Jackson County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Jackson County in 2026
JacksonWIRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to public records in Jackson County, Wisconsin. Members of the public may use this resource to locate data associated with court filings, property transactions, vital statistics, and other government-maintained documents. The information presented reflects what is available through official government channels, and completeness of any individual record set may vary depending on the originating agency.
Record categories that may be accessible through official sources include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Property tax and assessment records
- Voting and election records
- County board meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports and arrest logs
- Land use and zoning records
Records in Jackson County may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access: The Wisconsin Court System's case search portal provides public access to circuit court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court case records statewide, including those originating in Jackson County. The Jackson County Register of Deeds maintains property records that may be accessed through the county's official website. No registration is required to conduct basic searches through the Wisconsin court portal.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Jackson County Clerk's Office or the Register of Deeds to inspect records in person. The Jackson County Courthouse is located at 307 Main Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should be directed to the appropriate office by mail at 307 Main Street, Black River Falls, WI 54615. Requests must include a description of the record sought, the requester's contact information, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Wisconsin Stat. § 19.35, custodians are required to respond to requests as soon as practicable and without delay.
Phone/Email: The Jackson County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (715) 284-0201. Email contact information is available through the county's official website at jacksoncountywi.gov.
What Are Public Records in Jackson County?
Public records in Jackson County are defined under Wisconsin's open records law as any material on which written, drawn, printed, spoken, visual, or electromagnetic information is recorded or preserved, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that has been created or is being kept by a government authority. The primary governing statute is Wisconsin Stat. § 19.32, which establishes the definitions and scope of public records in the state.
The following record types are maintained by Jackson County government offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | Jackson County Circuit Court Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Jackson County Register of Deeds |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | Jackson County Clerk / Wisconsin Vital Records |
| Business licenses and permits | Jackson County Clerk |
| Property tax and assessment records | Jackson County Treasurer / Assessor |
| Voting and election records | Jackson County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Jackson County Clerk |
| Budget and financial documents | Jackson County Clerk / Finance Office |
| Law enforcement records | Jackson County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Jackson County Planning and Zoning |
The Jackson County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many county-level administrative records. Court records are maintained separately by the Circuit Court Clerk and may be searched through the Wisconsin court system's online portal.
Is Jackson County an Open Records County?
Jackson County operates in full compliance with Wisconsin's open records law, which mandates broad public access to government records. Under Wisconsin Stat. § 19.31, the legislature declares that providing the public with the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them is an essential function of a representative government.
As stated in the Wisconsin Department of Justice's guidance on open records: "The public records law reflects the legislature's determination that the public interest in open government outweighs the public interest in keeping government records confidential." This principle applies to all government authorities in the state, including Jackson County departments, the Sheriff's Office, and the Circuit Court.
The Police Department Open Records Requests page for the Village of Jackson further affirms that Wisconsin public records law authorizes requesters to inspect or obtain copies of records maintained by government authorities, consistent with the statewide framework. Jackson County does not maintain a separate county-specific open records ordinance that supersedes state law; the Wisconsin open records statutes govern all requests submitted to county offices.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Jackson County?
The current fee structure for public records in Jackson County follows the limits established under Wisconsin state law. Fees may vary by record type and the office responsible for maintaining the requested documents.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (black and white) | $0.25 per page (standard rate) |
| Certified copies of vital records | $20.00 per certified copy |
| Electronic copies | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Search fees | May apply if substantial staff time is required |
| Inspection of records | No charge for in-person inspection |
Under Wisconsin law, a requester may be charged for the actual, necessary, and direct cost of reproduction and, if applicable, the cost of locating the record if the search requires more than a minimal amount of time. Accepted payment methods at Jackson County offices include cash, check, and money order. Fees for certified copies of vital records are set by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and are subject to change. Fee waivers are not broadly mandated under state law, though individual custodians retain discretion in certain circumstances.
Does Jackson County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Jackson County. Members of the public have the right to inspect records at the maintaining office at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. This right to free inspection is established under Wisconsin's open records statutes and applies to all county offices.
The following resources provide free access to public records:
- The Wisconsin Court System case search allows free online searches of circuit court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court records, including Jackson County cases.
- The Jackson County Clerk's Office permits in-person inspection of administrative records, meeting minutes, and election documents at no cost.
- The Jackson County Register of Deeds allows in-person inspection of property records, deeds, and liens without charge.
- The Wisconsin Voter Public Access portal provides free access to voter registration and election data statewide.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records in person carries no fee, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the reproduction costs described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Jackson County?
Any person may request public records in Jackson County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Wisconsin's open records law does not restrict access based on the requester's identity or reason for the request. Requesters are not required to be Wisconsin residents, and they are not required to provide identification or explain why they are seeking a particular record.
Specific provisions apply in limited circumstances:
- Certain sensitive record types, such as those involving ongoing criminal investigations or juvenile matters, may require the requester to demonstrate a legal basis for access.
- Requesters seeking their own records, such as personal criminal history or vital records, may be required to provide identification to verify identity before release.
- Third-party requests for records containing personal information about another individual are subject to the balancing test established under Wisconsin open records law, which weighs the public interest in disclosure against any privacy interests.
Non-residents retain the same rights as Wisconsin residents under the open records statutes. There is no requirement to submit requests through an attorney or authorized representative; individuals may submit requests directly to the custodial office.
What Records Are Confidential in Jackson County?
Not all government records in Jackson County are subject to public disclosure. Wisconsin law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from the open records requirement. The following records are currently withheld from public access under applicable state and federal law:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records and delinquency proceedings
- Records related to ongoing criminal investigations
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifying information
- Medical and health records protected under HIPAA
- Adoption records
- Child welfare and protective services records
- Personnel records, with limited exceptions for public employees
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, infrastructure vulnerability assessments, and emergency response protocols
- Records whose disclosure would endanger public safety
As stated in the Wisconsin Department of Justice's open records compliance guidance: "The legislature has recognized that certain public interests may outweigh the public's interest in open government, and has provided specific exemptions to the open records law." These exemptions are codified throughout Wisconsin statutes and must be applied narrowly by records custodians. The Jackson Correctional Institution, operated by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, maintains inmate records subject to both state open records law and applicable federal privacy regulations, with certain offender information available to the public through the DOC's online resources.
Jackson County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Jackson County Register of Deeds
307 Main Street, Room 140
Black River Falls, WI 54615
(715) 284-0207
Jackson County Register of Deeds
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Jackson County Clerk's Office
307 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
(715) 284-0201
Jackson County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Jackson County Circuit Court Clerk
307 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
(715) 284-0208
Wisconsin Court System – Jackson County
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
(Records Division)
320 Main Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
(715) 284-5357
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM