About Goliad County
Goliad County is located in South Texas, approximately 90 miles southeast of San Antonio and 50 miles northwest of Corpus Christi. Goliad County Seat is Goliad, one of the oldest towns in Texas, established in 1749. Goliad County includes approximately 859 square miles and has a population of around 7,500 residents according to recent estimates. Goliad County is steeped in Texas history, most notably as the site of the local community Massacre during the Texas Revolution in 1836, where Colonel James Fannin and his troops were executed by Mexican forces.
The Presidio La Bahía, established in 1749, remains one of the oldest Spanish forts in the United States and is a major historical landmark. The Goliad area State Park and Historic Site preserves Mission Espíritu Santo, further cementing Goliad County's role in Texas heritage. The economy traditionally centers on cattle ranching, oil and gas production, and agriculture.
Goliad County Courthouse, built in 1894, stands as an architectural centerpiece in the town square. Public records in Goliad County are maintained by several offices: Goliad County Clerk, located at 127 North Courthouse Square in Goliad area, Texas 77963, handles court records, vital records, and certain business filings; Goliad County Tax Assessor-Collector manages property tax records; and the County Clerk also is the County Recorder for land records. Goliad County's rural character, combined with its profound historical significance in Texas independence, makes Goliad County unique among Texas counties.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Goliad County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Goliad County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees patrol operations, manages Goliad County jail, and processes arrests. It also maintains criminal records and works closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety. The Sheriff's Office is involved in various community outreach programs and initiatives meant to crime prevention and public education.
Police Departments
In addition to Goliad County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Goliad County is supported by the Goliad Police Department, which serves the city of Goliad. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in rural areas and unincorporated parts of Goliad County, while the Goliad Police Department focuses on urban policing within city limits. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies to ensure full coverage and public safety throughout Goliad County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Goliad County is primarily provided by Goliad County Sheriff's Office, located at 127 North Courthouse Square, Suite 2, Goliad, Texas 77963. The Sheriff's Office phone number is, and they maintain jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of Goliad County as well as operate Goliad County Jail. Inmates housed at Goliad County Jail can be located through the Sheriff's Office by calling during business hours or by visiting in person, as Goliad County does not currently maintain a dedicated online inmate roster system.
- Booking information, including mugshots when available, can be requested directly from the Sheriff's Office.
- Citizens may submit written requests for arrest records, booking reports, and incident reports to either the Sheriff's Office or the municipal police department, depending on which agency made the arrest.
- The requesting party must provide sufficient detail to identify the records sought, and agencies have ten business days to respond.
- Fees for copying records are established by state law and typically include charges for staff time and materials.
Within Goliad County, the City of Goliad County has its own municipal police department providing law enforcement services within city limits. Goliad County Police Department works in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on matters requiring joint jurisdiction. Arrest records in Goliad County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code.
Some records may be withheld if they are part of an ongoing investigation or involve confidential informants. Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as public records unless their release would interfere with law enforcement purposes. No tribal law enforcement operates within Goliad County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Goliad County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Goliad County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Texas Department of Public Safety provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the appropriate law enforcement agency or use the Texas Bureau of Investigation's services for more full background checks. These records are essential for legal proceedings and public safety assessments.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Goliad County are maintained by Goliad County Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about arrests made within Goliad County, including the charges, date of arrest, and arresting officer. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records through the Sheriff's Office, following the guidelines set by the Texas Public Information Act. Arrest records are a crucial part of the criminal justice process and are used for various legal and administrative purposes.
Jail & Inmate Records
Goliad County Jail is the primary detention facility in Goliad County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Goliad County, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information. Inmate lookup services are available for family members and attorneys to locate individuals who have been recently arrested. The jail has specific visitation rules that must be adhered to, and the bond process follows Texas state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Goliad County are taken and retained by Goliad County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. Mugshots are often used by law enforcement and the public for identification and informational purposes.
Courts & Case Records
Goliad County's judicial system includes several courts with distinct jurisdictions. The 24th Judicial District Court serves Goliad County and several other counties, hearing felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $200 in controversy, family law matters including divorce and child custody, and juvenile cases.
