About Winnebago County
Winnebago County is located in east-central Wisconsin, with Oshkosh serving as the county seat. The county was established in 1840 and named after the Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) Native American tribe that originally inhabited the region. Winnebago County encompasses approximately 468 square miles and has a population of around 171,000 residents, making it one of the more populous counties in Wisconsin. The county is bordered by Lake Winnebago to the east, the largest inland lake in Wisconsin, which serves as a major recreational and economic asset.
Major municipalities include Oshkosh, Neenah, and Menasha, which form part of the Fox Cities metropolitan area. The county is home to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, EAA Aviation Museum, and hosts the world-famous EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air show each summer, attracting hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts. The Fox River runs through the county, historically powering paper mills that defined the regional economy for over a century.
Winnebago County government operates from the Winnebago County Courthouse at 415 Jackson Street in Oshkosh. Key county offices include the Winnebago County Register of Deeds, which maintains property records; the Winnebago County Clerk located at 415 Jackson Street, Suite 104, handling vital records and elections; and the Winnebago County Assessor's Office, which manages property assessments and tax information. The county's location along the Fox River Valley and proximity to both Green Bay and the Milwaukee-Madison corridor has made it an important manufacturing and distribution hub in Wisconsin.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of the county. This office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing and operates specialized units such as the K-9 unit and a drug enforcement task force. Notably, the office runs programs aimed at reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety through community engagement and education initiatives.
Police Departments
Winnebago County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Oshkosh, Neenah, and Menasha. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the sheriff's office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, often collaborating through joint task forces and shared resources to enhance public safety across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 4311 West Witzel Avenue in Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901, provides law enforcement services throughout the county's unincorporated areas and operates the Winnebago County Jail. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (920) 236-7300, and their website at www.winnebagocounitywi.gov/sheriff provides information on services, programs, and public safety alerts.
- The Winnebago County Jail maintains an online inmate roster accessible through the Sheriff's website, allowing the public to search current inmates by name, booking date, or charges.
- Under Wisconsin Statutes §19.31-19.39, the Wisconsin Public Records Law, citizens have the right to request arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs from any law enforcement agency.
- Requests can be made in writing or in person, and agencies must respond promptly, though fees may apply for copying and certification.
Booking information typically includes mugshots, bond amounts, charges, and expected release dates. Municipal police departments operating within Winnebago County include the Oshkosh Police Department (serving the county's largest city), Neenah Police Department, Menasha Police Department, Omro Police Department, and Winneconne Police Department. Each municipal department handles law enforcement within their respective city limits and maintains separate arrest records.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Wisconsin and are available through the Sheriff's Office Records Division or by visiting the jail facility during business hours. Some arrest information is also published on the Sheriff's Office website and social media channels. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh maintains its own campus police force with full law enforcement authority on university property.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Winnebago County encompasses felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice maintain these records. Residents can run background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Criminal History Record Check system. The Wisconsin Bureau of Investigation provides comprehensive background checks, which include statewide criminal history information, for residents and employers in Winnebago County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Winnebago County are maintained by the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the respective agency directly. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, charges, and booking details. Under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, these records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Winnebago County Jail, located in Oshkosh, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. 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.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Winnebago County are taken and retained by the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be searched through the sheriff's website or requested directly from the office. Wisconsin does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement or if charges are dropped.
Courts & Case Records
Winnebago County is served by the Winnebago County Circuit Court, located at the Winnebago County Courthouse, 415 Jackson Street, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901. The Circuit Court can be reached at (920) 236-4848 and handles all civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters within the county. Wisconsin's unified court system places Circuit Courts as the trial-level courts with broad jurisdiction. The Winnebago County Circuit Court operates multiple branches with several judges presiding over different case types.
- The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system provides free online access to circuit court case records at wcca.wicourts.gov, allowing the public to search by name, case number, or attorney.
- Physical copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Courts office, with fees typically $1.25 per page for copies plus certification fees if required.
- The Register in Probate, a function of the Clerk of Courts, handles estate matters, guardianships, and mental health commitments.
