About Eastland County
Eastland County, Texas is located in north-central Texas, approximately 120 miles west of Fort Worth in the Cross Timbers region. Established in 1858 and organized in 1873, Eastland County was named after William Mosby Eastland, a soldier who died at the Battle of San Jacinto. Eastland County Seat is the local community, with other incorporated communities including Cisco, Ranger, Gorman, Carbon, and Rising Star. Eastland County includes approximately 926 square miles and has a population of around 18,500 residents according to recent census estimates.
Eastland County is perhaps most famously known for 'Old Rip,' a horned toad allegedly sealed in the cornerstone of the old courthouse in 1897 and found alive when the building was demolished in 1928. Eastland County courthouse, located at 100 West Main Street in Eastland County, Texas 76448, is the administrative center. Eastland County Clerk's office, located in the courthouse, maintains official records including real property, assumed names, birth and death certificates, and court documents.
Eastland County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, also in the courthouse complex, handles property tax assessments and collections. Eastland County is part of Texas's oil and gas heritage, experiencing boom periods in the 1920s when the Ranger oil field was discovered, briefly making Ranger one of the most populous cities in Texas. Lake Cisco and Lake Leon provide recreational opportunities and water resources for Eastland County.
The economy today blends ranching, agriculture, oil and gas production, and small business commerce.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Eastland County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order within Eastland County. This office patrols the unincorporated areas of Eastland County, making sure of the safety and security of its residents. It also operates Eastland County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Eastland County is provided by Eastland County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Eastland Police Department, Ranger Police Department, Cisco Police Department, and Gorman Police Department serve their respective cities. These agencies have jurisdiction within their city limits and work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations. They collaborate on initiatives to enhance public safety and respond to emergencies across Eastland County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Eastland County Sheriff's Office, located at 100 West Main Street, Eastland, TX 76448, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Eastland County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at eastlandcountytexas.com where citizens can access information about services and operations. Eastland County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
- Requests should be made in writing, and agencies have ten business days to respond or request an Attorney General opinion if they believe an exception applies.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally part of the arrest record and may be available through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, though fees may apply for copies.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly at during business hours, though online inmate lookup services may be limited. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the local community Police Department, Cisco Police Department, and Ranger Police Department, each serving their respective cities within Eastland County. Arrest records in Eastland County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), and citizens may request these records from the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
Some third-party websites aggregate Texas booking photos, but the official source remains the Sheriff's Office. Eastland County does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Eastland County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Eastland County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. Eastland County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Texas Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for Eastland residents to obtain criminal records for employment, licensing, and personal purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Eastland County are maintained by Eastland County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of arrests made within Eastland County, including the date, charges, and arresting agency. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the guidelines set forth by the Texas Public Information Act. An Eastland County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the outcome of any court proceedings related to the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
Eastland County Jail, located in Eastland, Texas, is the primary detention facility for Eastland County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup is available through Eastland County Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to adhere to set schedules and guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, where individuals can post bail through cash, surety bonds, or property bonds to secure release pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Eastland County are taken and retained by Eastland County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. Individuals seeking to view or obtain mugshots can do so by submitting a request to the office. Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal or suppression under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related criminal record.
Courts & Case Records
Eastland County is served by the 91st Judicial District Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, family law cases, and juvenile matters. Eastland County Court is located at Eastland County Courthouse, 100 West Main Street, Eastland, TX 76448, and can be reached for Eastland County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases within statutory limits.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for statutory fees, generally $1.00 per page plus $5.00 for certification.
- Online case access may be limited, with most research requiring in-person visits or written requests.
- Re:SearchTX.com provides statewide case searches for participating counties, though availability varies.
Justice of the Peace Courts serve various precincts throughout Eastland County, handling small claims (up to $20,000), Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and magistrate functions including setting bail and issuing warrants. Each incorporated city operates a Municipal Court handling city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Court records in Texas are governed by Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, which presumes public access to court records unless specifically sealed or restricted by law.
Eastland County District Clerk, located at the courthouse (254-629-1583), maintains felony and civil case records, while the County Clerk maintains misdemeanor and probate records. Case searches can be conducted in person at the clerk's offices during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Property & Public Records
Eastland County Clerk is the recorder of deeds and maintains official land records for Eastland County. Located at 100 West Main Street, Suite 203, Eastland, TX 76448, the County Clerk's office can be reached for The office maintains records including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, mechanic's and materialmen's liens, abstract of judgments, lis pendens notices, easements, right-of-way agreements, and plat maps.
- Recording fees are established by Texas Local Government Code Section 118.011 and typically include $10 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk for the statutory fees.
These records date back to Eastland County's organization in 1873, providing a full chain of title for all properties in Eastland County. Official public records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description to help with searches. Property tax records are maintained by Eastland County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, also located at the courthouse complex, phone.
The Tax Assessor's office maintains current ownership information, property valuations, tax account status, and payment history. Eastland County Central Appraisal District (ECAD), located at 151 W Commerce Street, the local community, TX 76448, establishes property values and maintains detailed property characteristic data. Limited online property search capabilities may be available through the appraisal district website, though full searches typically require in-person visits.