- Goliad County Justice of the Peace Court is a lower trial court handling Class C misdemeanors (punishable by fine only), small claims cases up to $20,000, eviction suits, and magistrate functions including setting bail.
- Fees for certified copies are $1 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5 certification fee per document.
- Requests for bulk records or extensive research may incur additional copying and clerk time charges as permitted by statute.
Goliad County Court is located at 127 North Courthouse Square, Goliad, Texas 77963, and can be reached for Goliad County Court at Law, presided over by the County Judge, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, mental health proceedings, and civil cases with amounts in controversy between $200 and $250,000. Court records in Goliad County are accessible under Texas Government Code Section 552 (Public Information Act) and Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, which governs access to court records. Goliad County District Clerk, located at 127 North Courthouse Square, maintains records for the District Court, while the County Clerk maintains records for the County Court and Justice Court.
Record searches can be conducted in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. While Goliad County does not currently offer a full online case search portal, certain records may be available through the Texas Judicial Branch case search system.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Goliad County are maintained by Goliad County Clerk, who is the County Recorder. The office is located at 127 North Courthouse Square, Goliad, Texas 77963, and can be contacted for Goliad County Clerk's recording division maintains an extensive collection of real property documents dating back to Goliad County's founding, including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, mechanic's liens, tax liens, judgment liens, easements, right-of-way documents, oil and gas leases, plat maps, and subdivision records.
- Recording fees vary based on the number of pages: typically $25 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk's office for a fee of $5 for certification plus copying charges.
Texas law requires most documents affecting real property to be recorded in Goliad County where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers. Goliad County Clerk's office maintains both grantor-grantee indexes and geographic indexes to help with property research. Property tax records are handled separately by Goliad County Tax Assessor-Collector's Office, which maintains information on property valuations, tax assessments, payment history, and exemptions.
Goliad County Appraisal District, an independent entity, determines property values and can be reached for While Goliad County does not currently offer a full free online property search portal, limited property tax information may be available through the Appraisal District's system. Researchers can access the records room during regular business hours to examine documents. Abstract companies and title companies frequently research these records when properties are sold or refinanced.
Vital Records
Vital records for Goliad County, Texas, are maintained at both the local and state levels. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Goliad County can be requested from Goliad County Clerk's office, located at 127 North Courthouse Square, Goliad, Texas 77963, phone. Goliad County Clerk maintains birth records and death records as local registrar for Goliad County. The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate or same-day if the record is readily located; mail requests may take two to three weeks.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Texas Family Code Section 191.0045 and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191. Eligible applicants typically include the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with court orders. Marriage licenses are issued by Goliad County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person, provide identification and Social Security numbers, and pay a fee of $81 (reduced to $21 if the couple completes a premarital education course).
The marriage license becomes valid 72 hours after issuance and remains valid for 90 days. Marriage records after issuance and divorce decrees are also available from the County Clerk. For records not available locally or for additional certified copies, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin maintains statewide birth records from 1903 forward and death records from 1964 forward.
Their website, www.dshs.texas.gov/vs, offers online ordering through an authorized vendor with expedited shipping options. The state office phone number is.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Goliad County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Goliad County Clerk's office, located at 127 North Courthouse Square, Goliad, Texas 77963, phone, is responsible for filing assumed name certificates (DBAs or 'doing business as' names) as required by Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 71. Sole proprietors and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file an assumed name certificate with the County Clerk in each county where business is conducted.
- The filing fee is approximately $25, and the certificate must be renewed every ten years.
- This database includes all corporations, LLCs, LPs, and LLPs registered to conduct business in Texas.
For corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal business entities, formation documents are filed with the Texas Secretary of State in Austin. The Secretary of State maintains a full online business entity search tool called SOSDirect at www.sos.state.tx.us, where users can search for business names, registered agents, filing history, and entity status free of charge. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and businesses can apply online through the Comptroller's website.
Professional and occupational licenses, such as those for cosmetologists, electricians, plumbers, and medical professionals, are regulated by respective state licensing boards rather than county offices. Building permits and construction-related licenses in unincorporated areas of Goliad County are handled by Goliad County's building inspection department or commissioners court, while municipalities like the City of Goliad area issue their own permits within city limits. Zoning matters and land use approvals are addressed by Goliad County Commissioners Court for unincorporated areas.
