About Vernon County
Vernon County is located in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, nestled in the scenic Driftless Area, a region untouched by glaciers during the last ice age. The county seat is Viroqua, a vibrant community known for its organic farming heritage and thriving local food scene. Vernon County was established in 1851 and named after Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. Covering approximately 809 square miles, the county has a population of around 30,000 residents spread across 21 townships and several municipalities including Viroqua, Westby, Hillsboro, Coon Valley, De Soto, and Stoddard.
The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, deep valleys, limestone bluffs, and winding streams, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, and the renowned Kickapoo Valley Reserve. The Kickapoo River winds through the county, offering exceptional canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Vernon County's economy has historically been rooted in dairy farming and agriculture, though organic farming and local food production have become increasingly prominent.
The county is served by several key agencies including the Vernon County Register of Deeds located at 318 Fairlane Drive in Viroqua, the Vernon County Clerk's office at the Vernon County Courthouse at 400 Courthouse Square in Viroqua, and the Vernon County Assessor's office which maintains property valuations and tax records. The county's unique character stems from its well-preserved natural beauty, strong agricultural heritage, commitment to sustainable farming practices, and tight-knit rural communities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Vernon County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order within the county. It patrols the unincorporated areas, operates the Vernon County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing efforts and offers programs such as drug prevention and educational outreach. The Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in coordinating with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety across the county.
Police Departments
Vernon County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Vernon County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Viroqua, Westby, and Hillsboro. The Viroqua Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Viroqua, while the Westby Police Department and Hillsboro Police Department serve their respective communities. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring a coordinated response to incidents that require resources beyond the capacity of a single department.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Vernon County Sheriff's Office, located at 318 Fairlane Drive in Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (608) 637-2123 and maintains a website at vernoncounty.org where citizens can access information about services and programs. The Vernon County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences.
- Under Wisconsin Statute §19.35(1)(a), arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records and can be requested from the arresting agency.
- To obtain arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to the Vernon County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, identifying the specific records sought.
- Some agencies may charge copying fees as permitted under Wisconsin's public records law.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail or by formal public records request, though policies on releasing such images may vary by agency.
- Wisconsin law requires agencies to respond to public records requests as soon as practicable and without delay, though no specific timeframe is mandated.
Inmate information and current jail roster can typically be obtained by calling the jail directly at (608) 637-2123 or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours. Municipal police departments serve the incorporated cities and villages, including the Viroqua Police Department, Westby Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Coon Valley Police Department, and De Soto Police Department, each with jurisdiction within their respective municipal boundaries. Processing times depend on the volume and complexity of the request.
Vernon County does not have tribal police jurisdiction within its boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Vernon County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Vernon County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Wisconsin Department of Justice provides a centralized background check service through the Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation. Residents can request background checks to obtain comprehensive criminal history information, which is crucial for employment, housing, and other personal or professional purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Vernon County are maintained by the Vernon County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the individual arrested. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, arrest records are accessible to the public, although certain information may be redacted for privacy or legal reasons. The records provide a comprehensive view of an individual's interactions with law enforcement in the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Vernon County Jail, located in Viroqua, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process in Wisconsin allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Vernon County are taken and retained by the Vernon County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or potentially 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 corrections or updates if the information is inaccurate.
- Searching for mugshots typically involves contacting the Sheriff's Office or using online databases that compile such records.
Courts & Case Records
Vernon County is served by the Vernon County Circuit Court, which operates as part of Wisconsin's unified court system under the Seventh Judicial Administrative District. The courthouse is located at 400 Courthouse Square, Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665, and can be reached at (608) 637-5380. The Circuit Court has broad jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, traffic, and small claims matters arising in Vernon County.
- Wisconsin Circuit Courts handle felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorces, paternity actions, probate and estate matters, and appeals from municipal courts.
- The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal at wcca.wicourts.gov provides free online access to circuit court case records, allowing the public to search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of Circuit Court for a statutory fee of $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
- The court accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Municipal courts in Vernon County's cities and villages handle ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other local matters. This system includes case summaries, party information, case histories, and some court documents. Under Wisconsin Statute §19.35, court records are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Some records, such as certain juvenile proceedings, adoption records, and sealed documents, are confidential and not available to the general public. Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order payable to Vernon County Clerk of Circuit Court.
Property & Public Records
The Vernon County Register of Deeds maintains land and property records for the county and is located at 318 Fairlane Drive, Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665. The office can be reached at (608) 637-5468 and operates during regular business hours. The Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, easements, plat maps, certificates of organization, and various other instruments.
- While searching may be free, there are typically fees for printing or downloading documents.
- Vernon County provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) online mapping tool that allows users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, tax data, and property characteristics.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Register of Deeds for statutory fees: $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- Recording fees for new documents vary by document type.
- Requests can be made in person, by mail, or by phone, with payment accepted by cash, check, or credit card.
Vernon County offers online access to land records through a subscription-based system that allows users to search and view recorded documents. Many Wisconsin counties use Fidlar Technologies or similar platforms for online record access. The public can search by grantor/grantee name, document type, legal description, or parcel number.
The Vernon County Assessor's office, also located at 318 Fairlane Drive, maintains property assessment records and can be reached at (608) 637-5479. Property tax information, assessed values, and parcel data are available through the Assessor's office. All land records are public under Wisconsin Statute §19.21 unless specifically exempted.
Vital Records
Vital records for Vernon County, Wisconsin, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are maintained by both local and state agencies. The Vernon County Register of Deeds office at 318 Fairlane Drive, Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665, phone (608) 637-5468, can provide information about vital records. Wisconsin vital records are governed by Wisconsin Statute §69, which establishes the requirements for recording and accessing these documents.
- Birth certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Vernon County Register of Deeds, and couples must apply in person at least 6 days before the intended marriage date.
Birth and death certificates that occurred in Vernon County can be obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office, located at 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703, or by calling (608) 266-1371. Birth records are restricted for 100 years and only available to the registrant, parents, legal custodian, or legal representative. Death records are restricted for 50 years.
The marriage license fee is $110.00, reduced to $60.00 if the couple completes pre-marital counseling. Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court at 400 Courthouse Square, Viroqua. Online ordering of Wisconsin vital records is available through the state's VitalChek service at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords, which charges additional processing fees.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility when requesting restricted records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Vernon County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Vernon County Clerk's office, located at 400 Courthouse Square, Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665, phone (608) 637-5380, handles certain local business filings including trade name registrations and fictitious name statements. For formal business entity formation and registration, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Division of Corporate and Consumer Services maintains the official database.
- This database includes entity names, registration dates, registered agents, status, and filing history.
The Wisconsin Business Entity Search is available online at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch and allows free searching of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in Wisconsin. Sales tax permits and seller's permits are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and can be applied for online. Professional licenses for occupations such as real estate agents, contractors, healthcare providers, and cosmetologists are issued by their respective Wisconsin state licensing boards.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in Vernon County are handled by the Vernon County Zoning Department at 318 Fairlane Drive, Viroqua, phone (608) 637-5421. The department maintains records of permits, variances, conditional use permits, and zoning maps. Individual municipalities within Vernon County may have additional licensing requirements for businesses operating within city or village limits.
The Vernon County Economic Development Association and local chambers of commerce, including the Viroqua Chamber Main Street, can provide assistance to businesses. Contact information and resources are available through the county's economic development office. All business-related public records are subject to Wisconsin's open records law under Chapter 19.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Vernon County, Wisconsin, are administered by the Vernon County Clerk's office, located at 400 Courthouse Square, Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665. The County Clerk serves as the chief election official for the county and can be reached at (608) 637-5380. Information about elections, voting, and registration is available through the county website at vernoncounty.org. Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office, municipal clerk offices, or at the polling place on Election Day.
- Wisconsin allows same-day voter registration, meaning eligible residents can register and vote on Election Day by providing proof of residence.
- For those registering before Election Day, the deadline is 20 days prior to the election for online and mail registration.
- These records can be requested from the County Clerk under Wisconsin Statute §19.35.
- Voters can request an absentee ballot online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, by email, or in person at the municipal clerk's office.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before the election for regular mail delivery, though in-person absentee voting is available until the Sunday before Election Day.
Voters can find their polling place, view sample ballots, and check registration status at the MyVote Wisconsin website (myvote.wi.gov) by entering their name and date of birth. Vernon County operates multiple polling places across its townships and municipalities, with locations published prior to each election. Election records that are public in Wisconsin include voter registration lists, campaign finance reports filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, candidate nomination papers and declarations of candidacy, and precinct-by-precinct election results.
In the November 2024 general election, Vernon County experienced voter turnout of approximately 75-80%, consistent with Wisconsin's historically high voter participation rates in presidential election years. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate races, Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly seats, constitutional officers, and local offices. Absentee voting is available to all Wisconsin voters without requiring an excuse. Wisconsin law requires voters to present photo identification when voting in person or when voting absentee in person.
Election transparency in Vernon County is supported by Wisconsin's open records law, public observation rights at polling places and canvassing proceedings, and detailed reporting requirements for campaign contributions and expenditures.
Economy & Demographics
Vernon County's economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, particularly dairy farming and organic agriculture, with the region becoming nationally recognized for its concentration of organic farms and sustainable farming practices. The Organic Valley cooperative, one of the nation's largest organic farming cooperatives, has significant presence in the area and serves as a major employer. Agriculture remains the leading economic sector, with corn, soybeans, hay, and livestock production comprising substantial portions of farm revenue.
- The median household income in Vernon County is approximately $55,000, below the state average but reflective of the rural character of the region.
Tourism has emerged as an increasingly important economic driver, with visitors attracted to the Kickapoo Valley Reserve, the Driftless Area's scenic beauty, organic farm tours, the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, craft breweries, and agritourism operations. Healthcare is another significant employment sector, with Vernon Memorial Healthcare in Viroqua serving as a major employer. Education, retail trade, and manufacturing also contribute to the local economy.
The unemployment rate in Vernon County typically hovers around 3-4%, generally tracking state trends. Small businesses and family farms dominate the economic landscape, with relatively few large corporate facilities. Economic development efforts have focused on supporting agricultural diversification, promoting tourism, encouraging local food systems, and preserving the county's rural character while fostering sustainable economic growth.
The county benefits from its location along State Highway 14 and State Highway 56, providing transportation connections to larger markets. Broadband expansion and telecommunications infrastructure improvements have been priority areas for supporting business development in rural areas. The Amish and Mennonite communities in Vernon County also contribute to the agricultural economy and traditional crafts markets.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (WCCA) | Property: ✅ Online GIS/Records Search | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office/In-Person | Business: ✅ Online (State Database) | Elections: ✅ Online (MyVote WI) | Overall Score: 7.5/10 — Vernon County provides good digital access to court and property records through state systems, though some jail and vital records require direct contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Vernon County
Nearby Counties
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