About Archer County
Archer County is located in North Central Texas, situated approximately 25 miles southwest of Wichita Falls. Established in 1858 and organized in 1880, Archer County was named after Branch Tanner Archer, a Republic of Texas Commissioner and Secretary of War. Archer County Seat is the local community City, a small town famously associated with author Larry McMurtry, who was born there and set several of his novels in Archer County. Archer County includes approximately 910 square miles and had a population of around 8,560 residents according to recent census estimates.
The scene is characterized by rolling prairies, agricultural lands, and oil and gas extraction sites that have shaped Archer County's economy for over a century. Major communities include Archer City area City, Holliday, Scotland, Windthorst, and Megargel. Archer County is served by Archer County Courthouse, located at 100 S.
Center Street in Archer County City, Texas 76351, which houses most county administrative offices. Archer County Clerk maintains official records including court documents, marriage licenses, and business filings from this location. Archer County Tax Assessor-Collector, also based in the courthouse, handles property tax assessments and collections.
Archer County Appraisal District, located at 110 N. Center Street in Archer County City, maintains property appraisal records. What makes Archer County unique is its rich Western heritage, strong connection to Texas literary history through Larry McMurtry, and its blend of ranching traditions with modern energy production.
Archer County's economy has historically relied on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and wheat farming, alongside substantial oil and natural gas development.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Archer County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Archer County, particularly in unincorporated areas. It oversees the operations of Archer County jail, manages the process of arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety. The Sheriff's Office is key to coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage and response to incidents across Archer County.
Police Departments
In addition to Archer County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Archer County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Archer City Police Department and the Holliday Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective city limits, handling local crime, and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on larger investigations. The Sheriff's Office covers the broader unincorporated areas, so that all regions of Archer County receive law enforcement services.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Archer County Sheriff's Office, located at 100 S. Center Street in Archer City, Texas 76351, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Archer County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains law enforcement responsibilities including patrol, criminal investigations, and operation of Archer County jail. Archer County Jail houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences, and the Sheriff's Office provides inmate information through direct phone inquiry during regular business hours.
- Arrest records and booking information can be requested in person at the Sheriff's Office or by submitting a written public records request.
- Municipal police departments serve incorporated areas: the Holliday Police Department provides law enforcement for the City of Holliday, while the Windthorst Police Department serves Windthorst.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request identifying the specific records sought, and agencies must respond within ten business days.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records, calculated based on personnel time and materials costs as permitted under state statute.
Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records are generally considered public information, though certain exceptions apply for ongoing investigations or confidential informant information. Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office, though access procedures may vary. The jail maintains a booking log with information on current and recently released inmates.
For current inmate status, contact Archer County Jail directly. Texas law requires that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies be made available for public inspection unless an exception under the Public Information Act applies.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Archer County includes a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Archer County Sheriff's Office, along with local police departments, maintains these records, which are accessible to the public under the Texas Public Information Act. Residents can conduct background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides full criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Archer County are maintained by Archer County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Archer County, including the charges, arresting officer, and location of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act. The records typically include personal information about the arrestee, the nature of the offense, and the date of the arrest.
- The process for obtaining these records involves submitting a formal request to the appropriate law enforcement agency, which then provides access according to state law.
Jail & Inmate Records
Archer County Jail, located in Archer City, is the primary detention facility for Archer County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Archer County, where they are processed and held until bail is posted or they are transferred to another facility. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides resources for locating recently arrested individuals. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to adhere to scheduled times and security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of bail, pending their court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Archer County are taken and retained by Archer County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are considered public records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases that compile such information. While Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals may request removal from third-party websites under certain circumstances.
Courts & Case Records
Archer County is served by the 97th Judicial District Court, which has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, family law cases including divorce and child custody, and juvenile matters. Archer County Court is located in Archer County Courthouse at 100 S. Center Street, Archer City, Texas 76351, and can be reached for Archer County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, civil cases between $200 and $20,000, and appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a statutory fee of $1.00 per page plus $5.00 for certification.
