About Crosby County
Crosby County is located in the northwestern portion of Texas, situated on the South Plains region of the state. Crosby County Seat is Crosbyton, which is the primary governmental and commercial center for Crosby County. Established in 1876 and organized in 1886, Crosby County was named after Stephen Crosby, a land commissioner of the Texas Republic. Crosby County includes approximately 900 square miles of flfor gently rolling prairie scene characteristic of the High Plains.
As of recent census estimates, Crosby County has a population of approximately 5,300 residents, reflecting the rural agricultural character of Crosby County. Crosby County is known for its rich cotton farming heritage and remains a significant agricultural producer. Major landmarks include the historic Crosby County Pioneer Memorial Museum in Crosbyton, which preserves Crosby County's frontier history, and the distinctive caprock escarpment that defines Crosby County's geography.
Crosby County Courthouse, a historic structure in Crosbyton, is the center of county government. Key county offices include Crosby County Clerk located at 201 W. Aspen Street, Crosbyton, TX 79322, which maintains vital records, court documents, and various public records.
Crosby County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, also located in the courthouse, handles property tax assessments and collections. Crosby County Recorder functions are performed through the County Clerk's office, maintaining land records, deeds, and property documentation. Crosby County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, particularly cotton production, cattle ranching, and more recently wind energy development, making it representative of the evolving rural Texas economy.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Crosby County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Crosby County. The office is tasked with patrolling rural areas, responding to emergencies, and enforcing laws. It also manages Crosby County jail and processes arrests. The sheriff's office maintains criminal records and provides various community programs meant to enhancing public safety. The office is known for its involvement in community outreach and crime prevention initiatives specific to Crosby County.
Police Departments
Crosby County is served by Crosby County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in the cities of Crosbyton, Ralls, and Lorenzo. Each city department handles law enforcement within its respective city limits, while the sheriff's office covers the unincorporated areas. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response across Crosby County. The coordination between these departments helps maintain public safety and effective law enforcement throughout Crosby County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Crosby County is primarily provided by Crosby County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 201 W. Aspen Street, Crosbyton, TX 79322. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and is responsible for patrol operations throughout the unincorporated areas of Crosby County, serving civil process, maintaining county detention facilities, and providing courthouse security. Crosby County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written public information request to Crosby County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Processing times for public information requests vary, and agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and research time as permitted by statute.
Inmate information and jail roster lookups can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Crosby County does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online inmate search system. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Crosbyton Police Department within the city limits of Crosbyton, Crosby County's only incorporated county with a police force. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records.
Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the same public information request process, though some records may be withheld if they are part of an ongoing investigation or otherwise exempt under state law. There are no tribal law enforcement agencies operating within Crosby County. For emergency law enforcement assistance, residents should dial 911, while non-emergency matters can be directed to the Sheriff's Office main line during regular business hours.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Crosby County's criminal records system includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The sheriff's office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Texas Department of Public Safety provides broader access to criminal history information. Residents can conduct background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Crosby County are maintained by Crosby County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office, following the guidelines set by the Texas Public Information Act. An arrest record in Crosby County typically includes the individual's personal information, arrest details, and any charges filed. The process for obtaining these records is straightforward, with requests usually processed within a reasonable timeframe.
Jail & Inmate Records
Crosby County Jail, located in Crosbyton, is the primary detention facility for Crosby County. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest. Inmate information, including charges and bond details, can be accessed through the sheriff's office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and strict guidelines for visitors. The bond process in Texas allows for cash bonds or surety bonds through a bail bondsman, and recent arrest information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Crosby County are taken and retained by Crosby 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 or online databases. While Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request the removal of their mugshots from third-party websites under certain conditions. The sheriff's website may provide a portal for searching mugshots, though availability can vary.
Courts & Case Records
Crosby County court system consists of several courts with different jurisdictions. The 110th Judicial District Court serves Crosby County and is located at Crosby County Courthouse, 201 W. Aspen Street, Crosbyton, TX 79322. This district court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, divorce and family law matters, civil cases exceeding the monetary limits of lower courts, juvenile matters, and contested probate cases.
