About Burleson County
Burleson County is located in east-central Texas, approximately 80 miles northwest of Houston and 70 miles northeast of Austin. Burleson County Seat is Caldwell, a historic town situated along State Highway 21. Established in 1846 and organized in 1847, Burleson County was named after Edward Burleson, a soldier and statesman in the Republic of Texas. Burleson County covers approximately 677 square miles and has a population of around 18,000 residents as of recent estimates. The Brazos River forms Burleson County's eastern boundary, providing scenic scenes and recreational opportunities.
Major landmarks include the Somerville Lake area, which attracts boating and fishing enthusiasts, and the historic downtown Caldwell square with its 1897 courthouse. Agriculture has historically dominated the local economy, with cattle ranching, cotton, corn, and hay production remaining significant. Burleson County also contains portions of the Bryan-College Station metropolitan influence.
Burleson County Clerk's office is located at 100 West Buck Street in Caldwell, managing court records, vital records, and business filings. Burleson County Tax Assessor-Collector office handles property tax assessments and collections. Burleson County Appraisal District, located at 701 West Highway 21 in Caldwell, maintains property appraisal records.
What makes Burleson County unique is its blend of rural Texas heritage with proximity to major educational and economic centers like Texas A&M University in neighboring Brazos County, creating a distinctive character that balances agricultural tradition with modern development pressures.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Burleson County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order across Burleson County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees Burleson County jail, manages the processing of arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing initiatives and works closely with local agencies to ensure public safety. Notable programs include community outreach and crime prevention efforts tailored to the needs of Burleson County residents.
Police Departments
In addition to Burleson County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Burleson County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Caldwell Police Department and the Somerville Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective city limits. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Burleson County. Each department operates under its own jurisdiction but collaborates on larger investigations and public safety initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Burleson County Sheriff's Office, located at 1202 West Highway 21 in Caldwell, Texas 77836, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Burleson County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website with information about services and operations. The agency operates Burleson County Jail, which houses inmates awaiting trial or serving shorter sentences. Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at during business hours, though Burleson County does not currently offer a full online inmate roster system.
- To request arrest records, citizens should submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Under Texas law, agencies must respond to public information requests within ten business days, though they may request an Attorney General opinion for records they believe are exempt.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public information in Texas and may be obtained through formal public information requests to the arresting agency.
- Burleson County does not maintain a publicly searchable online mugshot database.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records, typically calculated based on personnel time and copying costs as allowed under the Public Information Act.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Burleson County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Burleson County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are essential for background checks and legal proceedings. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides full information on an individual's criminal history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Burleson County are maintained by Burleson County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and arresting officer. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, under the Texas Public Information Act. Arrest records provide critical information for legal proceedings and background checks, reflecting Burleson County's commitment to transparency and public access to information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Burleson County Jail, located in Caldwell, is the primary detention facility for Burleson County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of individuals taken into custody. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find current detainees. Visitation rules require prior scheduling, and visitors must adhere to specific guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of individuals pending trial upon payment of a set amount.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Burleson County are taken and retained by Burleson County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases that compile such information. Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if charges are dropped or if they are acquitted. Mugshots be a visual record of arrests and are used in various legal and administrative processes.
Courts & Case Records
Burleson County's judicial system includes the 21st Judicial District Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, major civil litigation, family law matters, and juvenile cases. Burleson County Court is located in Burleson County Courthouse at 100 West Buck Street in Caldwell, Texas 77836, and can be reached for Burleson County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, appeals from lower courts, and civil cases within its jurisdictional limits.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee, with additional charges for exemplified copies.
- Case information requests should be submitted in writing with as much identifying information as possible, including case number, party names, and approximate filing date.
Justice of the Peace Courts in Burleson County are divided into four precincts, handling small claims cases up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, evictions, and serving as magistrates for initial appearances and warrant issuance. The Caldwell Municipal Court has jurisdiction over city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Court records in Burleson County are accessible under Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code (Public Information Act) and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, which generally provides for public access to court records with specific exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain family law records.
