About Erath County
Erath County is located in north-central Texas, approximately 80 miles southwest of Fort Worth. Erath County Seat is Stephenville, known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World" and home to Tarleton State University. Erath County was established in 1856 and named after George Bernard Erath, an early surveyor and soldier in the Republic of Texas. Erath County includes approximately 1,090 square miles and has a population of around 42,500 residents according to recent estimates.
The scene features rolling prairies, limestone hills, and part of the Cross Timbers region, making it ideal for ranching and agriculture. Major landmarks include Stephenville City Park, Dublin Bottling Works (home of the original Dublin Dr Pepper until 2012), and the Bosque River, which flows through Erath County. The economy is anchored by cattle ranching, dairy farming, oil and gas production, and education through Tarleton State University.
Erath County Clerk's office is located at 100 West Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76401, and handles vital records, court filings, and business registrations. Erath County Appraisal District, located at 1892 US Highway 281 South, Stephenville, TX 76401, maintains property tax assessments and ownership records. Erath County Clerk also is the County Recorder for land records.
Erath County remains a quintessential Texas county blending agricultural heritage with modern educational and energy sector development.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Erath County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Erath County. It operates under the leadership of the elected Sheriff, who oversees patrol operations, criminal investigations, and community policing efforts. The office also manages Erath County Jail, making sure of the safety and security of inmates and staff.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Erath County is provided by Erath County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Stephenville Police Department serves the city of Stephenville, while the Dublin Police Department operates within the city of Dublin. These agencies work collaboratively to address crime and ensure public safety across Erath County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Erath County Sheriff's Office, located at 1497 W. Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76401, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Erath County. Erath County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly for The roster typically includes inmate names, booking dates, charges, and bond information.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the respective police department.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail's online inmate roster or by submitting a public information request.
- Processing times vary but typically range from immediate online access for current inmates to several days for historical records.
- Texas law requires law enforcement agencies to respond to public information requests within 10 business days.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Erath County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Texas Department of Public Safety offers additional resources for Erath County residents seeking full background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Erath County are maintained by Erath County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the relevant law enforcement agency, often requiring a formal written request. Information on an Erath County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Erath County Jail, located in Stephenville, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Erath County. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals, and detainees are held pending trial, sentencing, or release on bond. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.
- The bond process in Texas allows for the posting of bail to secure an inmate's release, with details available through the jail administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Erath County are taken and retained by Erath 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. To search for mugshots, individuals can use the Sheriff's Office website or third-party services that compile public records. Texas does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Erath County's judicial system includes the 266th District Court, which handles felony criminal cases, major civil matters, family law cases, and juvenile matters. Erath County Court is located at 100 West Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76401, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Erath County Court at Law presides over misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, civil cases up to $200,000, and appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts.
- Erath County also has four Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4) handling small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, evictions, and issuing warrants.
- Online case searches may be available through Erath County website or the Texas Judicial Branch's online portal.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $1 to $5 per page.
Justice Courts are located in Stephenville, Dublin, and other precinct offices. Municipal Courts in Stephenville and Dublin handle city ordinance violations and traffic citations within city limits. Court records can be searched at Erath County District Clerk's office (254-965-1482) for district court cases and the County Clerk's office (254-965-1486) for county court and probate matters.
Under Texas Government Code Section 552.001 et seq. (the Public Information Act) and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, most court records are public unless sealed by court order or involving juveniles. Erath County Clerk maintains an index of all civil and criminal cases filed in district court, searchable by party name or case number.
Property & Public Records
Erath County Clerk is the County Recorder and maintains land records at 100 West Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76401 (phone: 254-965-1486). The office records and indexes deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, easements, oil and gas leases, mechanics liens, property tax liens, UCC financing statements, assumed name certificates, marriage licenses, birth and death records, and plat maps. Land records in Erath County date back to Erath County's establishment in 1856 and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property description.
- Erath County Clerk's office provides public access terminals for searching records in person during regular business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Online property record searches are available through Erath County's official records system, though some services may require registration or fees.
- Erath County Appraisal District (1892 US Highway 281 South, Stephenville, TX 76401, phone: 254-965-5483) maintains property tax records, ownership information, property valuations, and exemption data.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost approximately $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
- Erath County Clerk can provide certified copies of deeds and other instruments upon request.
Vital Records
Vital records for Erath County are primarily handled by Erath County Clerk's office at 100 West Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76401 (254-965-1486). Birth certificates for births occurring in Erath County can be obtained from the County Clerk, with fees typically around $23 for a certified copy. Processing time is usually immediate if requested in person, or 2-3 weeks if ordered by mail. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate (for immediate family members).
