About Walworth County
Walworth County is located in southeastern Wisconsin, bordering Illinois to the south and containing approximately 576 square miles of land and water. Walworth County Seat is Elkhorn, situated at 9 East Walworth Street, which houses the primary county government offices including the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, and other administrative departments. With a population of approximately 106,000 residents as of recent census estimates, Walworth County is known for its significant tourism industry centered around Geneva Lake, one of Wisconsin's premier recreational destinations.
- Walworth County Register of Deeds, located at the Government Center in Elkhorn, maintains property records dating back to Walworth County's founding.
Walworth County was established in 1836 and named after Chancellor Reuben H. Walworth County of New York. Major communities include Lake Geneva, Delavan, Whitewater (home to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater), and East Troy.
Walworth County Clerk's office handles vital records, election administration, and various licensing functions. Walworth Municipal Assessor's office manages property tax assessments across all municipalities. Walworth County's scene features numerous glacial lakes formed during the last ice age, making it a popular destination for year-round recreation.
Walworth County's economy balances tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and education sectors. Historic sites include the Black Point Estate on Geneva Lake and numerous Victorian-era resort hotels that established Walworth County as a Midwest vacation destination in the late 1800s. Walworth County maintains a modern Government Center complex in Elkhorn that consolidates most public services, while also operating satellite offices in various municipalities to serve residents throughout Walworth County.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Walworth County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Walworth County. It patrols unincorporated areas, manages Walworth County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing and offers various programs such as drug prevention and education initiatives.
Police Departments
In addition to Walworth County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments serve Walworth County's cities and towns. These include the Lake Geneva Police Department, Delavan Police Department, and Whitewater Police Department, among others. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective jurisdiction, handling local crimes and emergencies. The sheriff's office and municipal police departments coordinate on major crimes and investigations, sharing resources and information as needed to ensure public safety across Walworth County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Walworth County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at W4251 County Road NN in Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides support services to municipal departments throughout Walworth County.
- Inmate searches can be conducted through the Sheriff's Office website at walworthcountysheriff.com, where a jail roster provides current booking information including names, charges, booking dates, and bond amounts.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal department that made the arrest, typically requiring the subject's name and date of birth.
- Booking photographs (mugshots) are generally available through the jail roster system or by specific request to the Sheriff's Office records division.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
The facility typically houses between 150-200 inmates and offers video visitation services. Municipal police departments operating within Walworth County include the Lake Geneva Police Department, Delavan Police Department, Whitewater Police Department, Elkhorn Police Department, East Troy Police Department, and Fontana Police Department, each serving their respective communities. Arrest records in Walworth County are public records accessible under Wisconsin Statute §19.32, which establishes the state's public records law requiring government agencies to provide access to records unless specifically exempted.
The department operates patrol, investigations, emergency services, and court security divisions serving Walworth County's 106,000 residents across 576 square miles.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Walworth County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Background checks can be conducted through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Crime Information Bureau, which provides full criminal history reports. The Wisconsin Department of Justice also offers resources for residents seeking information on criminal records and public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Walworth County are maintained by Walworth County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. Requests for arrest records can be made in person or via mail, with some information potentially available online through the sheriff's office website.
Jail & Inmate Records
Walworth County Jail, located in Elkhorn, is the primary detention facility for Walworth County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Wisconsin state laws, allowing for cash bonds or bail bonds through a licensed agent.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Walworth County are taken and retained by Walworth County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office website or by submitting a formal request. Wisconsin does not have specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the underlying charges.
Courts & Case Records
Walworth County court matters are handled by the Wisconsin Circuit Court system, specifically Walworth County Circuit Court located at Walworth County Justice Center, 1800 County Road NN, Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters arising in Walworth County. The court operates with multiple branches presided over by several circuit judges who handle the full range of cases.
- For documents not available online or certified copies, requests must be made to the Clerk of Circuit Court office at the Justice Center.
- Fees for copies are established by Wisconsin Statute §814.61 and typically include $1.25 per page for uncertified copies and $5.00 for certification.
