVote Wisconsin portal at myvote.wi.gov by entering their name and date of birth. Election records that are public in Taylor County include certified election results by precinct, voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate declaration forms, and nominating petitions. Under Wisconsin Statutes § 6.36, voter registration lists are available for inspection and copying for election-related purposes.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives elections, one U.S. Senate seat, Wisconsin Governor, other statewide constitutional offices, State Assembly seats, and State Senate seats (even-numbered districts).
Wisconsin law requires photo identification for voting, with acceptable forms including Wisconsin driver's license, Wisconsin state ID card, military ID, passport, or other documents specified in Wisconsin Statutes § 5.02(6m). Taylor County maintains transparency in elections by making precinct-level results publicly available, providing access to election materials for inspection, and following Wisconsin's open records law.
Economy & Demographics
Taylor County's economy is rooted in natural resource industries, particularly forestry, agriculture, and manufacturing. The county's extensive forest lands support a significant timber industry with logging operations, sawmills, and wood product manufacturing providing substantial employment. Major employers in Taylor County include Tombstone Pizza (a Schwan's Company facility in Medford), Foremost Farms USA cooperative, Taylor County government, Medford School District, Memorial Health Center in Medford, and various manufacturing facilities.
- According to recent economic data, Taylor County's median household income is estimated at approximately $56,000, below the Wisconsin state median but consistent with other rural northern Wisconsin counties.
- The county's location along Highway 13 and State Highway 64 provides reasonable transportation access for manufacturing and distribution activities.
- Recent economic development projects have focused on industrial park development, business incubator spaces, and value-added agricultural processing facilities that create higher-paying jobs in rural areas.
Agriculture remains economically vital with dairy farming dominating the agricultural sector, supplemented by beef cattle operations, crop farming including corn and hay production, and some specialty agriculture. The unemployment rate typically ranges from 3.5% to 5.5%, fluctuating seasonally with higher employment during summer logging and agricultural seasons. Tourism and outdoor recreation contribute increasingly to the local economy, with hunters, anglers, snowmobilers, and ATV enthusiasts spending money at local resorts, restaurants, and retail establishments.
Economic development priorities include broadband internet expansion to support remote work and business development, workforce training programs to address skilled labor shortages, downtown revitalization in Medford, and promotion of outdoor recreation tourism. The Taylor County Economic Development Corporation actively recruits new businesses and assists existing businesses with expansion plans.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (WCCA) | Property: ✅ Free GIS/Paid Document Access | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail Required | Business: ✅ Online (State System) | Elections: ✅ Online (MyVote WI) | Overall Score: 8/10 — Taylor County provides strong digital access to court records, property data, and election information, with jail rosters available online and vital records requiring direct contact.
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Cities & Towns in Taylor County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Taylor County, Wisconsin.
Nearby Counties
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