- Crosby County Clerk's office can provide information on accessing court records, with fees typically including $1.00 per page for copies and varying search fees.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, typically $5.00 for certification plus applicable per-page copying charges.
- Requests for court records should be directed to the District Clerk for district court matters or the County Clerk for county court cases.
Crosby County Clerk maintains records for Crosby County court and can be reached for Crosby County Court at Law, presided over by the County Judge, hears misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases within its jurisdictional limits. Crosby County also has Justice of the Peace courts that handle small claims cases, Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and serve as magistrate courts for initial appearances and warrant issuance. Crosby County Clerk's office at maintains records for the County Court.
Court records in Texas are generally public under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) and the common law right of access to judicial records, though certain records such as sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and some family law matters may be restricted. While Crosby County does not currently offer full online case lookup, some records may be searched through in-person visits to the appropriate clerk's office.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Crosby County are maintained by Crosby County Clerk's office, which serves as Crosby County's official recorder of deeds. Located at 201 W. Aspen Street, Crosbyton, TX 79322, the County Clerk's office can be reached for The office maintains a full collection of land records including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, easements, right-of-way documents, oil and gas leases, mechanic's liens, abstract of judgments, federal tax liens, and plat maps.
- Crosby County Clerk charges recording fees based on the number of pages, with the first page typically costing more than subsequent pages, as established by state statute.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees.
These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description to help with searching. Under Texas Property Code and the Texas Public Information Act, these records are public and available for inspection during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays. Property tax records are maintained by Crosby County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, also located in Crosby County Courthouse.
The Tax Assessor-Collector maintains current ownership information, assessed values, tax payment history, and exemption information. While Crosby County does not currently offer a full online property record search system, Crosby County Appraisal District maintains property tax information and can be contacted for assessment data. Some Texas counties participate in multi-county online property data systems, and researchers may find limited information through third-party aggregators, though official records should always be verified through the County Clerk's office.
Those seeking property records should contact the County Clerk's office directly for the most current information and search procedures.
Vital Records
Vital records for Crosby County, Texas, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are maintained at both Crosby County and state levels. Crosby County Clerk's office at 201 W. Aspen Street, Crosbyton, TX 79322, phone, is the local registrar for vital records and is the primary office for obtaining marriage licenses. Couples seeking to marry in Crosby County must apply in person at the County Clerk's office, present valid identification, and pay the applicable fee (typically around $81, though fees may vary).
- Birth certificate fees are typically $23 for the first copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing less.
- Death certificates follow similar procedures with comparable fees.
- Processing times vary from a few days for in-person requests to 2-3 weeks for mail orders.
- Requesters must complete appropriate application forms and provide acceptable identification as specified by the Texas Vital Statistics office regulations.
There is a 72-hour waiting period after issuance before the license becomes valid, unless the couple has completed a premarital education course. Birth and death certificates in Texas are maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Section, though local informational copies may be available through the County Clerk for recent events. Official certified birth certificates can be ordered from the Texas Vital Statistics office by mail, in person at designated locations, or online through the official state vendor at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs.
Applicants must provide valid identification and proof of relationship or eligibility to receive the record. Divorce records (decrees) are maintained by the District Clerk's office in Crosby County where the divorce was granted. Under Texas Family Code Section 191.001 and related statutes, vital records have restricted access, with certified copies generally available only to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or others with a direct and tangible interest.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Crosby County are maintained by various governmental offices depending on the type of record and business activity. Crosby County Clerk's office at 201 W. Aspen Street, Crosbyton, TX 79322, maintains assumed name certificates (also known as DBAs or fictitious name filings) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 71 requires most businesses using assumed names to file with Crosby County clerk in each county where business is conducted.
- The filing fee is typically around $25, and filings must be renewed as required by law.
- Crosby County Chamber of Commerce, while not a government agency, provides resources for businesses and economic development information.
For full business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the official registry. The Texas Secretary of State's online business search, available at www.sos.state.tx.us, provides free access to entity information including registration status, registered agent, formation date, and filing history. This database is the authoritative source for formal business entity verification in Texas.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and businesses can verify permits or apply online through the Comptroller's website. Professional licenses are regulated by various Texas state boards and commissions depending on the profession, such as the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the State Bar of Texas, or profession-specific boards. Building permits, zoning compliance, and development regulations in unincorporated Crosby County are administered by county offices, while incorporated areas fall under municipal jurisdiction.
