About Castro County
Castro County is located in the Texas Panhandle region of the state, approximately 70 miles southwest of Amarillo. Castro County Seat is Dimmitt, which is the primary hub for government services and administration. Established in 1876 and organized in 1891, Castro County was named after Henri Castro, a Texas empresario who brought European colonists to the Republic of Texas. Castro County includes approximately 898 square miles of predominantly flat, fertile land that forms part of the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains).
- Castro County is home to several grain elevators and agricultural processing facilities that dominate the scene.
As of recent estimates, Castro County has a population of approximately 7,300 residents. The economy is heavily agricultural, with Castro County being particularly renowned for grain production, cattle ranching, and extensive irrigation farming. Castro County Courthouse, located at 100 E.
Bedford Street in Dimmitt, is the administrative center where the County Clerk, County Judge, and other constitutional officers maintain their offices. Castro County Clerk's office handles vital records, court documents, and property filings. Castro County Appraisal District, located at 204 SE 3rd Street in Dimmitt, manages property assessments and tax valuations.
What makes Castro County unique is its position as one of the nation's leading agricultural producers, particularly in grain sorghum, corn, and wheat production. Castro County's agricultural productivity is supported by the Ogallala Aquifer, though water conservation remains a critical concern for Castro County's future economic sustainability.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Castro County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Castro County's unincorporated areas. It oversees Castro County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety. The sheriff's office also collaborates with local police departments to ensure full law enforcement coverage across Castro County.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Castro County is provided by Castro County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Dimmitt and Hart. The Dimmitt Police Department and Hart Police Department handle law enforcement within their respective city limits. These agencies coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Castro County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Castro County Sheriff's Office, located at 101 E. Bedford Street in Dimmitt, Texas 79027, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Castro County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and is responsible for operating Castro County Jail, serving civil process, and providing patrol services throughout Castro County. Inmates housed in Castro County Jail can be located by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Castro County does not maintain a full online inmate search system at this time.
- Requesters should provide specific details such as the name of the arrested individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if known.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in arrest records and may be obtained through the same public information request process.
- There may be nominal copying fees associated with record requests.
- Castro County does not maintain a publicly accessible online mugshot database, so all requests must be processed through official channels at the Sheriff's Office.
Booking information and inmate status inquiries are handled by calling the jail division. Within Castro County, the City of Dimmitt operates its own Police Department, providing municipal law enforcement services to Castro County Seat. The Dimmitt Police Department handles city ordinance enforcement, traffic violations, and criminal investigations within city limits.
Arrest records in Castro County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), and citizens may request copies of arrest reports by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Castro County include felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Castro County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides full criminal history information. The Texas Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Castro County are maintained by Castro County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The Texas Public Information Act governs the release of these records, for public access and accessibility to the public.
Jail & Inmate Records
Castro County Jail, located in Dimmitt, handles the booking and detention of individuals arrested within Castro County. The booking process involves recording personal information, taking fingerprints, and photographing the detainee. Inmate information can be accessed through the sheriff's office, which provides details on visitation rules and schedules. The bond and bail process follows Texas state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial upon payment of bail set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Castro County are taken and retained by Castro County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases. Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can request removal from third-party sites under certain conditions.
Courts & Case Records
Castro County's judicial system includes the 242nd District Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, divorce and family law cases, and juvenile matters. Castro County Court is located at Castro County Courthouse, 100 E. Bedford Street in Dimmitt, Texas 79027, and can be reached for Castro County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases with amounts in controversy between $200 and $250,000.
- The clerk's office can conduct name searches and provide copies of court documents for a fee.
- Copy fees are typically $1.00 per page for standard documents, with certified copies costing an additional fee of approximately $5.00 per document.
Castro County also maintains Justice of the Peace Courts (Precinct courts) that have jurisdiction over small claims matters up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors including traffic violations, and serve as magistrate courts for initial appearances and warrant issuance. Castro County Clerk's office, located at Castro County Courthouse and reachable, maintains records for the District Court and County Court. Court records in Texas are governed by Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code (Public Information Act), which establish that most court records are public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute.
