About Atascosa County
Atascosa County is located in south-central Texas, approximately 35 miles south of San Antonio. Atascosa County Seat is Jourdanton, a small city that is the administrative and commercial hub for Atascosa County. Established in 1856, Atascosa County was named after the Atascosa River, which flows through Atascosa County; 'Atascosa County' is Spanish for 'boggy' or 'marshy,' referring to the river's muddy conditions. Atascosa County covers approximately 1,232 square miles and has a population of around 50,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
Major communities include Pleasanton, Poteet (known as the 'Strawberry Capital of Texas'), Charlotte, and Lytle. Atascosa County is characterized by rolling plains, ranching heritage, and agricultural production. Atascosa County Courthouse, located at 1 Courthouse Circle in Jourdanton, houses many essential county offices.
Atascosa County Clerk's office manages vital records, court documents, and official filings. Atascosa County Tax Assessor-Collector, located at the Courthouse Annex at 3552 FM 476 in Jourdanton, handles property tax assessments and collections. Atascosa County Clerk functions are performed by the County Clerk, who maintains land records, deeds, and property documents.
Notable landmarks include Pleasanton's Longhorn Museum, which celebrates Atascosa County's ranching history, and the annual Poteet Strawberry Festival, one of Texas's oldest agricultural festivals. The economy traditionally centers on ranching, oil and gas production, agriculture (particularly peanuts and strawberries), and increasingly, commuter residents working in San Antonio.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Atascosa County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the unincorporated areas of Atascosa County. The office oversees Atascosa County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It operates various divisions, including patrol, investigations, and a K-9 unit, each dedicated to specific aspects of law enforcement and community service.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Atascosa County is provided by Atascosa County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Pleasanton Police Department, Poteet Police Department, and Jourdanton Police Department are key agencies serving their respective cities. These departments coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Atascosa County. Each department operates within its jurisdiction, focusing on local crime prevention and community engagement.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Atascosa County Sheriff's Office, located at 313 Medium Street in Jourdanton, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Atascosa County. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, and operates Atascosa County Jail, a detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written public information request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public information and are often available through the jail's online inmate search system or by specific request to the custodian of records.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
- Texas law requires law enforcement agencies to respond to public information requests within ten business days, though they may seek an Attorney General opinion for certain exemptions.
Inmate searches can be conducted through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly for Current inmate rosters typically include booking dates, charges, and bond information. Municipal police departments operate in the incorporated cities: the Pleasanton Police Department serves the city of Pleasanton, the Poteet Police Department serves Poteet, the Jourdanton Police Department serves Atascosa County Seat, and the Charlotte Police Department serves Charlotte. Arrest records in Atascosa County are public records under the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code.
No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Atascosa County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Atascosa County includes a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Background checks in Texas can be conducted through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides full criminal history reports. The Texas Department of Public Safety also helps with supporting local law enforcement with resources and information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Atascosa County are maintained by Atascosa County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the Texas Public Information Act. An arrest record in Atascosa County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Atascosa County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Atascosa County. The booking process at the facility includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and require scheduling in advance, with guidelines on permissible items and conduct during visits. The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Atascosa County are taken and retained by Atascosa County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a request under the Texas Public Information Act. Texas law does not have specific provisions for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can seek legal avenues if they believe their rights are violated. The availability of mugshots is part of Atascosa County's commitment to maintaining public records transparency.
Courts & Case Records
Atascosa County's judicial system includes the 81st District Court, which has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, divorce and family law matters, juvenile cases, and appeals from lower courts. The 81st District Court is located at Atascosa County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Circle in Jourdanton, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Atascosa County Clerk's office maintains records for Atascosa County court and provides case lookup services.
- County Courts at Law handle misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, mental health proceedings, and civil cases with amounts in controversy between $200 and $250,000.
- Justice of the Peace Courts operate in multiple precincts throughout Atascosa County, handling small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, magistrate functions, and eviction cases.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $1 to $5 per page, with additional certification fees.
- The Texas Judicial Branch website (www.txcourts.gov) provides access to some appellate-level information, though most trial court records must be obtained directly from Atascosa County.
