About Fisher County
Fisher County is located in the rolling plains of north-central Texas, approximately 180 miles west of Fort Worth. Established in 1876 and organized in 1886, Fisher County was named after Samuel Rhoads Fisher, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and the first Secretary of the Navy of the Republic of Texas. Fisher County Seat is Roby, a small town located in the center of Fisher County. Fisher County includes approximately 901 square miles of land characterized by rolling prairies, mesquite-covered rangeland, and agricultural terrain.
According to recent estimates, Fisher County has a population of approximately 3,700 residents, making it one of the smaller rural counties in Texas. Fisher County is bordered by Nolan County to the west, Jones County to the north, Haskell County to the northeast, Stonewall County to the east, and Scurry County to the south. The Double Mountain Fork of the Brazos River flows through the southern portion of Fisher County, providing important water resources for agriculture and wildlife.
Major communities include Roby, Rotan, and McCaulley. The economy has historically been based on cotton farming, cattle ranching, and oil production. Fisher County is served by several key county offices located at the courthouse in Roby, including Fisher County Clerk at 100 South Main Street, the County Tax Assessor-Collector, and the County Treasurer.
Fisher County Appraisal District handles property valuations. Fisher County's heritage is preserved through local museums and annual community events celebrating Fisher County's pioneer and ranching history.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Fisher County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order within Fisher County. It provides law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas and operates Fisher County jail. The office is tasked with processing arrests, maintaining criminal records, and making sure of the safety of residents. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach programs and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to address crime and public safety concerns.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Fisher County is primarily provided by Fisher County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Roby and Rotan. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while city police departments manage public safety within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response across Fisher County. Each department is equipped to handle local issues, but they often work together to share resources and information for more effective law enforcement.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Fisher County is primarily provided by Fisher County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at Fisher County Courthouse complex at 100 South Main Street in Roby, Texas 79543. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and is responsible for patrol operations throughout the unincorporated areas of Fisher County, serving civil process, operating Fisher County jail, and providing court security. Fisher County Jail is a small detention facility located adjacent to the courthouse, housing pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- Processing times for public information requests typically range from 10 business days to several weeks depending on the volume and complexity of the request.
Inmate information and jail roster inquiries can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Roby Police Department and Rotan Police Department, which handle law enforcement within their respective city limits. Arrest records and incident reports are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code.
Citizens may submit written requests for arrest records to the Sheriff's Office or the municipal police departments, though certain information may be withheld if it relates to ongoing investigations or is protected by privacy exemptions. Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available through direct requests to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, though Fisher County does not currently maintain an online searchable database for booking photos. Fisher County does not have tribal police jurisdiction or special law enforcement districts, relying on traditional county and municipal police structures typical of rural Texas counties.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Fisher County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Fisher County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Texas Public Information Act. Residents can conduct background checks by contacting the relevant law enforcement agency or using online resources provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Fisher County are maintained by Fisher County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual arrested. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office or submitting a request under the Texas Public Information Act. Arrest records typically contain information such as the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.
- The Texas Public Information Act ensures transparency and access to public records, allowing individuals to obtain necessary information regarding arrests in Fisher County.
Jail & Inmate Records
Fisher County Jail, located in Roby, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Fisher County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal information of detainees. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides an inmate lookup service. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with designated visiting hours and guidelines that must be adhered to by visitors.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of bail, which can be arranged through the jail or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Fisher County are taken and retained by Fisher 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. Individuals seeking mugshots can request them directly from the office or check if they are available online through Fisher County's official website. Texas does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal in certain circumstances, such as expungement or sealing of records.
Courts & Case Records
Fisher County judicial functions are handled by the 32nd Judicial District Court, which serves Fisher and Nolan counties. Fisher County Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters involving amounts over $200, divorce and family law cases, juvenile matters, and appeals from lower courts. Fisher County Court sits at Fisher County Courthouse, 100 South Main Street, Roby, TX 79543.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents typically range from $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Researchers should contact the specific court clerk's office to determine current fee schedules and acceptable payment methods, as cash or money orders are often required in smaller rural counties.
For court inquiries, the District Clerk's office can be reached for Fisher County also operates a Justice of the Peace Court, which handles Class C misdemeanors, small claims up to $20,000, traffic violations, and is the magistrate court for initial appearances. Fisher County has Justice of the Peace offices serving different precincts. Fisher County Court at Law handles county-level misdemeanors and civil cases within its statutory jurisdiction.
Court records in Texas are governed by Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration and Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code (Public Information Act). Case searches can be conducted in person at the District Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. While Fisher County does not currently offer a full online case management system, many Texas counties are transitioning to electronic filing and online access through third-party vendors.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Fisher County are maintained by Fisher County Clerk's office, located at 100 South Main Street, Room 101, Roby, TX 79543, phone. Fisher County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds and maintains an extensive collection of real property records including warranty deeds, deed of trust instruments, mechanic's liens, oil and gas leases, easements, right-of-way agreements, and subdivision plat maps. These records date back to Fisher County's organization in the 1880s and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description.
- Fisher County does not currently offer a full online database for searching recorded instruments, so researchers typically must visit the County Clerk's office in person or submit written requests.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
Texas is a race-notice state, meaning that properly recorded instruments take priority, making the recording system essential for establishing chain of title. Property tax information and assessment records are handled by Fisher County Appraisal District, located at 103 North Fisher Street, Roby, TX 79543, phone. The Appraisal District maintains ownership records, property valuations, exemption information, and tax account status.
Property tax collections are handled by Fisher County Tax Assessor-Collector. While the Appraisal District does not offer a full online parcel viewer, property owners can obtain basic information by contacting the office directly. Texas Property Code governs real property transactions and recording requirements, while the Tax Code establishes appraisal district procedures.