Burleson County District Clerk's office, located at 100 West Buck Street, maintains records for the District Court and can be reached for Court records may be accessed in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Burleson County does not currently offer a full online case search system, though Texas courts are gradually implementing the re:SearchTX system.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Burleson County are maintained by Burleson County Clerk's office, which is the official recorder of deeds, located at 100 West Buck Street, Caldwell, Texas 77836, phone. Burleson County Clerk records and maintains documents including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, releases and satisfactions of liens, mechanic's and materialman's liens, federal tax liens, judgment liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and subdivision records.
- Recording fees are established by Texas statute and typically include $25 for the first page of a document and $4 for each additional page.
- Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- Burleson County does not currently offer online access to recorded documents through the County Clerk's office, requiring in-person or mail requests for copies of deeds and other recorded instruments.
These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property description to help with searches. Burleson County Clerk's office provides in-person record searches during business hours, and staff can assist with locating documents when provided with adequate identifying information such as names, dates, or property descriptions. Property tax records are maintained separately by Burleson County Tax Assessor-Collector office, and property appraisals are handled by Burleson County Appraisal District at 701 West Highway 21, Caldwell, Texas 77836, phone.
The Appraisal District website offers an online property search tool where users can search by owner name, property address, or account number to view current appraisals, property characteristics, and exemption information. This online search is available free of charge at the Appraisal District website. Property tax payment information and delinquent tax records can be obtained from the Tax Assessor-Collector's office.
Vital Records
Vital records for Burleson County, Texas, are managed through multiple offices depending on the type of record and date of event. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Burleson County can be requested from Burleson County Clerk's office at 100 West Buck Street, Caldwell, Texas 77836, phone, for events registered locally. However, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the central repository for all Texas vital records and is often the most reliable source for certified copies.
- Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $23 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy.
- Standard processing time is typically 4-6 weeks, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $81, though this is reduced to $21 for couples who complete a premarital education course.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the County Clerk for $10.
Applicants 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, which restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders. Marriage licenses are issued by Burleson County Clerk's office, requiring both applicants to appear in person with valid identification, proof of age, and Social Security numbers. Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from issuance, with a 72-hour waiting period before the ceremony unless waived.
Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk's office as part of court records, as divorces are handled through the District Court. Online ordering of vital records is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services VitalChek system, though convenience fees apply. All requesters must comply with identification requirements under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, which governs vital statistics.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Burleson County are managed through several offices depending on the type of business activity and registration required. Burleson County Clerk's office at 100 West Buck Street, Caldwell, Texas 77836, phone, maintains assumed name certificates (also known as DBA or 'doing business as' filings) for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name.
- The filing fee is typically $25, and these records are public and searchable at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours.
- This free online service provides information about entity names, registered agents, filing dates, and status.
Texas Business and Commerce Code Section 71.002 requires most businesses using assumed names to file certificates with Burleson County clerk in each county where business is conducted. For full business entity information, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the statewide business entity database, searchable online at SOSDirect, which includes corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other registered entities. Professional licenses are generally issued by state-level agencies rather than county offices; Texas has over 50 licensing boards regulating professions from medical practitioners to cosmetologists.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, not at Burleson County level. Building permits, construction permits, and certificates of occupancy in unincorporated areas of Burleson County are handled by county offices, while municipalities issue their own permits within city limits. Zoning matters and development regulations should be directed to the appropriate city planning department or county development office.
Burleson County Chamber of Commerce, located in Caldwell, provides resources for business development and maintains information about local business opportunities, though it does not maintain official business licensing records. Business owners in Burleson County should verify all federal, state, and local licensing requirements, as multiple levels of registration may be required depending on business type, location, and activities conducted.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Burleson County are administered by Burleson County Elections Administrator and the County Clerk's office, located at 100 West Buck Street, Caldwell, Texas 77836. The Elections office can be reached for information regarding voter registration, polling locations, early voting, and election results.