To search court records, individuals may visit the County Clerk's office in person during regular business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Castro County does not currently offer a full online case search portal, so most research must be conducted in person or by calling the clerk's office directly.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Castro County are maintained by Castro County Clerk's office, which is the County Recorder, located at 100 E. Bedford Street, Dimmitt, Texas 79027, phone. Castro County Clerk records and indexes a wide variety of documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage instruments, releases and satisfactions of liens, mechanics and materialmen's liens, federal tax liens, judgment abstracts, easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, and subdivision plat maps.
- Recording fees vary by document type and number of pages, typically starting at approximately $25 for the first page and $4 for each additional page for most documents.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments are available for an additional fee of approximately $5.00 plus per-page copying charges.
These records are public information under Texas Government Code Chapter 552 and Texas Property Code provisions governing real property recording. Property records can be searched in person at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours. For property tax information and assessed valuations, Castro County Appraisal District maintains offices at 204 SE 3rd Street, Dimmitt, Texas 79027, phone.
The Appraisal District determines property values for tax purposes and maintains ownership records, property descriptions, exemption applications, and historical valuation data. Property tax records are also public information. While Castro County does not currently offer a fully full online property records search system, the Appraisal District may provide limited property information through inquiry.
Most detailed property research requires an in-person visit or telephone contact with the appropriate office. Castro County Tax Assessor-Collector handles property tax collection and motor vehicle registration at the courthouse.
Vital Records
Vital records for Castro County, including birth and death certificates, are managed under the provisions of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 3, Subtitle C (Vital Statistics). Birth certificates for births occurring in Castro County may be requested from Castro County Clerk's office at 100 E. Bedford Street, Dimmitt, Texas 79027, phone, or from the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin. Castro County Clerk typically maintains birth records as a local registrar.
- The current fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is approximately $23.00 when ordered through the state, with similar fees at Castro County level.
- The fee structure is similar, approximately $21.00 for the first copy and reduced fees for additional copies ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time for vital records requests varies: in-person requests at the local county clerk's office may be processed the same day if records are readily available, while mail requests typically take 2-4 weeks.
- The Texas Department of State Health Services also offers online ordering through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, with expedited processing available for additional fees.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and prove a direct and tangible interest in the record (such as being the person named on the certificate, a parent, legal guardian, or legal representative). Birth records are restricted for 75 years under Texas law. Death certificates for deaths occurring in Castro County can be obtained through the same channels as birth certificates.
Death certificates are generally public records 25 years after the date of death, but immediate family members and legal representatives can obtain recent death certificates upon proving their relationship and identity. Marriage licenses are issued by Castro County Clerk's office, and certified copies of marriage records can be obtained from the same office. Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by the District Clerk as part of court records.
The 72-hour waiting period for marriage licenses can be waived by completing a premarital education course.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Castro County involves multiple levels of government oversight. For local business registrations, Castro County Clerk's office at 100 E. Bedford Street, Dimmitt, Texas 79027, phone, accepts filings for assumed names (Doing Business As or DBA) and fictitious name certificates as required under Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 71. These filings create a public record of individuals or entities operating under a name other than their legal name and are searchable through the County Clerk's office.
- The filing fee is approximately $25-$30 for assumed name certificates.
- This database is free to search and provides full information about business entities registered to operate in Texas.
- The Dimmitt Chamber of Commerce, which can be contacted for business development information, supports local economic development and provides resources for businesses considering locating in Castro County.
For formal business entity formation and registration, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations, businesses must file with the Texas Secretary of State. The Texas Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database called SOSDirect (accessible at sos.state.tx.us) where the public can search for registered business entities, view formation documents, check entity status, and identify registered agents. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and are required for businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services.
Professional and occupational licenses are typically issued by state-level regulatory agencies specific to each profession. At the local level, businesses operating within the City of Dimmitt may need to obtain city business permits or comply with local zoning ordinances. Information about municipal business licensing can be obtained from Dimmitt City Hall for Building permits, construction permits, and certificates of occupancy are typically handled by Castro County or municipal building inspection department.
