About Frio County
Frio County, Texas, is located in the southern region of the state, approximately 60 miles south of San Antonio. Frio County was created in 1858 from portions of Atascosa, Bexar, and Uvalde counties and was organized in 1871. Frio County Seat is Pearsall, which is the commercial and governmental hub for Frio County. Frio County includes approximately 1,133 square miles of diverse terrain characterized by rolling plains, agricultural land, and brushy ranchland.
Frio County's name comes from the Frio River, which flows through Frio County; 'frio' means 'cold' in Spanish, referring to the river's cool waters. As of recent census estimates, Frio County has a population of approximately 19,000 residents. The economy is historically rooted in agriculture, ranching, and oil and gas production, with peanuts, pecans, cattle, and crops being significant agricultural products.
Frio County is also known for its substantial contributions to Texas oil production. Major landmarks include Frio County Courthouse in downtown Pearsall, built in a distinctive architectural style. Frio County Clerk's office is located at 500 E.
San Antonio Street, Pearsall, TX 78061, handling vital records, court documents, and official county filings. Frio County Tax Assessor-Collector, responsible for property tax assessment and collection, maintains offices at the same complex. Frio County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds and maintains land records for Frio County.
Pearsall is also home to the Pearsall Municipal Airport and is a regional center for South Texas agriculture and energy industries.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Frio County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Frio County. It oversees Frio County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is tasked with patrolling rural areas, making sure of public safety, and executing warrants. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach programs meant to crime prevention and education. The office has divisions dedicated to investigations, patrol, and corrections, each playing a crucial role in maintaining law and order in Frio County.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Frio County is provided by both Frio County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Pearsall Police Department serves the city of Pearsall, handling local law enforcement duties within city limits. Similarly, the Dilley Police Department operates within the city of Dilley. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Each department focuses on maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and responding to emergencies within their respective areas.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Frio County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Frio County and operates Frio County jail facility. The Sheriff's Office is located at 500 E. San Antonio Street, Suite 2, Pearsall, TX 78061, and can be reached for The agency is responsible for patrol operations, criminal investigations, civil process service, and detention operations. Frio County Jail houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions.
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and related law enforcement documents by submitting a written public records request to the custodian of records at the respective law enforcement agency.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records and may be available through the Sheriff's Office, though Frio County may not maintain an online public database.
- Requests for booking photographs should be directed to Frio County Sheriff's Office records division, and fees may apply for copies of records under Texas Government Code Section 552.261.
Inmate information, including booking dates, charges, and bond amounts, can typically be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Pearsall Police Department, which has jurisdiction within the city limits of Pearsall, the largest county in Frio County. The Pearsall Police Department handles city ordinance violations, traffic enforcement, and criminal matters within its jurisdiction.
Arrest records in Frio County are public information under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. Some information may be withheld if it pertains to ongoing investigations or is otherwise exempt under statutory exceptions.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Frio County include information on felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Frio County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Texas Department of Public Safety provides statewide criminal history information. Residents can request background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal. The Texas Bureau of Investigation also assists in providing full criminal history data for residents and law enforcement agencies.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Frio County are maintained by Frio County Sheriff's Office. These records detail the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including the charges filed, date of arrest, and personal information. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Texas Public Information Act governs the release of such records, for public access and public access. Arrest records typically include the arresting agency, booking details, and any charges filed against the individual.
Jail & Inmate Records
Frio County Jail, located in Pearsall, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Frio County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through Frio County Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial upon payment of a set amount.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Frio County are taken and retained by Frio 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 that compile such information. While Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from third-party websites may need to pursue legal action or contact the site administrators directly. Mugshots are often used with arrest records to provide a complete profile of an individual's arrest history.
Courts & Case Records
Frio County is served by the 81st Judicial District Court, which has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, family law cases including divorce and child custody, and juvenile matters. The 81st District Court is located at Frio County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio Street, Pearsall, TX 78061.
- Frio County also has Justice of the Peace Courts serving multiple precincts throughout Frio County, which handle small claims (up to $20,000), evictions, traffic violations, and Class C misdemeanors.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee schedule established by statute: $1 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus any applicable certification fees.