The City of Crosbyton maintains its own permitting and licensing requirements for businesses operating within city limits. Prospective business owners should contact both county and municipal offices to ensure compliance with all applicable licensing, permitting, and regulatory requirements.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Crosby County, Texas, are administered by Crosby County Elections Administrator, operating under the authority of the County Clerk's office located at 201 W. Aspen Street, Crosbyton, TX 79322. The elections office can be reached for information regarding voter registration, polling locations, election dates, and ballot information.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling location by using the online tools at the Texas Secretary of State website or by contacting Crosby County Elections office directly.
- These records are available through public information requests to the County Elections office.
- Texas Election Code provides the framework for election administration and public access to election records, for public access in the electoral process.
- Crosby County maintains election archives including historical results, which can be requested through the County Clerk's office for research purposes.
Voter registration in Texas is handled at Crosby County level, and residents of Crosby County may register to vote by completing a Texas voter registration application and submitting it to Crosby County Elections office or the Texas Secretary of State. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before an election for the registration to be effective for that election. Texas offers online voter registration application completion at www.votetexas.gov, where residents can fill out the form, print it, sign it, and mail it to Crosby County elections office (fully online submission is not available in Texas; a signature is required).
Election records that are public under Texas law include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted for privacy), election results by precinct, candidate filing information, and campaign finance reports for local candidates. Voter turnout in Crosby County for the November 2024 general election was consistent with typical rural Texas county patterns, generally ranging between 55-65% of registered voters, with presidential election years seeing higher participation than midterm or local elections. The next major election is scheduled for November 4, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, statewide offices including Governor of Texas, and various state legislative seats, along with any local county and municipal positions up for election. Texas law provides for early voting by mail (absentee voting) for specific categories of voters: those 65 years of age or older, those who will be absent from Crosby County during the entire early voting period and on election day, those confined in jail but eligible to vote, or those with a disability or illness that prevents voting in person. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Crosby County Early Voting Clerk, and applications are available on the Texas Secretary of State website or from Crosby County elections office.
Economy & Demographics
Crosby County's economy has historically been anchored by agriculture, particularly cotton production, grain crops, and cattle ranching, which remain vital economic drivers today. Crosby County sits in the heart of the Texas High Plains agricultural region, with farming and ranching operations constituting the largest sector of economic activity. Cotton production is especially significant, with thousands of acres planted annually, supported by irrigation from the Ogallala Aquifer.
- According to recent economic data, median household income in Crosby County is estimated at approximately $43,000 to $47,000, which is below the Texas state median, reflecting the rural agricultural economy.
The agricultural sector employs a substantial portion of Crosby County's workforce, both directly through farming and ranching operations and indirectly through agricultural services, equipment dealers, cotton gins, and related businesses. The unemployment rate in Crosby County has historically tracked slightly above state averages, fluctuating with agricultural commodity prices and growing season employment patterns. In recent years, renewable energy has emerged as an increasingly important economic sector, with wind energy development bringing new revenue through land lease payments to property owners and tax revenue to local government.
Several wind farms operate in or near Crosby County, taking advantage of Crosby County's consistent wind resources. Major employers include agricultural businesses, school districts (Crosbyton ISD and Lorenzo ISD), county and municipal government, healthcare facilities, and retail establishments serving local needs. The retail and service sectors remain relatively small given Crosby County's limited population, with many residents traveling to larger cities like Lubbock for major shopping and services.
Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing agricultural operations, attracting value-added agricultural processing, expanding renewable energy infrastructure, and maintaining quality of life amenities to retain population. Crosby County faces demographic challenges common to rural Texas, including population decline and aging, which impact workforce availability and economic growth prospects.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online Access | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Business: Yes: State Online (DBAs via county) | Elections: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Overall Score: 4/10, Crosby County, like many rural Texas counties, provides limited digital access to public records, requiring most requests to be made in person or by phone at county offices in Crosbyton.