About Ellis County
Ellis County, Texas is a thriving county located in the north-central portion of the state, immediately south of Dallas County and southwest of Tarrant County. Established in 1849 and named after Richard Ellis, president of the convention that declared Texas independence, Ellis County covers approximately 952 square miles of rolling prairie and agricultural land. Ellis County Seat is Waxahachie, a historic city known for its stunning collection of Victorian-era architecture and the iconic Ellis County Courthouse, a Romanesque Revival masterpiece completed in 1897.
As of the 2020 Census, Ellis County's population exceeded 192,000 residents, reflecting significant growth as the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area continues to expand southward. Major cities within Ellis County include Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, Red Oak, and Italy. Ellis County is served by several key governmental agencies responsible for public records: Ellis County Clerk located at 101 W Main Street in Waxahachie maintains court records, vital records, and certain business filings; Ellis County Tax Assessor-Collector at 109 S Jackson Street handles property tax assessment and collection; and Ellis County District Clerk at the same Main Street address maintains district court records.
Ellis County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly cotton, cattle, and grain production, but has diversified significantly to include cement manufacturing in Midlothian, distribution centers, and residential development. Ellis County is also known for the National Polka Festival in Ennis, celebrating its Czech heritage, and motorsports at the Texas Motor Speedway located partially within county boundaries.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Ellis County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Ellis County. The office oversees patrol operations, criminal investigations, and community policing initiatives. It also manages Ellis County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is known for its community engagement programs and specialized divisions such as the narcotics unit and the SWAT team, which address specific law enforcement challenges within Ellis County.
Police Departments
Ellis County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Ellis County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Waxahachie Police Department, Ennis Police Department, and Midlothian Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city, handling local law enforcement duties and collaborating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and county-wide initiatives. These agencies work together to ensure public safety and efficient response to emergencies across Ellis County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Ellis County is primarily coordinated by Ellis County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 109 South Jackson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.co.ellis.tx.us/sheriff. This agency provides countywide patrol, criminal investigations, court security, and operates Ellis County Jail located at 201 S College Street in Waxahachie.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Booking photos and arrest logs are generally available online through the Sheriff's inmate search portal, though historical records may require a formal public information request.
- Ellis County Sheriff's Office typically processes public information requests within ten business days, and fees may apply for copies exceeding a certain page count.
Inmates currently held at Ellis County Detention Facility can be searched through the Sheriff's Office website using the online inmate roster, which typically includes booking photos (mugshots), charges, bond amounts, and booking dates. The facility houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders. Municipal law enforcement is provided by individual police departments in Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, Red Oak, Italy, Ferris, Ovilla, Oak Leaf, Maypearl, Bardwell, and Milford.
Each city police department maintains jurisdiction within their municipal boundaries and handles local ordinance violations, traffic enforcement, and criminal investigations. Arrest records in Ellis 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. No tribal police agencies operate within Ellis County jurisdiction.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Ellis County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Ellis County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Texas Department of Public Safety provides statewide criminal history information. Residents can conduct background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal, which offers access to criminal records for a fee.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Ellis County are maintained by Ellis County Sheriff's Office and the respective municipal police departments. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office or the police department involved in the arrest. The Texas Public Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to government documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
Ellis County Detention Center, located in Waxahachie, is the primary facility for housing inmates in Ellis County. The booking process at the detention center involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through Ellis County Sheriff's Office website, allowing residents to search for current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific guidelines on visiting hours and permissible items.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for cash bonds, surety bonds, or property bonds, depending on the charges and court requirements.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Ellis County are taken and retained by Ellis 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 website or by submitting a formal request. Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can seek removal through legal channels if the mugshot is deemed inaccurate or misleading. Third-party websites may also host these images, but their removal policies vary.