- Death certificates are also available through the County Clerk's office for deaths that occurred in Erath County, with the same fee structure and identification requirements.
- Online ordering is available through the state's VitalChek system at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs, though convenience fees apply.
Only certain individuals are entitled to receive certified copies, including family members, legal representatives, and persons with a direct tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by Erath County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person with valid identification, social security numbers, and payment of approximately $81 (reduced to $21 if completing a premarital education course). Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk's office at the same address.
For records older than several years or births/deaths that occurred elsewhere in Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit (1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756) is the central repository. Texas vital records law is codified in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, which establishes access restrictions and requirements for obtaining certified copies.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Erath County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type. Erath County Clerk's office (100 West Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76401, 254-965-1486) handles assumed name certificates (DBA - "Doing Business As" filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. The filing fee is approximately $25 and must be renewed every 10 years.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda where anyyou can look up registered business entities, view filing histories, and obtain certificates of status.
For corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal business entities, registration is handled by the Texas Secretary of State. Most businesses in Texas must also obtain a sales tax permit from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts if selling taxable goods or services. Professional licenses for occupations such as cosmetology, plumbing, electrical work, and medical professions are issued by state-level licensing boards, not county offices.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are handled by Erath County Development Office and individual city planning departments in Stephenville and Dublin. The Stephenville Chamber of Commerce (254-965-5313, www.stephenvilletexas.org) and Dublin Chamber of Commerce provide business development resources and maintain directories of local businesses. County business personal property renditions for taxation purposes must be filed annually with Erath County Appraisal District by April 15.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Erath County are administered by Erath County Elections Administrator, located at 100 West Washington Street, Stephenville, TX 76401. The Elections Office can be reached at and shares space with the County Clerk's office. Voter registration in Texas is handled at Erath County level, and residents can register online through the Texas Secretary of State at www.texas.gov or by submitting a paper application available at the Elections Office, libraries, and Department of Public Safety offices. The voter registration deadline in Texas is 30 days before any election.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by visiting the Texas Secretary of State's website or calling Erath County Elections Office.
- In the 2024 general election, Erath County turnout was approximately 58% of registered voters.
- Texas offers limited absentee/mail-in voting; only voters who are 65 or older, disabled, confined in jail but eligible, or out of Erath County during the early voting period and on election day may request mail ballots.
- Under the Texas Election Code and Public Information Act, citizens may request copies of precinct results, voter history, and other election records, though fees may apply for extensive copying.
Early voting for county elections is typically available at Erath County Courthouse and satellite locations announced prior to each election. Election records that are public in Texas include voter registration lists (minus certain personal information like social security numbers and dates of birth), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and election day tallies. Erath County typically sees voter turnout of 55-65% in presidential election years and 25-35% in midterm elections, consistent with rural Texas counties.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring US Senate and House races, Texas state offices including Governor, and state legislative seats. Applications for mail ballots must be submitted to Erath County Early Voting Clerk and must be received (not postmarked) by the 11th day before election day for regular mail ballots.
Economy & Demographics
Erath County's economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and dairy farming, which remain primary industries. Erath County consistently ranks among the top dairy-producing counties in Texas, with hundreds of dairy operations and supporting feed and veterinary services. Tarleton State University, a member of the Texas A&M University System with enrollment exceeding 13,000 students, is a major employer and economic driver, bringing education jobs, research funding, and student spending to Stephenville.
- The median household income in Erath County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the Texas average.
Oil and gas extraction represents another significant economic sector, with numerous wells and supporting services throughout Erath County. The energy sector experienced fluctuations but continues to contribute substantially to the tax base and employment. Retail trade, healthcare, and hospitality services form important components of the economy, concentrated primarily in Stephenville and Dublin.
Major employers include Tarleton State University, Erath County Hospital District, Stephenville Independent School District, and various agricultural operations. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to the state average, ranging from 3-5% in recent years. Dublin's tourism economy benefits from its historical connection to Dr Pepper and the Dublin Rodeo.
Economic development initiatives focus on diversifying beyond traditional agriculture while supporting existing industries. The Stephenville Economic Development Authority works to attract manufacturing and distribution facilities, using Erath County's proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Wind energy development has emerged as a growth area, with several wind farms in surrounding counties creating service and maintenance opportunities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online/In-Person | Property: Yes: Free Online Search (Appraisal District) | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Preferred | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Accessible | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Erath County provides good access to property and jail records online, with court and vital records requiring more in-person interaction.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Erath County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Erath County, Texas.