- Some case information may be available through the Texas Judicial Branch's online resources, though Frio County may not maintain a dedicated online case search portal.
- Requesters should contact the appropriate clerk's office for specific case information and access procedures.
Court records, case filings, and docket information can be accessed through the District Clerk's office at the same address or by phone for Frio County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases with amounts in controversy between $200 and $250,000. Municipal Court in Pearsall handles city ordinance violations and traffic citations issued within city limits. Public access to court records is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and Rules of Judicial Administration.
Frio County Clerk maintains an index of court cases, and the public may search records in person at the courthouse.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Frio County are maintained by Frio County Clerk's office, which is the official recorder of deeds. Frio County Clerk's office is located at 500 E. San Antonio Street, Suite 1, Pearsall, TX 78061, phone. The office maintains records including warranty deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage instruments, releases, assignments, mechanics' and materialmen's liens, judgment liens, tax liens, easements, rights-of-way, and plat maps for subdivisions within Frio County.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments are available for statutory fees.
These records form the chain of title for real property and are essential for property transactions and title research. Frio County Clerk's office has official records dating back to Frio County's organization in the 1870s. Property records are public information and available for inspection during regular business hours.
Frio County may offer an online property records search system through a third-party vendor, though availability and features should be confirmed by contacting the Clerk's office directly. Property tax information, including current assessed values, tax amounts, payment status, and ownership data, is maintained by Frio County Tax Assessor-Collector's office at 500 E. San Antonio Street, Pearsall, TX 78061, phone.
The Tax Assessor-Collector's office may provide online property tax lookup and payment services. Frio County Appraisal District, a separate entity located at 511 W. Comal Street, Pearsall, TX 78061, establishes property valuations and maintains property descriptions, maps, and ownership records.
The Appraisal District website may offer a public access property search system with parcel information, including legal descriptions, improvements, exemptions, and appraisal values.
Vital Records
Vital records for Frio County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by Frio County Clerk's office at 500 E. San Antonio Street, Suite 1, Pearsall, TX 78061. Birth certificates for births occurring in Frio County can be requested from the County Clerk, with current fees typically around $23 for a certified copy. Applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Texas Family Code Section 191.0046.
- Death certificates for deaths occurring in Frio County are also available through the County Clerk's office, with similar fees and identification requirements.
- Processing time for vital records requests at Frio County level is typically 5-10 business days, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- The marriage license fee is established by state statute.
Birth records are restricted for 75 years from the date of birth, and only authorized persons including the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives may obtain certified copies. Death certificates are restricted for 25 years from the date of death. Marriage licenses are issued by Frio County Clerk's office, and the office maintains marriage records for marriages performed in Frio County.
Divorce records (decrees of dissolution) are maintained by the District Clerk's office at the courthouse. For faster service or for records from other Texas counties, applicants may contact the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin, which maintains statewide vital records. Online ordering of Texas vital records is available through the state's official vendor at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs.
The Texas vital records statutes are found in the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapters 191-194, and the Texas Family Code.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Frio County are available through multiple governmental offices depending on the type of record sought. Frio County Clerk's office at 500 E. San Antonio Street, Pearsall, TX 78061, maintains records of assumed name certificates (DBA - 'Doing Business As' filings) for businesses operating in Frio County under a name other than the owner's legal name. Texas Business and Commerce Code Section 71.002 requires such filings for people and partnerships.
- Frio County Clerk charges a filing fee for assumed name certificates and maintains these records as public information.
- The Secretary of State's SOSDirect system at www.sos.state.tx.us provides free online access to search business entity records, view certificates of formation, registered agents, and filing histories.
- The Pearsall Chamber of Commerce, serving Frio County, provides resources and information for businesses and can be reached through local business networks.