Vital Records
Vital records for Fisher County residents are handled through a dual system involving county and state agencies. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Fisher County can be requested through Fisher County Clerk's office at 100 South Main Street, Roby, TX 79543, phone. However, the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Section, maintains the statewide registry and is often the more efficient option for obtaining certified copies.
- Death certificates cost $21.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time for mail-in requests typically ranges from 4-6 weeks, while in-person requests at local registrars can often be completed same-day if the record is readily available.
- Online ordering is available through VitChek at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs, though convenience fees apply.
- The marriage license fee is $81.00, which can be reduced to $21.00 if the couple completes a premarital education course.
The state vital records office is located at 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756, and can be reached for Birth certificates cost $23.00 for a certified copy, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $23.00 each. 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 191.0015. Marriage licenses are issued by Fisher County Clerk and require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers.
Divorce decrees are maintained by the District Clerk's office. Genealogical researchers should note that Texas vital records become public 25 years after the date of death for death certificates and 125 years for birth records under state confidentiality provisions.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records for Fisher County operations are managed through multiple offices depending on the type of business activity. Fisher County Clerk, located at 100 South Main Street, Roby, TX 79543, phone, maintains assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. Texas Business and Commerce Code Section 71.002 requires most businesses using assumed names to file with Fisher County clerk in each county where business is conducted.
- The filing fee is typically $25.00 and the registration must be renewed every 10 years.
- For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations, businesses must register with the Texas Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database called SOSDirect at www.sos.state.tx.us where users can search for registered business entities, view formation documents, check entity status, and access registered agent information free of charge. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be applied for online at www.comptroller.texas.gov. Professional and occupational licenses for regulated professions such as cosmetology, electrical work, plumbing, and real estate are issued by the respective state licensing boards rather than at Fisher County level.
Building permits and construction-related activities in unincorporated Fisher County are handled by the County Judge's office and may be subject to minimal regulation given the rural nature of Fisher County. The cities of Roby and Rotan maintain separate building inspection and code enforcement departments for construction within city limits. Fisher County area is served by local economic development efforts, though there is no dedicated county chamber of commerce website currently active.
Businesses seeking local market information should contact the Roby City Hall or Rotan City Hall for community business resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Fisher County is managed by Fisher County Elections Administrator and County Clerk, with offices located at Fisher County Courthouse, 100 South Main Street, Roby, TX 79543. Fisher County Clerk can be reached for voter registration and election information. Texas voters can register online through the Texas Secretary of State website at www.votetexas.gov, or by submitting a completed voter registration application by mail. Voter registration applications must be postmarked or submitted at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Citizenship, Texas residency in Fisher County where registering, and being at least 17 years and 10 months old (though you must be 18 to actually vote).
Registration requires U.S. Fisher County voters can locate their assigned polling place by visiting the Texas Secretary of State website, contacting the County Clerk's office, or checking their voter registration certificate which is mailed after successful registration. During early voting periods, multiple locations may be available for convenience.
Election records that are public information under Texas law include voter registration lists (though with certain personal information redacted under Election Code provisions), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate applications and declarations, and precinct-level election results. The Texas Election Code, particularly Chapter 552 provisions cross-referenced with the Public Information Act, governs public access to these records. Fisher County, like most rural Texas counties, typically experiences voter turnout rates of 50-65% in presidential general elections and 20-35% in midterm elections, with turnout varying by the competitiveness of races and local issues on the ballot.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Texas statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General, as well as state legislative seats and local county offices.
Texas allows limited absentee voting by mail, restricted to voters 65 and older, those who will be absent from Fisher County during the entire early voting period and on election day, voters confined in jail but eligible to vote, and voters with disabilities or illnesses that prevent in-person voting. Applications for mail ballots must be submitted to Fisher County Early Voting Clerk and received (not postmarked) by the close of business on the 11th day before election day. Completed mail ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on election day or postmarked by election day and received the next business day.
Election transparency in Fisher County is maintained through public notice requirements for elections, public testing of voting equipment, the ability of candidates to appoint poll watchers, and public canvassing of results by the County Commissioners Court.
Economy & Demographics
Fisher County's economy remains rooted in its agricultural heritage, with cattle ranching, cotton farming, and wheat production forming the backbone of the local economic base. Fisher County's rolling plains provide suitable grazing land for beef cattle operations, and many multi-generational ranching families continue to operate in Fisher County. Cotton production has historically been significant, though farming operations have consolidated over recent decades due to economies of scale and mechanization.
- However, Fisher County benefits from low property costs, strong community ties, and quality of life attributes that appeal to those seeking rural living environments.
According to recent economic data, the median household income in Fisher County is estimated at approximately $42,000 to $48,000, below the Texas state median, reflecting the rural agricultural economy and smaller population base. Fisher County has experienced population decline over the past several decades as younger residents have migrated to urban areas for employment opportunities, a trend common across the Texas rural plains. Oil and gas production represents another important economic sector, with Fisher County sitting in a region that has seen periodic drilling activity when energy prices support development.
Wind energy has emerged as a growing economic contributor, with wind farm developments providing lease payments to landowners and property tax revenue to local governments. Major employers in Fisher County include the school districts (Roby CISD and Rotan ISD), healthcare facilities, county and municipal governments, agricultural cooperatives, and retail establishments serving local residents. The unemployment rate in Fisher County typically tracks slightly above the Texas state average, fluctuating with agricultural commodity prices and energy sector activity.
Economic development challenges include the distance from major metropolitan markets, limited water resources, aging infrastructure, and workforce availability.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: State Online (DBA local only) | Elections: Limited: Contact Office | Overall Score: 4/10, Fisher County maintains traditional in-person access to most public records with limited online databases, typical of small rural Texas counties with constrained technology budgets.