Voter registration in Texas is handled through a statewide system, and residents of Burleson County may register to vote by completing a voter registration application available from the County Elections office, online at the Texas Secretary of State website, or through various state agencies including the Department of Public Safety. The voter registration deadline in Texas is 30 days prior to any election, and the application must be postmarked or submitted by that deadline. Texas offers online voter registration status checking but does not yet offer full online registration; applications must be printed, signed, and mailed or delivered.
To find your specific polling place in Burleson County, voters should contact the Elections office or visit the Texas Secretary of State's voter information website, which provides polling place lookup by entering your residential address. Early voting is available for all elections in Texas, typically beginning 17 days before election day and ending four days before election day, with specific locations and hours announced before each election. Election records that are public in Texas include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports filed with Burleson County or state, and records related to election administration.
The Texas Election Code, particularly Chapter 1.006, establishes the public nature of most election records while protecting certain personal information such as Social Security numbers and some residence information for protected voters. Burleson County's voter turnout in the 2024 general election was approximately 55-60% of registered voters, consistent with rural Texas county patterns, with higher turnout in presidential election years compared to midterm and local elections. The next major election is scheduled for November 4, 2025, which will include local and special elections, followed by the November 3, 2026 midterm elections featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, all statewide Texas offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General, all Texas House seats, and half of Texas Senate seats, plus county and local offices and any ballot propositions. To request an absentee ballot (called mail-in voting in Texas), voters must meet specific eligibility criteria: being 65 years or older, having a disability, being confined in jail but eligible to vote, or being away from Burleson County during the early voting period and on election day.
Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Burleson County Early Voting Clerk and received (not postmarked) by the 11th day before election day. Texas does not offer universal mail-in voting; applicants must certify they meet one of the statutory qualifications. Election transparency in Burleson County is governed by the Texas Election Code and the Public Information Act, allowing citizens to request records related to election administration, vote tallies, voter registration statistics, and election expenses, though specific exemptions protect voter privacy and election security information.
Economy & Demographics
Burleson County's economy has traditionally been rooted in agriculture, with cattle ranching, row crop production, and hay farming forming the backbone of rural economic activity. Cotton, corn, grain sorghum, and hay remain significant agricultural products, and Burleson County contains substantial agricultural land holdings. Burleson County's proximity to the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area, home to Texas A&M University, creates economic spillover effects through employment opportunities and service sector demand.
- The median household income in Burleson County is estimated at approximately $55,000 to $62,000, somewhat below the Texas state median, reflecting Burleson County's rural character and agricultural economic base.
- The South Texas Project nuclear power generating station, while located in nearby Matagorda County, provides employment for some Burleson County residents and contributes to Burleson Countyal economy.
Major employers in Burleson County include educational institutions, healthcare facilities, retail operations, and energy-related industries. Oil and gas exploration and production have historically contributed to the local economy, though at levels below the major energy-producing regions of Texas. The service sector, including retail trade, healthcare, and hospitality, supports the resident population and visitors to Somerville Lake.
Somerville Lake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on Yegua Creek, attracts recreational visitors and supports tourism-related businesses including marinas, campgrounds, and fishing guides. Small manufacturing and distribution operations exist in Burleson County, though large-scale industrial facilities are limited.
Economic development efforts focus on using Burleson County's proximity to major metropolitan areas while preserving its agricultural heritage and quality of life. The unemployment rate in Burleson County typically tracks near or slightly above the Texas state average, fluctuating with seasonal agricultural employment and broader economic conditions. Property values have experienced gradual appreciation, particularly in areas with lake access or proximity to major highways connecting to Bryan-College Station and Houston.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Access | Property: Yes: Appraisal Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Limited: In-Person County, Yes: State Online | Elections: Yes: State Resources | Overall Score: 5/10, Burleson County provides traditional in-person access to most records with limited online services; property appraisal data is searchable online, but many records require office visits or written requests.