Courts & Case Records
Ellis County's judicial system operates through multiple court levels serving different jurisdictions. Ellis County District Courts (40th and 378th Judicial Districts) are located at 101 W Main Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165, and handle felony criminal cases, divorces, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, juvenile matters, and contested probate cases. Ellis County Clerk's office can be reached at and maintains case records for these courts.
- Court records in Ellis County can be accessed through the District Clerk and County Clerk offices, with some case information available online through Ellis County website.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $1 to $5 per page depending on the document type and certification requirements.
- Online case searches may be available through www.co.ellis.tx.us, though full record access often requires in-person or written requests to the appropriate clerk's office.
Ellis County has four County Courts at Law (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) with jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, probate matters, and appeals from justice and municipal courts. These courts are also located at Ellis County Courthouse complex in Waxahachie, with records maintained by the County Clerk for Ellis County operates multiple Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1 through 4) handling small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, evictions, and certain civil matters. Each county also operates Municipal Courts for city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Texas Government Code Chapter 552 (Public Information Act) and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration govern public access to court records.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Ellis County are maintained by Ellis County Clerk's office at 101 W Main Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165, phone. Ellis County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds and records all instruments affecting real property, including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, deed of trust documents, releases of liens, mechanic's and materialmen's liens, lis pendens notices, easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, covenants, plat maps, and subdivision records.
- Ellis County provides online access to recorded documents through the official property records search available on Ellis County website at www.co.ellis.tx.us.
- Many document images dating back multiple decades are available for free viewing, though printing or obtaining certified copies requires payment of applicable fees.
- The Tax Assessor-Collector provides online property tax account searches showing current and delinquent taxes, assessed values, exemptions, and payment history.
- The appraisal district website at www.elliscad.com offers a full GIS mapping system and property search tool allowing users to search by owner name, property address, or account number.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the County Clerk's office for $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus applicable fees for certification.
Vital Records
Vital records for Ellis County, Texas are managed through multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin, which is the state registrar for all vital records. For recent births and deaths occurring in Ellis County, certified copies can be requested from Ellis County Clerk's office at 101 W Main Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165, phone, though the office primarily is a local deputy registrar.
- Birth certificates cost $23 for a certified copy, while death certificates cost $21 each, with additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously costing $4 each.
- Processing time for in-person requests at the County Clerk's office is typically immediate if the record is on file locally, while mail requests may take 2-3 weeks.
- The Texas Department of State Health Services also offers online ordering through VitalChek at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs with expedited shipping options available for additional fees.
- The marriage license fee is $81, reduced to $21 if couples complete a premarital education course.
- Certified copies of marriage records cost $10.
Applicants must 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 191.0045 and 192.002. Marriage licenses are issued exclusively by Ellis County Clerk's office and require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. Divorce records (Final Decrees of Divorce) are maintained by Ellis County District Clerk's office at the same courthouse address, as divorces are handled by Ellis County courts.
Copies of divorce decrees can be requested for $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. All vital records requests must comply with Texas Family Code and Health and Safety Code provisions restricting access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals demonstrating legitimate legal interest.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Ellis County are accessible through multiple governmental entities depending on the business type and registration requirements. Ellis County Clerk's office at 101 W Main Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165, phone, maintains records of assumed name certificates (DBAs - Doing Business As) filed by sole proprietorships, partnerships, and certain corporations operating under names other than their legal entity names. These filings are public record and can be searched in person at the County Clerk's office, with copies available for standard recording fees.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and registered business organizations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the SOSDirect online database at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp, which provides free searching of all registered Texas business entities, registered agents, and filing histories. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and healthcare providers are regulated at the state level through various Texas licensing boards rather than county offices. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be verified through the Comptroller's website.
Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning compliance matters are handled by individual municipal building departments in Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, and other incorporated cities, or by Ellis County Development Department for unincorporated areas. Contact information for specific permit requirements can be obtained through Ellis County Development Office. The Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce (www.waxahachiechamber.com), Midlothian Chamber of Commerce, and Ennis Chamber of Commerce provide business resources, member directories, and economic development information for their respective communities.