For information about business entities such as corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State is the official registration authority. Professional licenses for occupations such as physicians, attorneys, cosmetologists, contractors, and real estate agents are issued by respective state licensing boards, not at Frio County level. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Local business licenses and permits may be required by the City of Pearsall for businesses operating within city limits; such requirements should be verified with the Pearsall City Hall. Building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, and zoning information are typically handled at the municipal level in incorporated areas and may involve county offices for unincorporated areas. Frio County Development office or County Judge's office can provide information about development regulations.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Frio County are administered by Frio County Elections Administrator, working with the County Clerk's office. The elections office is located at Frio County Courthouse complex, 500 E. San Antonio Street, Pearsall, TX 78061. Voters can contact the elections office for information about voter registration, polling locations, and election procedures. Voter registration in Texas is handled through a unified statewide system.
- In the 2024 general election, turnout in Frio County was approximately 48-52% of registered voters, consistent with patterns in similar rural Texas counties.
- Citizens may request copies of public election records by submitting a public information request to the County Clerk or Elections Administrator under the Texas Public Information Act.
Residents of Frio County may register to vote by completing a voter registration application available from the County Voter Registrar, at various county offices, public libraries, or online at www.votetexas.gov, the official Texas Secretary of State voter portal. The registration deadline in Texas is 30 days before an election. Applicants must be U.S.
Citizens, Texas residents, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and not finally convicted of a felony or, if convicted, have completed their sentence including probation or parole. Voters can find their assigned polling place for Election Day by checking their voter registration certificate, contacting Frio County elections office, or using the polling place locator at www.votetexas.gov. Early voting locations and schedules are announced prior to each election and typically include the County Courthouse and possibly additional sites.
Election records that are public information under Texas law include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filing documents, campaign finance reports filed with Frio County (for local candidates), and election orders. The Texas Election Code governs public access to election records. Frio County, like most South Texas counties, typically sees voter turnout rates that vary significantly between presidential election years and off-year elections.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, which will include races for U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate (if the seat is up for election), Texas statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other constitutional officers, Texas State Senate and House seats, and county and local offices.
Mail-in (absentee) ballots in Texas are available only to voters who meet specific qualifications: those 65 years or older, those who will be absent from Frio County during the entire early voting period and on Election Day, those confined in jail but otherwise eligible, or those who have a disability or illness that prevents voting in person. Mail-in ballot applications must be submitted to Frio County Early Voting Clerk and received by specified deadlines. Texas does not offer no-excuse absentee voting.
Economy & Demographics
Frio County's economy is historically rooted in agriculture, ranching, and energy production, sectors that continue to dominate the local economic scene. Agriculture remains a cornerstone industry, with significant production of peanuts (Frio County is one of Texas's leading peanut producers), pecans, grain sorghum, corn, cotton, and hay. Cattle ranching is also economically important, with many operations raising beef cattle. Frio County's agricultural output contributes substantially to both local employment and the broader Texas agricultural economy.
- The median household income in Frio County is estimated at approximately $42,000, which is below both state and national averages, reflecting Frio County's rural character and economic base.
Oil and gas extraction represents another critical economic sector, with Frio County situated in productive energy regions of South Texas. The Eagle Ford Shale formation has brought renewed energy development activity to Frio County, creating jobs in drilling, production, and related services. Major employers in Frio County include agricultural businesses, oil field service companies, school districts, county and municipal governments, and retail establishments serving the local population.
Healthcare services, provided by facilities such as Frio Regional Hospital in Pearsall, represent a growing employment sector. The retail and service sectors support the local population and agricultural workers. Transportation and logistics businesses benefit from Frio County's location along major highways connecting San Antonio to the Rio Grande Valley.
Economic development initiatives have focused on supporting agricultural diversification, attracting energy-related investment, and improving infrastructure. The unemployment rate in Frio County has historically tracked slightly above state averages but fluctuates with agricultural cycles and energy sector activity. Frio County's economy benefits from its proximity to San Antonio's larger metropolitan economy while maintaining its distinct rural and agricultural character.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Business: Yes: State Online (DBA at County) | Elections: Limited: Online | Overall Score: 5/10, Frio County maintains traditional in-person and phone access to most public records, with limited online portals. Many records require direct contact with county offices.