- Online payment systems are available for certain court fees and fines through the Wisconsin Courts website.
This database includes case summaries, party information, charges, judgments, and hearing schedules for most circuit court cases, though certain confidential matters such as sealed cases, juvenile records, and some family law cases have restricted access. The Winnebago County Clerk of Courts, also located at 415 Jackson Street, maintains the official court records and case files. Municipal courts operate in Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, and other incorporated municipalities, handling ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other minor offenses within their jurisdictions.
Wisconsin Statutes §19.32 and §801.14 establish that court records are presumptively open to the public unless specifically exempted by law or court order.
Property & Public Records
The Winnebago County Register of Deeds, located at 415 Jackson Street, Suite 107, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901, maintains all property and land records for the county. The office can be reached at (920) 236-4848 and operates during regular business hours Monday through Friday. The Register of Deeds records and preserves documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property titles in Winnebago County.
- Wisconsin law requires that most real estate conveyances be recorded with the county Register of Deeds to establish chain of title and provide public notice.
- The Land Records Database provides searchable access to recorded documents, though some older records may only be available by visiting the office in person or requesting copies by mail.
- Property tax information is managed by the Winnebago County Treasurer's Office at 415 Jackson Street, and the County Assessor's Office provides assessment data, tax bills, and valuation information online.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a fee, typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus $4.00 for certification.
- The Register of Deeds also maintains vital records including older birth and death records filed before statewide registration.
Winnebago County offers a free online property information system through its Geographic Information System (GIS) portal at www.winnebagocounitywi.gov, where users can search parcel information, view property boundaries, access ownership records, and view recent sales data. Land records in Wisconsin are governed by Chapter 59 of the Wisconsin Statutes, and the Register of Deeds operates under statutory authority to maintain the county's official land record system. The office also provides marriage license recording services and maintains miscellaneous records including military discharge papers (DD-214s) and federal tax liens.
Vital Records
Vital records for Winnebago County, Wisconsin are maintained by both the Winnebago County Clerk's Office and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The Winnebago County Clerk, located at 415 Jackson Street, Suite 104, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901, can be reached at (920) 236-4800. Birth certificates for births occurring in Winnebago County can be requested from the County Clerk's office, with fees typically $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow similar procedures, with the same fee structure applying.
- Processing time for vital records requests at the county level is typically 1-2 weeks, though walk-in service may be available for immediate needs.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $110, and there is no waiting period in Wisconsin once the license is issued, though it is valid for only 30 days.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek for an additional fee.
- Wisconsin Statutes §69.20-69.24 govern access to vital records and establish the confidentiality protections and authorized requesters for these sensitive documents.
Requesters must provide valid photo identification and proof of direct and tangible interest, as Wisconsin law restricts birth record access to the registrant, parents, legal representatives, or other authorized individuals. Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Winnebago County Clerk's Office, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. Divorce records are maintained by the Winnebago County Clerk of Courts rather than the County Clerk, as divorces are legal judgments.
For statewide vital records services, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office in Madison can be reached at (608) 266-1371 or online at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vitalrecords. Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old have restricted access under state law.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Winnebago County, Wisconsin are managed through multiple governmental agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Winnebago County Clerk's Office at 415 Jackson Street, Suite 104, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901, handles certain local business filings including fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. These filings are public records and can be searched by contacting the County Clerk at (920) 236-4800.
- The state maintains a searchable online database at www.wdfi.org/apps/CorpSearch where anyone can look up registered business entities, view filing history, registered agents, and current status.
For formal business entity formation and registration, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other statutory entities, businesses must register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Professional licenses in Wisconsin are issued by the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), which regulates over 200 license types for professions ranging from real estate agents to cosmetologists to contractors. Local business licenses and permits vary by county within Winnebago County, with the cities of Oshkosh, Neenah, and Menasha each maintaining separate licensing requirements for activities such as alcohol sales, food service, peddlers, and certain business operations.
