About Crockett County
Crockett County is located in west-central Texas, covering approximately 2,807 square miles of rugged terrain in the Trans-Pecos region. Crockett County Seat and only incorporated county is Ozona, situated at the intersection of Interstate 10 and State Highway 163. With a population of approximately 3,100 residents as of recent census estimates, Crockett County maintains its character as one of Texas's more sparsely populated counties. Crockett County was created in 1875 from Bexar County and organized in 1891, named after frontiersman and Alamo defender Davy Crockett.
The scene is characterized by rolling hills, canyons, and desert scrubland typical of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. Major landmarks include the Davy the local community Monument in Ozona's town square and Fort Lancaster State Historic Site, a mid-19th century military post located along the old San Antonio-El Paso Road. Crockett County's economy has historically centered on ranching, particularly sheep and goat production, with oil and gas extraction becoming significant in recent decades.
Crockett County is served by several key agencies: the County Clerk's office at 907 Avenue D in Ozona handles vital records and official county documents; the County Tax Assessor-Collector at the same address manages property assessments and tax collection; and the District Clerk maintains court records. Crockett County Courthouse, built in 1902 and located at 907 Avenue D, Ozona, TX 76943, is the administrative hub for county government operations and houses most public records offices.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Crockett County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Crockett County. This office handles a variety of duties including patrolling rural areas, responding to emergency calls, and conducting criminal investigations. The Sheriff's Office also manages Crockett County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is known for its community outreach programs, which aim to foster a positive relationship between law enforcement and residents.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Crockett County is primarily provided by Crockett County Sheriff's Office, which covers the unincorporated areas and collaborates with other agencies on major crimes. Within Crockett County, the Ozona Police Department serves the city of Ozona, handling local law enforcement duties and working closely with the Sheriff's Office on matters that require joint efforts. These agencies coordinate on investigations and share resources to effectively manage crime across Crockett County, making sure of full coverage and response to incidents.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Crockett County is primarily provided by Crockett County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 903 Avenue D, Ozona, TX 76943, phone. The Sheriff's Office provides patrol services, criminal investigations, and operates Crockett County Jail, which houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders. Inmate information and booking records can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Crockett County does not maintain a publicly accessible online inmate roster at this time.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available upon request, though the Sheriff's Office may charge reasonable fees for copying and research time as permitted under Texas law.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the scope of the request.
- Crockett County does not have tribal law enforcement presence, and the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol also provides traffic enforcement along Interstate 10 and state highways within Crockett County.
Citizens may call the jail at the main Sheriff's Office number to inquire about current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond information. The Town of Ozona does not maintain a separate municipal police department; all law enforcement services are consolidated under the Sheriff's Office. Arrest records in Crockett County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), and citizens may submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office for arrest reports, incident reports, and booking information.
For emergency situations, citizens should dial 911, while non-emergency calls should be directed to the Sheriff's Office dispatch at.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Crockett County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Crockett County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Texas Department of Public Safety provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal, which provides access to statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Crockett County are maintained by Crockett County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Texas Public Information Act, these records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations. An arrest record in Crockett County typically includes the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Crockett County Jail is the primary detention facility in Crockett County, operated by Crockett County Sheriff's Office. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to strict guidelines.
- In Texas, the bond or bail process allows for the temporary release of an inmate pending trial, and information on this can be obtained directly from the jail or through legal counsel.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Crockett County are taken and retained by Crockett County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While there is no specific online portal for mugshot searches, interested parties can request access to these images by contacting the office directly. Texas does not have a specific mugshot removal law, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related arrest record.
Courts & Case Records
Crockett County's judicial system operates through the 112th Judicial District Court, which serves Crockett, Crane, Reagan, and Upton counties for felony criminal cases, civil matters over $200, family law, and juvenile proceedings. Crockett County Court convenes at Crockett County Courthouse, 907 Avenue D, Ozona, TX 76943.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- Payment for court records can be made by cash, check, or money order, with some offices accepting credit cards with an additional processing fee.