- The Clerk of Circuit Court office can be contacted through the office’s website. record requests, case information, and filing procedures.
- Payment of court-ordered fines and fees can be handled online, in person, or by mail.
Court records can be searched through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, available online at wcca.wicourts.gov, which provides free public access to circuit court case information including party names, case numbers, charges, judgments, and case status. The online system contains records for criminal, civil, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases. Municipal courts operate in several Walworth County cities including Lake Geneva, Delavan, Elkhorn, and Whitewater, handling local ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other municipal matters.
These municipal courts maintain their own records at city halls and are not part of the WCCA system. Wisconsin Statute §19.35 governs public access to court records, establishing that court records are presumptively open unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statutory exemptions.
Property & Public Records
Walworth County Register of Deeds office, located at the Government Center, 100 West Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121, maintains full land and property records for the entire county. This office records and indexes documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, easements, plat maps, condominium declarations, and other instruments affecting real property titles. Wisconsin Statute §59.43 establishes the duties and responsibilities of the Register of Deeds.
- There is no charge for basic online searches, though document printing and certified copies incur fees.
- The Register of Deeds office can be contacted through the office’s website. Property tax information is maintained separately by Walworth County Treasurer's office at and individual municipal treasurers.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Register of Deeds for $4.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- The office accepts requests in person, by mail, or online.
- Recording fees for new documents are established by Wisconsin statutes and vary by document type.
The office provides online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based search system at landshark.walworthcounty.gov, where users can search by party name, document type, legal description, or recording date. Documents recorded from the 1800s to present are available, with digital images for more recent recordings. Walworth County maintains an online Geographic Information System (GIS) portal at gis.walworthcounty.gov providing interactive parcel maps, property ownership information, assessment data, and zoning details.
This free public resource allows users to search by address, parcel number, or owner name to view property boundaries, tax information, building characteristics, and aerial imagery.
Vital Records
Vital records for Walworth County, Wisconsin are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Walworth County can be requested from Walworth County Register of Deeds office at the Government Center, 100 West Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121 Wisconsin Statute §69.21 governs access to vital records, restricting birth certificate access to the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the record, legal guardians, and others with a direct and tangible interest.
- The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $20.00 for the first copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing less.
- Processing time is typically 5-7 business days for mail requests and immediate for in-person requests if the record is on file.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained from Walworth County Clerk's office at 100 West Walworth County Street, Elkhorn, prior to the ceremony, with a current fee of $110.00.
- Marriage records after the ceremony are filed with the Register of Deeds.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the state VitalChek system for an additional convenience fee.
Death certificates have fewer restrictions but still require proof of relationship or legal interest for records less than 50 years old. Birth records in Wisconsin have been systematically maintained since 1907, and death records since 1907. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification and the license is valid for 30 days from issuance.
Divorce records (officially called "Decree of Divorce") are court records maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court at the Justice Center, 1800 County Road NN, Elkhorn. For older records or if Walworth County cannot locate a record, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office in Madison is the state repository and can be contacted at or through their website at dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Walworth County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the business type and regulatory requirements. Walworth County Clerk's office at 100 West Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121, maintains records of fictitious name registrations ("doing business as" or DBA filings) as required by Wisconsin Statute §134.71. These registrations allow individuals and entities to conduct business under a name other than their legal name and are public records searchable at the Clerk's office by calling.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities, filings must be made with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The state maintains a free online searchable database at businesssearch.wi.gov where anyyou can look up registered business entities, view their status, registered agent information, formation dates, and annual report compliance. Professional licenses including those for contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are issued by various Wisconsin state licensing boards, not at Walworth County level.
Sales tax permits are obtained through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Building permits and zoning approvals in Walworth County are handled by the Planning and Zoning Department at W4097 County Road NN, Elkhorn, which can be contacted through the office’s website. Individual municipalities within Walworth County also issue their own building permits and business licenses for operations within city limits. The Lake Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce (lakegenevawi.com) and Greater Delavan-Darien Area Chamber of Commerce serve as business networking and information resources.
