Austin County

Austin County, Texas is a historic county located in southeast Texas, approximately 50 miles west of Houston in the Gulf Coast region. Established in 1837, it is one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas and named after Stephen F. Austin, the 'Father of Texas.' Austin County seat is Bellville, a charming community that is the administrative center. Austin County includes approximately 653 square miles and has a population of around 30,712 residents according to recent census estimates. Austin County is characterized by rolling prairies, agricultural land, and historic small towns including Sealy, Wallis, and Industry. Notable landmarks include Austin County Jail Museum in Bellville, San Felipe de Austin County State Historic Site (the first colonial capital of Texas), and Stephen F. Bellville area State Park. Austin County's economy is rooted in agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, rice farming, and cotton production. Austin County Clerk's office is located at 1 East Main Street, Bellville, TX 77418, and handles vital records, court records, and land documents. Austin County Tax Assessor-Collector office manages property tax records and is also located in the courthouse at the same address. Austin County Appraisal District, at 906 Upper Frelsburg Road, Bellville, TX 77418, maintains property valuations and ownership records. What makes Austin County unique is its deep connection to Texas history as the cradle of Anglo-American colonization in Texas, its well-preserved historic architecture, and its blend of Czech, German, and Southern heritage visible in local festivals, cuisine, and community traditions.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• For current inmate information at Austin County Jail, the public can call the jail directly at or visit the Sheriff's Office website, which provides an online inmate roster searchable by name or booking date.
• Most agencies require requests to include specific details such as the arrestee's name, date of arrest, or case number.
• Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest records and reports.
• Texas law allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and staff time.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Texas state laws, allowing for the release of detainees upon posting bail, which can be arranged through the jail or a bail bondsman.

• Austin County has four Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4) that handle small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and magistrate duties including warrants and inquests.
• Austin County Clerk's office provides case lookup services in person; some record searches may be available online through Austin County website at www.austincountytexas.com.
• Fees for court record copies are set by Texas Local Government Code Section 118.011 and typically include $1 per page for certified copies plus a base fee.
• Requesters should provide case numbers or party names when requesting records.

• Austin County Clerk website provides some online access to recorded documents, though full historical access may require an in-person visit or written request.
• Recording fees are established by Texas Local Government Code Section 118.011 and vary based on document type and page count.
• Certified copies of recorded instruments cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
• Austin County Tax Assessor-Collector, located in the courthouse, handles property tax collection and provides tax payment status information.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $22 for additional copies ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $21 each.
• Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks for mail requests, faster for in-person requests.
• Online ordering is available through the Texas.gov VitalChek service at www.texas.gov/living-in-texas/certificates, with additional convenience fees.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Austin County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person with valid identification, and the license costs $81 ($21 if couples complete a premarital education course).
• Marriage records (copies of recorded marriage licenses) are also maintained by the County Clerk and cost $10 for certified copies.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Austin County Chamber of Commerce, based in Bellville, provides business resources and networking opportunities; their website is www.bellvillechamber.com.