Zoning information and land use permits are managed by Castro County Judge's office or relevant city planning departments for properties within municipal boundaries.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Castro County, Texas are administered by Castro County Elections Administrator and the County Clerk's office, located at Castro County Courthouse, 100 E. Bedford Street, Dimmitt, Texas 79027. Castro County Clerk can be reached for voter registration information and election inquiries. Voter registration in Castro County is handled through Castro County voter registrar, with applications also available through the Texas Secretary of State.
- Texas residents may register to vote online through the Texas Secretary of State website, though the application must be printed, signed, and mailed to Castro County voter registrar.
- These records can be requested from the County Clerk under the Texas Public Information Act.
- Texas election transparency is governed by the Texas Election Code, which provides broad public access to most election related records while protecting individual voter privacy regarding ballot choices.
- Citizens can request to observe election processes including early voting, Election Day voting, and vote counting, subject to reasonable administrative rules.
Voter registration applications must be postmarked or submitted at least 30 days before an election for the applicant to be eligible to vote in that election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling location information through the Texas Secretary of State's website or by contacting Castro County Elections office directly. On Election Day, voters must cast ballots at their assigned precinct polling location; early voting provides more flexibility with multiple locations typically available at the courthouse and potentially other designated sites.
Election records that are public in Texas include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Texas Election Code provisions), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate applications and filings, election results by precinct, and records of election expenditures. Castro County's voter turnout varies by election type, with presidential elections typically drawing 55-65% turnout, while midterm and local elections often see lower participation rates of 25-40%. In the 2024 general election, Castro County experienced turnout consistent with other rural Texas Panhandle counties.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm elections, Texas statewide offices including Governor and other constitutional officers, the Texas Legislature, and various local positions. Texas offers limited mail-in ballot eligibility: voters must be 65 years or older, disabled, out of Castro County during the early voting period and on Election Day, or confined in jail but otherwise eligible.
Applications for mail-in ballots (officially called "applications for ballot by mail" in Texas) must be submitted to Castro County Early Voting Clerk, with specific deadlines depending on the election.
Economy & Demographics
Castro County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with Castro County ranking among Texas's leading producers of several major crops. The agricultural sector forms the backbone of the local economy, with major production of grain sorghum, corn, wheat, cotton, and sugar beets. Cattle ranching and feedlot operations also contribute significantly to agricultural output. The extensive use of center-pivot irrigation systems, drawing from the Ogallala Aquifer, has made Castro County one of the most productive agricultural regions in Texas despite the semi-arid climate.
- Major employers in Castro County include agricultural processing facilities, grain elevators and storage operations, farm equipment dealerships, and agricultural services companies.
- The median household income in Castro County is estimated at approximately $48,000-$52,000, which is below the Texas state average but reflects the rural agricultural character of Castro County.
- Castro County Seat of Dimmitt provides retail services, banking, healthcare, and government employment.
Castro County's economic base is heavily dependent on commodity prices, weather conditions, and water availability, making economic conditions subject to significant annual variation. In recent years, water conservation has become increasingly critical as the Ogallala Aquifer experiences declining levels, prompting investments in more efficient irrigation technologies and drought-resistant crop varieties. The renewable energy sector has begun to make inroads in Castro County, with wind energy development occurring in some parts of the Texas Panhandle region, though this sector remains secondary to agriculture.
Unemployment rates in Castro County typically track slightly above the state average, ranging between 4-6% in recent years depending on seasonal agricultural employment patterns. Economic development efforts focus on supporting the agricultural sector, promoting value-added agricultural processing, and making sure of adequate infrastructure including roads, water systems, and telecommunications to support existing businesses and attract new investment compatible with Castro County's rural character.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Property: Limited: Online, In-Person Preferred | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online (DBAs via County) | Elections: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Overall Score: 4/10, Castro County maintains public records in compliance with Texas law but offers limited digital access; most records require in-person visits or telephone contact.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Castro County, Texas?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Castro County, Texas?
How do I get a criminal background check in Castro County, Texas?
How can I look up sex offenders in Castro County, Texas?
How do I register to vote in Castro County, Texas?
How do I look up property records in Castro County, Texas?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Castro County, Texas?
How do I find business license records in Castro County, Texas?
Cities & Towns in Castro County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Castro County, Texas.