- Some case information may be available through the Texas Courts Online portal at www.courts.texas.gov, though full online access varies by court.
- Researchers should contact the appropriate clerk's office to verify record availability and current fee schedules.
Archer County also has Justice of the Peace courts with jurisdiction over small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, evictions, and magistrate duties including issuing warrants and conducting inquests. Municipal courts in Holliday, Windthorst, and Archer City area City handle violations of city ordinances and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Court records are maintained by Archer County District Clerk and County Clerk offices, both located in the courthouse.
Archer County Clerk handles district court records while the County Clerk maintains county court records. Under Texas Government Code Section 552.001 et seq. (the Texas Public Information Act) and Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, most court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statute.
Court record searches can be conducted in person at the respective clerk's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Property & Public Records
Archer County Clerk's office, located at 100 S. Center Street, Room 103, Archer City, Texas 76351 (phone: 940-574-4302), is the official recorder of property and land records for Archer County. This office maintains deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, property liens, judgments, assumed name certificates (DBAs), military discharge records (DD-214s), plat maps, easements, oil and gas leases, and other documents affecting real property. Under Texas Property Code and Local Government Code provisions, these records are public and available for inspection during regular business hours.
- Archer County Clerk's office provides an online property records search through third-party vendor services, though fees may apply for document images and certified copies.
- Center Street, Archer City area City, Texas 76351 (phone: 940-574-4515), maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, and property characteristics data.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the County Clerk at statutory rates: typically $5.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page, plus certification fees.
- Archer County Clerk accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone with credit card payment.
Archer County Appraisal District, located at 110 N. The Appraisal District typically offers a free online property search tool on their website allowing users to search by owner name, property address, or account number to view appraisal values, exemptions, and tax information. Many property documents are indexed chronologically and by grantor/grantee name in official record books.
Archer County may offer Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tools through the Appraisal District website, providing visual parcel boundaries, ownership data, and property characteristics. Researchers seeking historical property chains of title can access deed indices and record volumes maintained from Archer County's organization in 1880 forward.
Vital Records
Vital records for Archer County, Texas, are maintained by both local and state agencies. Birth and death certificates occurring in Archer County may be requested from Archer County Clerk's office at 100 S. Center Street, Archer City, Texas 76351 (phone: 940-574-4302), for events occurring locally. However, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the centralized repository for all Texas vital records and is often the most reliable source for certified copies.
- Birth certificates cost $23.00 for the first copy and $22.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $21.00 each.
- Processing time for mail requests typically ranges from 4-6 weeks, though expedited service may be available for additional fees.
- The marriage license fee is set by state statute (currently $81.00, reduced to $21.00 with completion of a premarital education course).
- The Texas Vital Statistics Unit offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs for expedited service with additional processing fees.
- Applicants must provide valid identification, demonstrate eligibility relationship to the registrant, and state the purpose for requesting the record as required by state law.
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, birth records are restricted for 75 years and death records for 25 years, with access limited to eligible applicants including the registrant (for births), family members, legal representatives, and parties with court orders. Marriage licenses are issued by Archer County Clerk, with application requiring both parties to appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification and Social Security numbers. Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from issuance and include a mandatory 72-hour waiting period unless waived.
Divorce records (decrees of dissolution) are maintained by the District Clerk's office as part of court records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Archer County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Archer County Clerk's office at 100 S. Center Street, Archer City, Texas 76351 (phone: 940-574-4302) handles Assumed Name Certificate filings (DBAs or fictitious business names) as required under Texas Business & Commerce Code Section 71.001 et seq. Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file an assumed name certificate with Archer County clerk in each county where business is conducted.
- The filing fee is typically $25.00, and certificates must be renewed every ten years.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml where the public can look up business entities registered in Texas at no charge.
- This database provides information on entity name, registration date, registered agent, status (active/inactive), and filing history.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations, filings are made with the Texas Secretary of State through the Corporations Section. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and businesses can verify sales tax permit status through the Comptroller's website. Professional and occupational licenses (such as contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers) are generally issued by respective state licensing boards rather than at Archer County level.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are issued by city governments for properties within city limits. Unincorporated areas of Archer County may have different requirements, and inquiries should be directed to Archer County Development or Planning office if one exists. The Archer City area City Chamber of Commerce and other local chambers provide business development resources and networking opportunities for county businesses.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Archer County, Texas, are administered by Archer County Elections Administrator, operating under the supervision of the County Clerk's office, located at 100 S. Center Street, Archer City, Texas 76351. The office can be reached for voter registration and election information. Voter registration in Texas is handled through a uniform statewide process.
- Texas also offers online voter registration application requests at www.votetexas.gov.
- These records can be requested from the County Elections office or viewed at the Texas Secretary of State website for statewide races.
- Citizens may request copies of election records under the Public Information Act, though minimal fees may apply for extensive copying.
Residents can register to vote by completing a voter registration application available from the County Elections office, public libraries, most post offices, or downloadable from the Texas Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.tx.us. Completed applications must be submitted by mail or in person to the County Voter Registrar at least 30 days before an election. Voters must be U.S.
Citizens, residents of Archer County, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. To find your polling place in Archer County, registered voters can check their voter registration certificate mailed by the County Elections office, call the Elections office directly, or use the Texas Secretary of State's online polling place locator at www.sos.texas.gov/elections/voter/current.shtml. Early voting locations and hours are announced before each election and typically include Archer County courthouse and possibly other designated sites.
Under Texas Election Code and the Public Information Act, numerous election records are public, including voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filings and financial disclosures, campaign finance reports, and election returns. Archer County, like many rural Texas counties, typically experiences voter turnout ranging from 45-65% in presidential election years and 25-40% in midterm elections, varying by competitiveness of races and local issues. The 2024 general election saw participation consistent with these patterns.
The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm elections, Texas statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other constitutional offices, as well as state legislative races and local county positions. Mail-in (absentee) ballots in Texas are available only to voters who meet specific eligibility criteria: those 65 years or older, voters who will be absent from Archer County during the early voting period and on Election Day, confined in jail but eligible to vote, or those with a disability or illness that prevents in-person voting.
Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Archer County Elections Administrator and received (not postmarked) by the 11th day before Election Day. Texas does not offer universal vote-by-mail. Election transparency in Archer County is governed by Texas Election Code provisions requiring public notice of elections, public testing of voting equipment, availability of poll watchers, and public canvassing of results.
Economy & Demographics
Archer County's economy has historically been built on three primary pillars: agriculture, energy production, and small business services. Cattle ranching remains a significant economic activity, with thousands of acres devoted to grazing and Archer County ranking among Texas counties in beef cattle production. Wheat, hay, and other crops are cultivated across Archer County's agricultural lands. The energy sector, particularly oil and natural gas extraction, has been a major economic driver since the early 20th century oil boom.
- According to recent economic data, median household income in Archer County is estimated at approximately $54,000 to $60,000, somewhat below the Texas state median.
Numerous oil wells, natural gas production facilities, and related service companies operate throughout Archer County. Major employers include agricultural operations, oil and gas companies, school districts (Archer City ISD, Holliday ISD, Windthorst ISD), healthcare facilities, and retail businesses. Archer County's population has remained relatively stable, with modest fluctuations reflecting trends in the energy sector and rural-to-urban migration patterns.
The unemployment rate generally tracks close to or slightly above the Texas state average, varying with commodity prices and energy market conditions. Retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, and educational services provide significant employment. Small businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and service providers, form the backbone of local economies in the local community City, Holliday, and Windthorst.
Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing businesses, attracting new industry compatible with the rural character, and promoting tourism related to Archer County's Western heritage and connection to author Larry McMurtry, whose famous bookstore operated in Archer County City for decades. Wind energy development has emerged as a newer economic sector with several wind farms operating in Archer County, providing lease income to landowners and tax revenue to local governments.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: State Database Online | Elections: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Overall Score: 6/10, Archer County provides basic access to public records with some online tools through state systems and the appraisal district, though many records require in-person visits or phone contact with county offices in Archer City.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Archer County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Archer County, Texas.