About Waupaca County
Waupaca County is located in the heart of central Wisconsin, encompassing approximately 765 square miles of rolling terrain characterized by glacial lakes, fertile farmland, and scenic woodlands. The county seat is Waupaca, a charming city situated along the scenic Chain O' Lakes, a glacial formation consisting of 22 interconnected spring-fed lakes that draw tourists year-round. As of the 2020 Census, Waupaca County had a population of approximately 51,812 residents.
- The Register of Deeds office, also at the courthouse, maintains all property records, land titles, and real estate documents.
Established in 1851 and organized in 1853, the county was named after the Waupaca River, itself derived from a Potawatomi word meaning 'white sand' or 'tomorrow land.' Major municipalities include Waupaca, New London, Clintonville, Manawa, and Iola. The county is renowned for its natural beauty, particularly the Chain O' Lakes region and Hartman Creek State Park. The Waupaca County Courthouse, located at 811 Harding Street in Waupaca, WI 54981, serves as the administrative center.
The County Clerk's office operates from the courthouse and handles vital records, licenses, and election administration. The Waupaca County Assessor's office handles property tax assessments and valuations. The county's economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly dairy farming and potato cultivation, but has diversified to include manufacturing, tourism, and small business enterprises.
Notable landmarks include the historic Chief Waupaca statue, the Wheelhouse Restaurant overlooking the lakes, and the Crystal River, which flows through downtown Waupaca.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Waupaca County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the county, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also runs various community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety education. Notable divisions within the office include the Patrol Division, which handles routine law enforcement duties, and the Investigations Division, which focuses on solving more complex crimes.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Waupaca County is provided by both the Waupaca County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments, including the Waupaca Police Department, New London Police Department, and Clintonville Police Department. Each department is responsible for maintaining public safety within its respective jurisdiction. The Sheriff's Office primarily handles rural and unincorporated areas, while city police departments focus on urban centers. These agencies collaborate on major investigations and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Waupaca County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981 (phone: 715-258-4466), serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county and provides countywide services including jail operations, court security, and civil process. The Sheriff's Office website (www.co.waupaca.wi.us) provides access to various public safety information. The Waupaca County Jail, located at the same address, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's inmate information system or by direct request to the Sheriff's Office.
- Processing fees may apply for extensive records requests.
Inmate lookup services are available through the county website or by calling the jail directly at 715-258-4449. Current inmate rosters typically include booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Municipal police departments operate in Waupaca (Waupaca Police Department), New London (New London Police Department), Clintonville (Clintonville Police Department), Manawa (Manawa Police Department), and other incorporated municipalities.
Under Wisconsin Statutes §19.32-19.37, the Wisconsin Public Records Law, arrest records are generally considered public information. Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs from the Sheriff's Office or respective municipal police departments by submitting written requests, though some investigatory records may be temporarily exempt. The Sheriff's Office also maintains a sex offender registry accessible to the public, and cooperates with the Wisconsin Department of Justice's statewide offender registry.
No tribal police jurisdictions operate within Waupaca County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Waupaca County encompasses a range of documents, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Waupaca County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Wisconsin Department of Justice provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation, which offers detailed reports on an individual's criminal history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Waupaca County are maintained by the Waupaca County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest and are accessible to the public under the Wisconsin Open Records Law. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person or through written requests. A typical arrest record in Waupaca County includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Waupaca County Jail, located in the city of Waupaca, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the charges against the detainee. Inmate information, including current custody status, can be accessed through the county's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with visitors subject to security screening.
- The bond and bail process follows Wisconsin state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial, provided they meet the necessary conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Waupaca County are taken and retained by the Waupaca 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 for the removal of mugshots from public records, so they remain accessible unless expunged by court order. Individuals seeking mugshots can search online databases or contact the Sheriff's Office for assistance.
Courts & Case Records
Waupaca County is served by the Waupaca County Circuit Court, part of Wisconsin's unified court system under Judicial Administrative District 8. The courthouse is located at 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981 (phone: 715-258-6400). Three circuit court branches handle all criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system provides free online case searches at wcca.wicourts.gov, allowing the public to search civil, criminal, family, and probate cases by name, case number, or other criteria.