Goliad County Chamber of Commerce, which can provide business resources and networking opportunities, operates to support local economic development, though it does not maintain official licensing records.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Goliad County, Texas, are administered by Goliad County Elections Administrator and the County Clerk's office, located at 127 North Courthouse Square, Goliad, Texas 77963. The office can be reached for election related inquiries. Voter registration in Texas is handled through a unified state system; residents of Goliad County must complete a voter registration application and submit it to Goliad County Voter Registrar at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling location by visiting the Texas Secretary of State's voter information portal or by contacting the County Clerk's office.
- In the November 2024 general election, Goliad County, like much of rural Texas, saw turnout rates of approximately 60-65% of registered voters, reflecting strong participation typical of presidential election years.
Applications can be obtained from the County Clerk's office, libraries, and various public offices, or completed online at the Texas Secretary of State website (www.votetexas.gov), though online applications must be printed, signed, and mailed to the County Voter Registrar. During early voting periods, which typically run from 17 days before Election Day until four days before for general elections, Goliad County establishes one or more early voting locations, usually including the County Courthouse. On Election Day, voters must cast ballots at their assigned precinct polling place.
The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races (Goliad County falls within Texas Congressional District 27 or 15 depending on redistricting), statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other constitutional offices, Texas State Senate and House seats, and various local county positions. Texas does not offer universal mail-in voting; absentee voting by mail is restricted to voters who are 65 years or older, disabled, confined in jail but eligible, or will be out of Goliad County during the early voting period and on Election Day.
Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Goliad County Early Voting Clerk. Election records that are public under Texas law include voter registration lists (available for political purposes), candidate filings, campaign finance reports filed with Goliad County or state, precinct-level election results, and records of voting equipment testing. The Texas Election Code, particularly Chapters 1, 13, 84, and 276, governs public access to election records and establishes transparency requirements for the conduct of elections.
Goliad County posts unofficial election results on election night, with official canvassed results adopted by the Commissioners Court within the statutory timeframe.
Economy & Demographics
Goliad County's economy is characterized by a blend of traditional agriculture, energy production, and heritage tourism. With a population of approximately 7,500 spread across 859 square miles, Goliad County maintains a distinctly rural economic profile. Cattle ranching remains a cornerstone industry, with thousands of acres devoted to livestock operations. Goliad County's agricultural sector also includes hay production, corn, sorghum, and other crops suited to the South Texas climate.
- According to recent economic data, the median household income in Goliad County is approximately $52,000, somewhat below the Texas state median.
Oil and gas production represents another significant economic driver; Goliad County sits within a productive region for petroleum extraction, with numerous wells and related support services providing employment and tax revenue. The unemployment rate typically ranges between 3% and 5%, roughly tracking with state averages but subject to fluctuations in energy sector activity. Major employers in Goliad County include the Goliad Independent School District, Goliad County government, healthcare facilities, ranching operations, and energy companies.
Heritage tourism contributes meaningfully to the local economy; the Presidio La Bahía, Mission Espíritu Santo at Goliad County State Park and Historic Site, and the local community Massacre site attract thousands of visitors annually interested in Texas Revolution history. Goliad County hosts events such as Goliad County Fair and various historical commemorations that support hospitality and retail businesses. Small businesses, including restaurants, retail shops, and professional services clustered in the town of the local community, serve both locals and tourists.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on promoting Goliad County's historical assets, improving infrastructure to support business growth, and maintaining the quality of life that attracts residents seeking a rural lifestyle within reasonable distance of larger cities like San Antonio, Victoria, and Corpus Christi. Goliad County's tax base benefits from a combination of agricultural land, commercial property, and mineral rights valuations.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Limited Online | Property: Limited: Online via Appraisal District | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Business: Yes: State Online (DBA at Clerk) | Elections: Yes: State Portal for Voter Info | Overall Score: 5/10, Goliad County maintains traditional in-person access for most public records with limited digital infrastructure; state-level online resources supplement county services.