A GIS parcel viewer or full online property database may not be fully developed, making the clerk's office the primary resource for title research.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Eastland County, Texas are maintained by Eastland County Clerk's office at 100 West Main Street, Suite 203, Eastland, TX 76448. Birth certificates are available for births occurring in Eastland County from 1903 forward, though early records may be incomplete. Certified copies cost $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing time is typically same-day for in-person requests or 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through the state's website at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs or through authorized vendors such as VitalChek, though convenience fees apply.
- The marriage license fee is $81, reduced to $21 if couples complete a premarital education course.
- Divorce decrees are maintained by the District Clerk at the courthouse and are also public record, accessible upon proper request and payment of applicable fees.
Applicants must complete an application form, provide valid government-issued photo identification, and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Texas Health and Safety Code Section 191.0015. Eligible applicants include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a documented interest. The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the state registrar and maintains birth records from 1926 forward and death records from 1964 forward for the entire state.
Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk's office and require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. Marriage records are public information.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Eastland County operates through multiple governmental levels. Eastland County Clerk, located at 100 West Main Street, Suite 203, Eastland, TX 76448, records assumed name certificates (DBAs) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name, as required by Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 71. The filing fee is typically $16 for sole proprietorships and partnerships. These records are public and searchable at the clerk's office.
- This free search tool, called SOSDirect, provides information on entity formation date, registered agent, status, and filing history.
- Eastland County Chamber of Commerce, located in the local community, provides business development resources and networking opportunities for local enterprises.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the official business registry accessible online at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be researched through their website. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are regulated by state-level licensing boards rather than Eastland County.
Building permits, construction permits, and development applications are handled by Eastland County Development Office and individual city building departments for incorporated areas. Zoning matters fall under county planning or city planning commissions depending on location. Contact information and business directories can be found through local chambers in Eastland area, Cisco, and Ranger, each serving their respective communities and promoting economic development throughout Eastland County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Eastland County, Texas are administered by Eastland County Elections Administrator, operating under the County Clerk's office at 100 West Main Street, Eastland, TX 76448. The office can be reached for voter registration questions, polling place information, and election procedures. Voter registration in Texas is handled through county voter registrars, and eligible residents of Eastland County must submit a voter registration application at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
Texas offers online voter registration applications at www.votetexas.gov, where residents can complete and print the application for mailing to Eastland County registrar, though fully electronic submission is not available. Applications are also available at the County Clerk's office, public libraries, and various state agencies. Voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling location at the Texas Secretary of State website or by contacting Eastland County elections office.
Early voting is conducted at designated locations in Eastland County, typically including the courthouse and sites in larger communities, for a period beginning 17 days before Election Day and ending four days before Election Day. Election Day polling places are assigned by precinct, and voters must cast ballots at their designated location. Public election records include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted per Texas Election Code Section 18.066), election results by precinct, candidate filings, and campaign finance reports for local candidates.
These records are available for inspection at the County Clerk's office or Elections Administrator's office. The 2024 general election in Eastland County saw turnout consistent with rural Texas counties, typically in the 55-65% range for presidential elections and 30-40% for midterm elections. The next major election is November 4, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, Texas statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other constitutional offices, plus State Senate and State House seats depending on district cycles. Mail-in (absentee) ballots in Texas are restricted to specific categories: voters 65 or older, voters with disabilities, voters confined in jail but eligible to vote, and voters who will be absent from Eastland County during the entire early voting period and on Election Day. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Eastland County Early Voting Clerk, and voted ballots must be received (not just postmarked) by 7:00 PM on Election Day.
Texas election records are governed by the Texas Election Code and Public Information Act, for public access while protecting voter privacy.
Economy & Demographics
Eastland County's economy has historically centered on agriculture, ranching, and oil and gas production, with these sectors continuing to play significant roles today. Cattle ranching and hay production dominate agricultural activity, with peanut farming also contributing to the agricultural base. Eastland County sits within the North Texas oil and gas region, and petroleum extraction, though diminished from the boom years of the 1920s and 1950s, remains an economic contributor with ongoing production from established fields.
- The median household income in Eastland County is estimated at approximately $48,000 to $52,000, below the Texas state average, reflecting Eastland County's rural character and smaller employment base.
Major employers include the Eastland Memorial Hospital, school districts (Eastland County Seat area ISD, Cisco ISD, Ranger ISD), county and municipal governments, and retail establishments. The service sector, retail trade, and healthcare provide substantial employment. Manufacturing has a limited presence, with some small-scale operations and fabrication shops.
Tourism contributes modestly to the economy, with visitors drawn to Lake Leon and Lake Cisco for fishing, boating, and camping, as well as heritage tourism related to Eastland County's Old West and oil boom history. Wind energy development has emerged as a growing sector, with several wind farms established in Eastland County generating both lease revenue for landowners and property tax revenue for Eastland County. The unemployment rate typically tracks near or slightly above the Texas state average, fluctuating with energy market conditions and seasonal agricultural cycles.
Economic development efforts focus on supporting small business growth, maintaining quality of life amenities, and using Eastland County's central location between major metropolitan areas for potential logistics and distribution ventures.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online Access | Property: Limited: In-Person Preferred | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone Inquiry | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Limited: Basic Info Online | Overall Score: 5/10, Eastland County maintains traditional in-person access to most public records with limited digital infrastructure, typical of rural Texas counties.