- Probate matters, including wills, estates, guardianships, and protective placements, are heard in circuit court and records are maintained by the Register in Probate.
- Online access to judgments, liens, and some case documents is available through the consolidated court automation system, though complete case files typically require in-person or written requests to the Clerk of Court.
Some sensitive records, including certain juvenile and mental health proceedings, are sealed from public view. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains all court records and case files at the courthouse. In-person records requests are accepted during regular business hours, and certified copies are available for a statutory fee of $5.00 for the first page and $1.25 for each additional page, as established by Wisconsin Statutes §814.61.
Municipal courts operate in several Waupaca County cities, handling traffic violations, municipal ordinance violations, and other minor offenses; these include Waupaca Municipal Court, New London Municipal Court, and Clintonville Municipal Court. The Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat.
§§19.31-19.39) governs access to court records, guaranteeing public access except where specifically restricted by law or court order.
Property & Public Records
The Waupaca County Register of Deeds, located at 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981 (phone: 715-258-6255), maintains all land and property records for the county. The office records and preserves deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens (including mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens), easements, certificates of survey, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property title. Wisconsin law requires that most real estate documents be recorded with the Register of Deeds to provide constructive notice to the public.
- Some historical records have been digitized and are available online; documents can typically be viewed for free, though printing or downloading may require payment.
- Recording fees are established by Wisconsin Statutes §59.43 and vary by document type, typically $30 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Register of Deeds for statutory fees.
The office offers online document searching through the Waupaca County Land Records Search system accessible via the county website (www.co.waupaca.wi.us), allowing users to search by grantor, grantee, document type, parcel number, or date range. The Waupaca County Treasurer's office (phone: 715-258-6305) handles property tax collection and maintains tax payment records, while the Waupaca County Assessor's office (phone: 715-258-6300) conducts property assessments and maintains assessment rolls. The county provides a free online GIS (Geographic Information System) property search portal that allows users to view parcel boundaries, ownership information, assessment values, tax history, and property characteristics.
All property records are public under Wisconsin's open records law, with very limited exceptions.
Vital Records
Vital records for Waupaca County are maintained by the Waupaca County Register of Deeds/Vital Records Office at 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981 (phone: 715-258-6255). Birth certificates for births occurring in Waupaca County from October 1907 forward are available from the county office; the current fee is $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Death certificates for deaths in the county from the same period are available at the same fee structure.
- Requests typically require 1-2 weeks for processing, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Marriage records dating back to the county's founding are maintained by the Register of Deeds.
- Online ordering is available through the state VitalChek system at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords, though additional service fees apply for online processing.
Only eligible individuals may request certified copies: the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the birth certificate, legal guardians, immediate family members for death records, or legal representatives with proper documentation. Wisconsin Statutes §69.20-69.24 govern vital records access and establish the 100-year confidentiality rule for birth records and 50-year rule for death records, after which records become publicly accessible. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Waupaca County Clerk's office at the courthouse (phone: 715-258-6200); the fee is $110 and both parties must appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers.
Divorce decrees are not maintained by vital records; these are court records available through the Clerk of Circuit Court. For birth and death records older than the county maintains, or for records from other Wisconsin counties, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office (1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53703, phone: 608-266-1371) serves as the state repository.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Waupaca County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Waupaca County Clerk's office (811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981, phone: 715-258-6200) handles certain local business registrations and fictitious name (DBA) filings, though most formal business entity registrations occur at the state level. The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions maintains the statewide business entity database, searchable online at www.wdfi.org through the Business Entity Search portal.
- This free system allows searches for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, trademarks, and other registered business entities operating in Wisconsin, including those in Waupaca County.
- Building permits, land use permits, and zoning approvals are handled by the Waupaca County Planning & Zoning Department (phone: 715-258-6243), located in the county courthouse.
- The Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce (221 South Main Street, Waupaca, phone: 715-258-7343, www.waupacaareachamber.com) provides business directories and resources but does not maintain official licensing records.
- All business records maintained by county and municipal offices are subject to Wisconsin's public records law and are generally available upon request.
Sales tax permits and seller's permits are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and can be researched through state systems. Professional licenses (attorneys, healthcare providers, contractors, etc.) are regulated by various state boards and the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), with online license verification available at www.dsps.wi.gov. Municipalities within the county maintain their own building inspection and business licensing programs for activities within city limits.