General business inquiries and economic development opportunities can be directed to Ellis County Commissioner's Court or individual economic development corporations serving the major cities.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Ellis County, Texas are administered by Ellis County Elections Administrator's office, located at 101 W Main Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165. The Elections office can be reached, and election information is available through Ellis County website at www.co.ellis.tx.us/elections.
- Online voter registration is available through the Texas Secretary of State's online voter registration system for eligible citizens who possess a Texas driver license or state ID.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their polling place, and view sample ballots through Ellis County Elections website or the Texas Secretary of State's voter portal.
- Ellis County maintains strong election transparency, posting unofficial results on election night, official canvassed results within the statutory period, and providing access to election records upon request.
Voter registration in Texas is handled at Ellis County level, and Ellis County residents may register to vote by completing a voter registration application available from the County Elections office, any Texas Department of Public Safety driver license office, libraries, or downloadable from the Texas Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.tx.us. The voter registration deadline in Texas is 30 days prior to any election, and registrations submitted by mail must be postmarked by that deadline. Early voting locations are established in Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, and Red Oak for county-wide elections, with specific locations and hours published before each election.
On Election Day, voters must cast ballots at their assigned precinct polling place. Public election records in Ellis County include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted per Texas Election Code), precinct-level election results, candidate and campaign treasurer filings, and ballot propositions. These records are accessible under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) and the Texas Election Code.
In the November 2024 general election, Ellis County reported voter turnout of approximately 64% of registered voters, reflecting strong engagement typical of presidential election years and consistent with suburban Texas county participation rates. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races for Texas Congressional Districts covering Ellis County statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other executive positions, Texas State Senate and House seats, and various local offices and propositions.
Mail-in (absentee) voting in Texas is restricted to specific categories: voters aged 65 or older, voters who will be outside their county during the early voting period and on Election Day, voters confined in jail but otherwise eligible, and voters with disabilities or illnesses preventing in-person voting. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Ellis County Elections Administrator and received (not postmarked) by the 11th day before Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Ellis County's economy has experienced substantial transformation and growth over the past three decades, evolving from a primarily agricultural base to a diversified economy benefiting from proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. As of recent economic data, Ellis County's median household income is approximately $76,000, slightly above the Texas state average, reflecting the influx of suburban residential development.
- This industrial cluster provides hundreds of high-paying manufacturing jobs and substantial tax revenue.
Major economic sectors include cement manufacturing, with Midlothian hosting multiple cement plants operated by companies including Ash Grove Cement (now part of CRH), Holcim, and CEMENT, making Ellis County one of the largest cement-producing regions in the United States. Distribution and logistics have become increasingly important, with numerous warehouse and distribution centers locating along Interstate 35E and Highway 287 corridors, taking advantage of central positioning within the Texas Triangle. Major employers in Ellis County include the Waxahachie Independent School District, Midlothian Independent School District, Ennis Independent School District, Navarro College (Waxahachie campus), Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie, and various municipal governments.
The retail and service sectors have expanded significantly to serve the growing residential population. Agriculture remains economically relevant, with cattle ranching, hay production, and row crop farming (primarily corn, wheat, and sorghum) continuing on rural acreage. Tourism contributes to the local economy through the historic downtown Waxahachie square with its antique shops and the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, one of the nation's largest Renaissance fairs, held annually in Waxahachie and drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Ellis County unemployment rate typically tracks closely with state and national averages, ranging between 3.5% and 5% in normal economic conditions. Economic development priorities focus on attracting additional commercial and light industrial development while preserving Ellis County's quality of life and historical character.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Search Available | Property: Yes: Free Online Search with Images | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Portal Available | Elections: Yes: Online Results & Voter Tools | Overall Score: 8/10, Ellis County provides strong digital access to property records, court information, and jail records, with online resources for most public information needs.