The Winnebago County Planning and Zoning Department, located at 415 Jackson Street, handles building permits, zoning compliance, land use applications, and conditional use permits for properties in unincorporated areas of the county. Each county also operates its own building inspection and zoning department. Sales tax permits are issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
The Fox Cities Regional Partnership and the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce at www.oshkoshchamber.com provide business development resources and maintain directories of local businesses.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Winnebago County, Wisconsin are administered by the Winnebago County Clerk's Office, located at 415 Jackson Street, Suite 104, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901. The County Clerk serves as the chief election official for the county and can be reached at (920) 236-4800. The office's website at www.winnebagocounitywi.gov/county-clerk provides election information, polling place locations, sample ballots, and election results.
- Wisconsin offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote on the same day by providing proof of residence.
- To register by mail or online before Election Day, applications must be received by the third Wednesday before the election.
- Voters can request an absentee ballot through the MyVote Wisconsin website, by contacting their municipal clerk, or through the County Clerk's office for county residents in unincorporated areas.
Voter registration in Wisconsin can be completed online at myvote.wi.gov, the official state election portal, or in person at the County Clerk's office, any municipal clerk's office, or at the polling place on Election Day. The MyVote Wisconsin website also allows voters to find their polling place, view their sample ballot, track absentee ballots, and verify registration status by entering their name and date of birth. Winnebago County election records that are public include certified election results by ward and county, campaign finance reports filed by county-level candidates, candidate nomination papers and declarations of candidacy, and voter registration statistics (though individual voter history is restricted).
In the November 2024 general election, Winnebago County reported approximately 62% voter turnout, consistent with typical Wisconsin presidential election turnout rates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, U.S.
Senate (Class II), Wisconsin gubernatorial election, other statewide constitutional offices, State Senate and Assembly seats, and county offices. Absentee voting is available to all Wisconsin voters without requiring an excuse. Absentee ballot applications for mail voting must be received by the Thursday before Election Day, and completed ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Wisconsin Statutes §§5-12 govern elections and establish transparency requirements including public observation rights, open records access to most election materials, and post-election audit procedures. The Wisconsin Elections Commission oversees statewide election administration and maintains centralized voter registration and election results databases.
Economy & Demographics
Winnebago County's economy is diverse and anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail sectors. The county has historically been part of Wisconsin's Fox River Valley paper industry corridor, though the economy has diversified significantly in recent decades.
- Other significant employers include Bemis Manufacturing Company, Plexus Corp., Miller Electric Manufacturing, and various food processing and distribution companies.
- The median household income in Winnebago County is approximately $62,000, slightly above the state average.
- The EAA Aviation Museum and annual AirVenture convention generate significant tourism revenue, with over 600,000 visitors during the summer event week contributing an estimated $170 million economic impact to the region.
Major employers in Winnebago County include ThedaCare Regional Medical Center and Ascension Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh, providing healthcare services and employing thousands; the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, one of the largest campuses in the UW System with over 2,000 employees; Oshkosh Corporation, a Fortune 500 industrial company specializing in specialty vehicles and equipment; and Kimberly-Clark Corporation facilities in Neenah, though the paper manufacturing sector has contracted from its mid-20th century peak. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to the Wisconsin state average, generally ranging between 3-4% in recent years, reflecting a relatively stable labor market. Key economic sectors include advanced manufacturing (especially metal fabrication, plastics, and industrial equipment), healthcare and social assistance, educational services, retail trade, and professional services.
Agriculture remains economically important in the rural portions of the county, with dairy farming, corn, and soybean production. Economic development initiatives focus on leveraging the county's educational institutions, skilled workforce, and transportation infrastructure including Highway 41, the Fox River, and proximity to regional airports. The Fox Cities economic region, which includes Winnebago County municipalities, consistently ranks among Wisconsin's strongest economic areas for business climate and job growth.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (Free WCCA) | Property: ✅ Free GIS Search | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail Required | Business: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Elections: ✅ Online (MyVote) | Overall Score: 9/10 — Winnebago County provides excellent digital access to public records with robust online systems for most record types and strong compliance with Wisconsin's public records laws.
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Cities & Towns in Winnebago County
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