Alcohol beverage licenses are issued by municipal clerks for establishments within city boundaries and by the County Clerk for unincorporated areas, with records available for public inspection.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Waupaca County are administered by the Waupaca County Clerk's Office, located at 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981 (phone: 715-258-6200). The County Clerk serves as the chief election official, coordinating with 21 municipal clerks across the county's cities, villages, and towns. Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail, in-person at the County Clerk's office or municipal clerk offices, or at the polling place on Election Day.
- The MyVote Wisconsin website (myvote.wi.gov) enables voters to register, find their polling place, view sample ballots, request absentee ballots, and track ballot status.
- In the November 2024 general election, Waupaca County reported a turnout of approximately 72-75% of registered voters, consistent with Wisconsin's traditionally high participation rates.
- Absentee voting is available to all Wisconsin voters without requiring an excuse; requests can be submitted online through MyVote.wi.gov, by mail, or in person at the municipal clerk's office.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Thursday before the election, though earlier submission is recommended.
- Wisconsin Statutes §§5-12 govern election administration, and the Wisconsin Elections Commission (elections.wi.gov) provides statewide oversight.
Wisconsin allows same-day voter registration, though online and mail registration must be completed at least 20 days before an election. Each of Waupaca County's 21 municipalities operates polling places; locations are determined by municipal clerks and can be found through the MyVote portal by entering your address. Wisconsin's public records law ensures that numerous election records are publicly accessible, including voter registration lists (with certain information redacted for privacy), campaign finance reports filed with the county, candidate nomination papers and declarations, and detailed precinct-level election results.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission maintains statewide databases, while county-specific results are posted on the county website following canvassing. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. Senate and House races, Wisconsin state constitutional officers (Governor if applicable), state legislative seats, and county offices including Sheriff, Clerk, Treasurer, and County Board supervisors.
Military and overseas voters have extended deadlines under federal law. Campaign finance records for county-level candidates are filed with the County Clerk and are available for public inspection, while state-level candidate filings are maintained by the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. Waupaca County election records demonstrate strong transparency, with most information readily available online or upon request.
Economy & Demographics
Waupaca County's economy represents a diverse blend of traditional agriculture, advanced manufacturing, tourism, and small business enterprises. Historically rooted in dairy farming, the agricultural sector remains vital, with numerous family farms producing milk, cheese, potatoes, cranberries, and other crops.
- According to recent American Community Survey estimates, Waupaca County's median household income is approximately $60,000-$65,000, slightly below the state average but reflecting a lower cost of living.
The county's manufacturing sector has grown substantially, with major employers including Hutchinson Manufacturing (sealing solutions), Foremost Farms USA (dairy cooperative), Cobalt Boats (recreational boat manufacturing in Clintonville), and several metal fabrication and food processing facilities. The tourism industry contributes significantly to the local economy, driven by the Chain O' Lakes region, numerous resorts, campgrounds, and recreational opportunities that attract visitors from Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago. Hartman Creek State Park and Red Mill County Park serve as major tourism draws.
The county's unemployment rate typically tracks closely with Wisconsin's overall rate, generally ranging between 3-5% depending on seasonal factors. Healthcare is a growing sector, with ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Waupaca serving as a major employer. Retail and service industries are concentrated in Waupaca, New London, and Clintonville.
Recent economic development initiatives have focused on downtown revitalization, broadband expansion to rural areas, and attracting light manufacturing and technology businesses. The county benefits from its location along State Highway 10 and U.S. Highway 45, providing access to larger markets.
No tribal economic operations exist within county boundaries, as the nearest tribal lands are in adjacent counties. The Waupaca County Economic Development Corporation works to attract new businesses and support existing enterprises through various incentive programs.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (WCCA) | Property: ✅ Free Search (GIS & Land Records) | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail Required | Business: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Elections: ✅ Online (MyVote) | Overall Score: 9/10 — Waupaca County provides excellent digital access to most public records with robust online portals and responsive offices.
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Cities & Towns in Waupaca County
Explore public records for 14 cities and communities in Waupaca County, Wisconsin.
Nearby Counties
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