District Clerk records and case information can be accessed by contacting Crockett County District Clerk's office for misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $20,000, and small claims, Crockett County Justice of the Peace Court has jurisdiction, located at 907 Avenue E, Ozona, TX 76943, phone. The Justice Court also handles traffic citations, Class C misdemeanors, and magistrate functions including setting bail and conducting preliminary hearings. County Court at Law handles probate matters, mental health proceedings, and appeals from Justice Court, with records maintained by the County Clerk at 907 Avenue D, phone.
Court records in Texas are public information under Texas Government Code Section 552.108 and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, though certain records such as sealed juvenile proceedings, adoption records, and cases involving protective orders may have restricted access. To search court records, citizens may visit the District Clerk or County Clerk offices in person during regular business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Crockett County does not currently offer online case lookup through Crockett County website, though some records may be searchable through the Texas judicial records search portal.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Crockett County are maintained by the County Clerk's office, which is the official recorder of deeds, located at 907 Avenue D, Ozona, TX 76943, phone. Crockett County Clerk records and indexes all instruments affecting real property, 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 abstracts, easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, and plat maps for subdivisions.
- Recording fees are established by Texas Local Government Code Section 118.011 and typically include $25 for the first page and $4 for each additional page for most documents.
- To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requestors should provide the volume and page number or the names of the grantor and grantee, along with an approximate date of recording.
- Crockett County Clerk charges standard fees for certified copies.
Property tax records and assessed valuations are maintained by Crockett County Tax Assessor-Collector's office at 909 Avenue D, Ozona, TX 76943, phone. Crockett County Appraisal District, located at 909 11th Street, Ozona, TX 76943, phone, conducts appraisals and maintains ownership records for tax purposes. While Crockett County does not currently offer a full online property record search system on Crockett County website, citizens may search property records in person at the County Clerk's office during business hours.
The appraisal district may provide basic property information by phone or in-person inquiry. Crockett County maintains grantor-grantee indexes dating back to Crockett County's organization, and these indexes are available for public inspection. Some Texas counties participate in regional or statewide GIS mapping systems, and inquiries about online parcel viewers should be directed to the County Clerk or Appraisal District.
Vital Records
Vital records for Crockett County, Texas are managed through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Crockett County can be requested through Crockett County Clerk's office at 907 Avenue D, Ozona, TX 76943, phone, though the office maintains limited historical records. For birth certificates, the official custodian is the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section, which maintains statewide records from 1903 forward.
- Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $23 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost the same amount.
- Processing time for mail requests is typically 8-10 weeks, while expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Online orders are usually processed within 2-3 weeks.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $81, which can be reduced to $21 if couples complete a premarital education course.
Applications can be submitted by mail to Texas DSHS Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040, or ordered online through the state's official vendor at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs. Marriage licenses are issued by Crockett County Clerk's office, and couples must apply in person with valid identification, proof of age (age 18 or older, or 16-17 with parental consent or court order), and Social Security numbers.
Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from issuance and have a 72-hour waiting period unless waived. Marriage record certificates (proof of marriage after the ceremony) can be obtained from the County Clerk for a fee. Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by the District Clerk's office at 907 Avenue D, phone, as divorces are processed through District Court.
Texas vital records law is codified in the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapters 191-194, which governs registration, custody, and access to vital records. Only authorized persons may obtain certified copies of birth and death certificates, including the registrant (if 18 or older), immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a direct and tangible interest as defined by statute.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Crockett County are accessible through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. For assumed name certificates (DBAs - "Doing Business As"), individuals and entities conducting business under a name other than their legal name must file with Crockett County Clerk's office at 907 Avenue D, Ozona, TX 76943, phone. The filing fee for assumed name certificates is approximately $22, and these records are public information that can be searched at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours.
- The Texas Secretary of State maintains a free, searchable online database called SOSDirect at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda where users can search for business entities by name, filing number, or registered agent.
- This database provides information on entity status, registration date, registered agent, principal office address, and filing history.
For formal business entity formation and registration (corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations), businesses must register with the Texas Secretary of State, Corporations Section. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be searched through the Comptroller's website. Professional licenses (such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and medical professionals) are regulated by respective state licensing boards rather than county offices.
Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning compliance matters in unincorporated areas of Crockett County are handled by Crockett County government; inquiries should be directed to Crockett County Judge's office for The Town of Ozona may require separate permits and business licenses for operations within town limits; contact Ozona Town Hall for The Ozona Chamber of Commerce, located at 1110 Avenue E, Ozona, TX 76943, phone, website www.ozona.com, provides business information, economic development resources, and networking opportunities for local businesses and can assist with information about local business requirements.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Crockett County are administered by Crockett County Elections Administrator, operating under the County Clerk's office at 907 Avenue D, Ozona, TX 76943, phone. Crockett County Clerk serves as Crockett County's voter registrar and elections official. Voter registration in Texas is handled through a statewide system, and Crockett County residents can register to vote online at www.votetexas.gov or by submitting a completed voter registration application by mail or in person to the County Clerk. The application deadline is 30 days before any election.
- Texas does not offer Election Day registration; residents must be registered by the deadline to participate in that election.
To find your polling place in Crockett County, voters can contact the County Clerk's office, check their voter registration card which lists their precinct and polling location, or use the Texas Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at www.sos.texas.gov. Crockett County typically consolidates polling locations due to its small population, with voting commonly taking place at locations in Ozona such as Crockett County Courthouse Annex or Ozona Community Center. Election records that are public information under Texas law include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted per Texas Election Code Section 13.004), precinct-level election results, candidate filing documents, campaign finance reports filed with Crockett County (for county-level candidates), and early voting and election day turnout statistics.
In the November 2024 general election, Crockett County, like many rural West Texas counties, experienced voter turnout of approximately 55-65% of registered voters, consistent with patterns in similar rural Texas counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include the U.S. Midterm elections featuring races for U.S.
House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, Governor of Texas, other statewide offices including Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other executive offices, Texas State Senate and House seats, and various county and local positions. Mail-in (absentee) ballots in Texas are restricted to specific categories: voters 65 years of age or older, voters who will be absent from Crockett County during early voting and on Election Day, voters who are sick or disabled, and voters who are confined in jail but otherwise eligible.
Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Crockett County Early Voting Clerk (County Clerk) and must be received (not postmarked) by the 11th day before Election Day. Texas offers extensive early voting, typically 17 days for general elections and 10 days for special elections. Transparency in elections is supported by Texas Election Code provisions that make most election records public, and citizens may request election related public information from the County Clerk under the Texas Public Information Act.
Campaign finance reports for county candidates are maintained by the County Clerk and are available for inspection.
Economy & Demographics
Crockett County's economy has traditionally been anchored by ranching and agriculture, with sheep, goat, and cattle production representing significant economic activity since Crockett County's founding. Crockett County remains one of the nation's leading producers of wool and mohair, with thousands of acres dedicated to livestock grazing operations. In recent decades, oil and gas extraction has become increasingly important to the local economy, with numerous wells operating in the Permian Basin's eastern edge.
- The median household income in Crockett County is estimated at approximately $52,000-$58,000, somewhat below the Texas state median but reflective of the rural character and lower cost of living.
- Interstate 10, which runs through Crockett County, provides an important transportation corridor and supports truck stop, fuel, and hospitality businesses in Ozona.
Major employers in Crockett County include Crockett County government, Crockett County Consolidated Common School District (which operates Ozona schools), healthcare providers including Crockett County Care Center, and various ranching and oilfield service companies. Key economic sectors include agriculture (livestock production, ranch management), mining and extraction (oil and gas operations, oilfield services), government and education, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade (primarily serving local residents and Interstate 10 travelers), and accommodation and food services (hotels and restaurants catering to travelers). The unemployment rate in Crockett County typically tracks close to or slightly below state averages, with fluctuations corresponding to oil and gas industry cycles.
Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing industries, particularly ranching and energy, while maintaining the community's quality of life. Crockett County's remote location and limited water resources present challenges for large-scale industrial development, but the energy sector continues to bring investment. Wind energy development has been explored in Crockett County, though major wind farms are more concentrated in counties to the north and east.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/State Online | Business: Yes: State Online (SOS) | Elections: Limited: Online | Overall Score: 4/10, Crockett County's small size means most public records require in-person visits or phone calls, with limited digital access compared to larger Texas counties.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Crockett County
Explore public records for 1 cities and communities in Crockett County, Texas.