- Online case searches may be available through re:SearchTX or Atascosa County's local system, though access and fees vary by court.
Atascosa County has four Justice of the Peace precincts serving different geographic areas. Municipal courts in Jourdanton, Pleasanton, Poteet, and Charlotte handle city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Court records are accessible under Texas Government Code Chapter 552 (Public Information Act) and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, which generally makes court records presumptively open to the public.
Atascosa County Clerk's office at can provide information on accessing court documents, and some records may be available through Atascosa County's case management system.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Atascosa County are maintained by the County Clerk's office, which is the official recorder of deeds. Located at 1 Courthouse Circle in Jourdanton, the County Clerk's office can be contacted through the office’s website. The office maintains records including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, mechanic's liens, tax liens, judgment liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, oil and gas leases, and subdivision plat maps.
- Atascosa County Clerk provides both in-person research access and online property document searches through Atascosa County's official property records system.
- Many Texas counties use services such as TitleDoc or Fidlar for online document retrieval, though fees apply for viewing and printing official documents.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the County Clerk's office for a fee of $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page, plus $5 for certification.
- All property records requests are governed by the Texas Public Information Act, which presumes records are public unless specifically exempted by law.
These records date back to Atascosa County's formation in 1856, with indexed records available for public inspection. Atascosa County Tax Assessor-Collector, located at 3552 FM 476 in Jourdanton (phone: 830-769-3093), maintains property tax assessment rolls, ownership information, property valuations, exemption records, and tax payment histories. Property tax records are searchable online through Atascosa County Appraisal District website at www.atascosacad.org, which provides free public access to property characteristics, ownership, assessed values, and tax information.
Atascosa County Appraisal District maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool that allows users to view parcel boundaries, aerial photography, and property information layers.
Vital Records
Vital records for Atascosa County are managed by Atascosa County Clerk's office at 1 Courthouse Circle in Jourdanton Birth certificates for births occurring in Atascosa County can be requested from the County Clerk if the event occurred locally, though the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the statewide repository for all Texas vital records. Birth certificates cost $23 for a certified copy when ordered from the state, with additional copies ordered simultaneously costing $23 each.
- Processing time is typically 10-15 business days for mail requests, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Death certificates follow the same process and fee structure, with the County Clerk maintaining local records and the state maintaining full records for all Texas deaths.
- The marriage license fee in Atascosa County is approximately $81, though couples who complete a premarital education course can receive a $60 discount and an extended license validity period.
- After the marriage ceremony, the completed license is returned to the County Clerk for recording, and certified copies of the marriage record can be purchased for $11.
Marriage licenses must be obtained from any Texas County Clerk's office, including Atascosa County, before the ceremony. Divorce decrees are maintained by the District Clerk's office, as divorces are granted by the District Court. The Texas Department of State Health Services website (www.dshs.texas.gov/vs) offers online ordering of birth and death certificates for eligible applicants who can verify their identity and relationship to the person named on the certificate.
Requestors must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Texas Family Code Section 191.0045 and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191. Immediate family members, legal representatives, and persons with a court order generally qualify for access to vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Atascosa County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Atascosa County Clerk's office at 1 Courthouse Circle in Jourdanton (phone: 830-769-2511) maintains assumed name certificates (DBAs or 'Doing Business As' filings) for businesses operating under a name different from the owner's legal name. Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 71 requires sole proprietorships and partnerships to file assumed name certificates with Atascosa County clerk in each county where business is conducted.
- The filing fee is typically $16 for the initial filing.
- This free online system allows searches by entity name, filing number, or registered agent, providing information on entity status, formation date, registered agent, and principal office address.
- Atascosa County Chamber of Commerce, serving the Jourdanton area, can be reached through local business networks and provides resources for new and existing businesses.
For full business entity searches, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the statewide SOSDirect database accessible at www.sos.state.tx.us. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be verified through the Comptroller's website. Professional licenses (such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, medical professionals, and other regulated occupations) are issued by various state licensing boards rather than at Atascosa County level.
Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning compliance matters are handled by individual municipalities for work within city limits. For unincorporated areas, Atascosa County Development Services department or the County Judge's office may provide information on county building regulations and permits. The Jourdanton office can be contacted for general county administrative questions.
