Winnebago County is a county government organization located in northern Illinois, United States. Established in 1836, the county was named after the Native American Winnebago tribe (now known as the Ho-Chunk Nation) who originally inhabited the area. The county seat is Rockford, which is also the largest city in the county. The county government operates through a board of supervisors system and provides various public services to its approximately 285,000 residents. These services include law enforcement through the Sheriff’s Office, court systems, property assessment and tax collection, public health services, and infrastructure maintenance. Winnebago County manages numerous departments including the County Clerk’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Health Department. The county also oversees regional planning, economic development initiatives, and environmental protection programs. The county operates with an annual budget that supports public safety, judicial services, public works, and community development. Winnebago County maintains several facilities including the County Courthouse, Criminal Justice Center, and Administration Building, all located in downtown Rockford. The county government works in partnership with municipal governments within its boundaries, including the cities of Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, and several other communities to provide coordinated services and regional development planning.