Alcohol beverage licenses are issued by municipal clerks for businesses within city limits and by the County Clerk for unincorporated areas, with all licenses subject to approval by local governing bodies and state regulations.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Walworth County, Wisconsin are administered by Walworth County Clerk's office, located at 100 West Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin 53121. Walworth County Clerk is the chief election official and can be reached at or through Walworth County website at walworthcounty.gov. Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online through the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov, by mail using a voter registration form, in person at the County Clerk's office or municipal clerk's office, or at the polling place on Election Day.
- Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, but pre-registering by the Wednesday before an election (20 days prior) ensures your name appears on the poll list.
- Absentee ballots in Wisconsin can be requested online through MyVote Wisconsin, by mail, email, or in person at your municipal clerk's office.
- These records can be requested from the County Clerk under Wisconsin's public records law, §19.32.
Voters must provide proof of residence such as a Wisconsin driver's license, utility bill, bank statement, or other approved document. Wisconsin requires photo ID to vote, with acceptable forms including Wisconsin driver's license, Wisconsin state ID card, U.S. Passport, military ID, tribal ID, or certain student IDs.
Voters can find their polling place, view their sample ballot, check registration status, and track absentee ballots through the MyVote Wisconsin website by entering their name and date of birth. Walworth County typically achieves voter turnout rates of 70-80% in presidential elections and 50-60% in midterm elections, reflecting strong civic engagement. In the November 2024 general election, Walworth County reported approximately 75% voter turnout.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring races for U.S. House of Representatives, one U.S. Senate seat, Wisconsin Governor, other statewide constitutional offices, state legislature seats, and various county and local positions.
Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before the election (5:00 PM), though in-person absentee voting (early voting) is available at clerk's offices and may be offered at additional locations starting 14 days before the election. Election records that are public include voter registration lists, campaign finance reports filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, candidate nomination papers, election results by ward and county, and absentee voting statistics. Official election results for Walworth County are posted on the County Clerk's website after canvassing, typically within days of each election.
Economy & Demographics
Walworth County's economy is distinctively driven by tourism, recreation, and hospitality industries centered around its 46 lakes, most notably Geneva Lake, which attracts visitors year-round for boating, fishing, skiing, and resort activities. The tourism sector generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually and employs thousands of residents in hotels, restaurants, marinas, and entertainment venues. Major resort properties include Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva and Abbey Resort on Fontana Bay, which serve as significant employers and economic anchors.
- Census data, Walworth County's median household income is approximately $70,000, slightly above the state average.
- Walworth County has seen investment in advanced manufacturing, food processing, and distribution facilities along the Highway 12 and Interstate 43 corridors.
Beyond tourism, Walworth County maintains a diverse economic base including manufacturing, agriculture, education, and healthcare. Mercury Marine, a major boat engine manufacturer, has historically been one of the largest private employers in Walworth County. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a substantial economic driver, employing over 1,000 faculty and staff while bringing approximately 12,000 students to Walworth County.
According to U.S. Agriculture remains important in rural areas, with dairy farming, corn, soybeans, and specialty crops contributing to the agricultural economy. Walworth County has experienced steady residential growth as its proximity to Milwaukee (45 miles north) and Chicago (90 miles south) makes it attractive for commuters and retirees.
Healthcare is provided by regional systems including Mercyhealth and Froedtert, which operate hospitals and clinics throughout Walworth County. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to Wisconsin state averages, ranging between 3-5% in recent years. Economic development efforts are coordinated through Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, which works to attract new businesses and support existing employers.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (WCCA Free) | Property: Yes: Free GIS & Document Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: MyVote Wisconsin | Overall Score: 9/10, Walworth County provides excellent digital access to most public records with free online search tools for court cases, property records, and jail information.
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Cities & Towns in Walworth County
Explore public records for 18 cities and communities in Walworth County, Wisconsin.