The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce (www.pleasantontx.gov) and Poteet Chamber of Commerce serve their respective communities with business development support and local economic information.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Atascosa County are administered by Atascosa County Elections Administrator, an office that may operate under the County Clerk or as a separate department depending on current county structure. Atascosa County Clerk's office, located at 1 Courthouse Circle in Jourdanton (phone: 830-769-2511), can provide election information and voter registration services.
- In the November 2024 general election, Atascosa County voter turnout was approximately 55-60% of registered voters, consistent with rural Texas county patterns in presidential election years.
- Citizens may request these records from the County Elections office or County Clerk.
Voter registration in Texas is handled at Atascosa County level, and applications can be submitted by mail, in person at the County Clerk or Elections office, or at various deputy registrar locations including libraries and government offices. Texas offers online voter registration application completion at www.votetexas.gov, though the completed application must be printed, signed, and mailed to Atascosa County voter registrar. The voter registration deadline in Texas is 30 days before any election.
Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the Texas Secretary of State's voter portal at www.teamrv.org or by contacting the County Elections office. Atascosa County typically operates multiple early voting locations and Election Day polling places distributed across Atascosa County's precincts to serve voters in Jourdanton, Pleasanton, Poteet, Charlotte, and rural communities. Election records that are public information include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Texas Election Code Section 18.066), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and election night tallies.
The Texas Secretary of State website publishes county-level election results for statewide and federal races. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races for Texas Congressional Districts, statewide offices including Governor (if applicable to the cycle), Texas State Senate and House seats, and various county and municipal positions.
Texas does not offer universal mail-in voting; absentee voting by mail is restricted to voters who are 65 years or older, have a disability, will be out of Atascosa County during the election period, or are confined in jail but otherwise eligible. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Atascosa County Early Voting Clerk and must be received (not postmarked) by the 11th day before Election Day. Transparency in elections is governed by the Texas Election Code and the Texas Public Information Act, which require that election results, campaign finance data for local candidates, and voter registration statistics be available to the public.
Economy & Demographics
Atascosa County's economy historically centered on agriculture and ranching, with significant cattle operations, peanut farming, and produce cultivation, particularly strawberries around Poteet. The annual Poteet Strawberry Festival draws tens of thousands of visitors and provides substantial economic impact to local businesses. Today, the economy has diversified to include oil and gas extraction, which remains a significant contributor to county revenue and employment.
- Median household income in Atascosa County is estimated at approximately $55,000 to $60,000, somewhat below the Texas state median but reflecting Atascosa County's rural character and lower cost of living.
- Highway 281, has increasingly influenced the local economy, with growing numbers of residents commuting to San Antonio for employment while enjoying lower housing costs in Atascosa County.
The Eagle Ford Shale formation, which extends through Atascosa County, sparked substantial energy sector growth beginning in the late 2000s, bringing drilling operations, service companies, and royalty income to mineral rights owners. Major employers in Atascosa County include school districts (Jourdanton ISD, Pleasanton ISD, Poteet ISD, Charlotte ISD), county and city governments, healthcare providers such as Methodist Hospital Jourdanton, retail establishments, and agricultural businesses. The proximity to San Antonio, located less than 40 miles north via Interstate 37 and U.S.
This has led to residential development, particularly in northern areas of Atascosa County closer to the metropolitan area. Unemployment rates in Atascosa County typically track close to state averages, ranging between 4% and 6% in recent years. Key economic sectors include agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting; mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; retail trade; healthcare and social assistance; and educational services.
Economic development initiatives focus on supporting existing businesses, attracting light manufacturing, capitalizing on Atascosa County's transportation corridors (I-37 and Highway 281), and promoting agritourism. No tribal economic enterprises operate in Atascosa County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within county boundaries.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Available (in-person/limited online) | Property: Yes: Online via Appraisal District | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Search | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail/State Online | Business: Yes: State Online (SOS) / County DBA filings | Elections: Yes: Available via County Clerk | Overall Score: 7/10, Atascosa County provides solid access to property and jail records online; court and vital records require more direct contact.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Atascosa County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Atascosa County, Texas.