Andrews County

As of recent census estimates, Andrews County has a population of approximately 18,000 residents. The economy has historically been dominated by oil and gas extraction, with the Permian Basin making Andrews County one of the most productive petroleum-producing counties in the United States. Major landmarks include Andrews County Museum and the nearby Shafter Lake, a large playa lake that occasionally fills with water during wet periods.

Andrews County Clerk's office is located at 201 N Main Street, Suite 104, the local community, TX 79714, and handles court documents, marriage licenses, and various recordings. Andrews County Appraisal District, responsible for property tax assessments, is located at 600 N Main Street, the local community, TX 79714. Andrews County Recorder functions are performed through the County Clerk's office, which maintains land records, deeds, liens, and other official documents.

What makes Andrews County unique is its remarkable transformation from a sparsely populated ranching community in the early 20th century to a thriving energy hub following the discovery of oil in the 1920s and 1930s.

Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly at or visiting the facility in person during business hours. Currently, Andrews County does not offer a full online inmate search portal, though some third-party websites aggregate booking information. Within Andrews County, the City of the local community operates the local community Police Department, which handles law enforcement within city limits and can be reached for Arrest records in Andrews County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which requires governmental bodies to provide access to public records unless specifically exempted by law.

Some commercial websites aggregate booking photos from various Texas counties, though the accuracy and timeliness of such databases vary. Andrews County does not have tribal lands or tribal police jurisdiction. The Sheriff's Office works cooperatively with the Texas Department of Public Safety and federal agencies when investigations cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Andrews County also operates a County Court at Law that handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, civil cases with amounts in controversy below Andrews County court threshold, and appeals from justice court. Andrews County Court is likewise located at Andrews County Courthouse at 201 N Main Street. Andrews County has Justice of the Peace Courts (typically Precincts 1-4) that handle small claims cases under $20,000, Class C misdemeanors including traffic citations, evictions, and serve as magistrates for setting bail.

the local community Municipal Court, operated by the City of Andrews County, handles city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Court record searches can be conducted in person at the County Clerk's office at 201 N Main Street, Suite 104, Andrews area, TX 79714, during regular business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Andrews County does not currently offer a full online case management system for public access, though some case information may be available by contacting the Clerk's office directly.

Under Texas Government Code Section 552.001 et seq. (the Texas Public Information Act) and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, court records are generally presumed to be public unless sealed by court order or exempted by specific statute.

All documents affecting real property in Andrews County must be recorded with the County Clerk to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. The office maintains both current and historical records dating back to Andrews County's organization in 1910. While Andrews County does not offer a full online document search system through the County Clerk's website, property owners and title researchers can visit the office in person to search the grantor-grantee indexes and view recorded instruments.

For property tax information, Andrews County Appraisal District, located at 600 N Main Street, Andrews area, TX 79714 (phone: 432-523-3145), maintains current ownership records, assessed values, and property characteristics. The Appraisal District offers an online property search tool accessible through their website where users can search by owner name, property address, or account number to view appraisal values, exemptions, and tax information. Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk's office for statutory fees, typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus additional fees for certification.

the local community Central Appraisal District also maintains some GIS mapping capabilities, though the extent of online public access may be limited.

Applicants must be eligible persons as defined by Texas Family Code Section 191.0045, including the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a court order. Marriage licenses must be obtained from Andrews County Clerk's office, where couples apply in person, pay the required fee (typically $81, reduced to $21 if the couple completes a premarital education course), wait 72 hours (unless waived), and then may be married anywhere in Texas within 90 days. Divorce records (final decrees) are maintained by the District Clerk's office in Andrews County where the divorce was granted.

The Texas Vital Statistics office offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs for birth and death certificates with credit card payment and expedited shipping options. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Under Texas Family Code and Health and Safety Code provisions, vital records access is restricted to protect privacy, with only authorized individuals able to obtain certified copies.

For corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities, registration and record searches are conducted through the Texas Secretary of State, Corporations Section. The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search tool called SOSDirect at www.sos.state.tx.us where users can search by entity name, registered agent, or file number to find formation documents, registered agent information, and current status. Professional licenses for occupations such as medical practitioners, attorneys, accountants, and contractors are issued by respective state licensing boards, not at Andrews County level.

Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be verified through the Comptroller's website. Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and land use/zoning matters in unincorporated Andrews County are handled by county administration, while the City of the local community maintains its own building inspection and permitting department for construction within city limits. Contact Andrews County for specific departmental information regarding commercial development permits and inspections.

Andrews County Chamber of Commerce, located at 700 W Broadway, Andrews area, TX 79714 (phone: 432-523-2695, website: www.Andrews Countytxchamber.com), provides business development resources, networking opportunities, and economic information for businesses operating in or relocating to Andrews County. The Chamber can provide information about local business climate, workforce development, and regulatory requirements specific to Andrews County.

Texas residents may register to vote if they are United States citizens, residents of Andrews County where they submit their application, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and not finally convicted of a felony (or if convicted, have completed their sentence including probation or parole). Voter registration applications must be submitted at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Applications can be submitted by mail to Andrews County Voter Registrar at the County Clerk's office, in person at various county offices, or through the Texas Department of Public Safety when obtaining or renewing a driver's license.

Online voter registration is not currently available in Texas, but downloadable applications can be found at www.votetexas.gov. To find your polling place in Andrews County, voters may check their voter registration certificate which is mailed after registration, contact the County Elections office, or use the polling place locator at www.votetexas.gov by entering their address. Election records that are public include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under strict limitations), campaign finance reports filed with Andrews County (for county-level candidates) and with the Texas Ethics Commission (for state candidates), candidate filing documents, and precinct-level election results.

Andrews County Elections office publishes unofficial results on election night and certified results following canvass. In the November 2024 general election, Andrews County, like most West Texas counties, saw turnout of approximately 55-65% of registered voters, reflecting the competitive nature of the presidential race and state propositions, though this is an estimate based on typical patterns for rural Texas counties. The next major election will occur on November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for the U.S.

House of Representatives, one U.S. Senate seat, all statewide executive offices including Governor, all Texas House seats, half of Texas Senate seats, and various county and local positions. Absentee voting by mail in Texas is restricted to specific categories: voters 65 years or older, voters who will be absent from Andrews County during the early voting period and on Election Day, voters confined in jail but otherwise eligible, or voters with a sickness or physical condition preventing in-person voting.

Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Andrews County Early Voting Clerk (typically the County Clerk) and must be received (not postmarked) by the 11th day before Election Day. Early voting in person is available at designated locations typically beginning the 17th day before Election Day and continuing through the 4th day before Election Day. Under Texas Election Code and the Texas Public Information Act, citizens may request election related records including ballot layouts, election worker lists, and canvass documents, though certain records such as individual voted ballots remain confidential to protect voter privacy.

Andrews County has benefited significantly from advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies that have unlocked previously uneconomic shale formations, leading to an energy boom beginning in the mid-2000s. However, this income can be volatile, subject to boom-and-bust cycles tied to commodity prices. Beyond petroleum, the economy includes supporting sectors such as transportation and logistics, equipment repair and maintenance, retail trade, healthcare, education, and government services.

Agriculture, while historically significant, now plays a smaller role, with some ranching operations continuing on lands not actively used for energy production. The unemployment rate in Andrews County typically tracks below state and national averages during boom periods but can spike during downturns in energy markets. Andrews County government and school district represent major public sector employers.

Notable corporate presence includes operations by major integrated oil companies and large independent producers who maintain significant acreage positions in Andrews County. Economic development efforts focus on maintaining infrastructure adequate for energy sector needs while also attempting to diversify the local economy. Andrews County economy remains closely tied to global energy markets, with local economic conditions highly sensitive to oil price fluctuations and production trends.