About Grayson County
Grayson County is located in North Texas along the Oklahoma border, acting as a gateway between the two states. With Grayson County Seat in Sherman, Grayson County includes approximately 979 square miles and maintains a population of roughly 135,000 residents as of recent census estimates. Grayson County was established in 1846 and named after Peter Wagener Grayson, an attorney general of the Republic of Texas. Major population centers include Sherman, Denison, Whitesboro, Van Alstyne, Pottsboro, and Howe.
Lake Texoma, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, forms much of the northern boundary and is a major recreational and economic asset. Grayson County Courthouse, located at 100 West Houston Street in Sherman, houses many county offices including the County Clerk and District Clerk. Grayson County Tax Assessor-Collector operates from 115 West Houston Street, Sherman, TX 75090.
Grayson County Clerk's office maintains vital records, court documents, and property filings. Grayson County's economy historically centered on agriculture and manufacturing, with modern growth in distribution, healthcare, and tourism related to Lake Texoma. The Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site in Denison commemorates President Dwight D.
Eisenhower's birth in Grayson County. Grayson County blends small-town Texas charm with proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, positioned along U.S. Highway 75 and U.S.
Highway 82.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Grayson County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Grayson County. It operates under the leadership of the elected Sheriff, who oversees various divisions including patrol, criminal investigations, and community services. The Sheriff's Office also manages Grayson County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives meant to crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
Grayson County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Grayson County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Sherman and Denison. The Sherman Police Department and Denison Police Department handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, focusing on local crime prevention and community safety. These agencies often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and law enforcement initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Grayson County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Grayson County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 110 North Crockett Street in Sherman, Texas 75090, provides primary law enforcement for unincorporated areas and operates Grayson County detention facility. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at co.grayson.tx.us/page/the local community.sheriff for public information. Grayson County Jail houses inmates awaiting trial and serving sentences up to one year, with inmate search capabilities available through the Sheriff's Office website and by calling the jail directly.
- Mugshot and booking information is generally accessible through public records requests or online databases maintained by the Sheriff's Office.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
Municipal police departments operate independently in Sherman, Denison, Whitesboro, Van Alstyne, Pottsboro, Howe, Bells, Collinsville, Gunter, and Tioga, each handling law enforcement within city limits. Arrest records in Grayson County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which requires governmental bodies to provide access to public records unless specifically exempted. Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or respective police departments, though some information may be withheld during active investigations.
The Sheriff's Office also coordinates with the North Texas Fusion System for regional intelligence and crime analysis. Sex offender registry information is publicly accessible through the Texas Department of Public Safety website for Grayson County residents.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Grayson County includes a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Grayson 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 background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal, which provides access to statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Grayson County are maintained by Grayson County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records document the circumstances of an arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, often requiring a formal written request. Information on an arrest record includes the date of arrest, charges, and arresting agency. The Texas Public Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, making sure of public access to government documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
Grayson County Jail, located in Sherman, is the primary detention facility for Grayson County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Grayson County, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and processed. Inmate information, including booking details, can be accessed through Grayson County Sheriff's Office website. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance. The bond and bail process in Texas allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and bonds can be posted through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Grayson County are taken and retained by Grayson 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 request. While there is no specific Texas law mandating the removal of mugshots from public records, individuals can petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the arrest record.
Courts & Case Records
Grayson County's judicial system includes several court levels serving different jurisdictions. The 15th and 59th District Courts, located in Grayson County Courthouse at 100 West Houston Street, Sherman, TX 75090, handle felony criminal cases, major civil litigation, family law matters including divorce and child custody, and juvenile cases. Grayson County Court at Law addresses misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $250,000, probate, mental health commitments, and appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts.
- Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4) handle small claims up to $20,000, evictions, traffic violations, and serve as magistrates for initial criminal proceedings.
- Court records are accessible through the District Clerk's Office (phone: 903-813-4340) and County Clerk's Office (phone: 903-813-4305).
- Certified copies of court documents require fees typically ranging from $1 per page plus a certification fee.
- Remote access fees and subscription services may apply for extensive online research.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Grayson County are maintained by the County Clerk's Office at 100 West Houston Street, Sherman, TX 75090, phone. Grayson County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, property abstracts, plat maps, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. These documents are indexed by grantor, grantee, and property description, creating a full chain of title for all parcels.
- Their website at www.graysonappraisal.com offers a free online property search with GIS mapping, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, aerial photography, and ownership history.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost approximately $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus mailing fees if applicable.
Grayson County provides free online property records search through the County Clerk's website at co.grayson.tx.us/page/Grayson County.county_clerk, where users can search recorded documents, though downloading or printing official copies may require fees. Grayson County Appraisal District, located at 415 North Travis Street, Sherman, TX 75090 (phone: 903-893-8301), maintains property tax records, appraisals, ownership information, property characteristics, and exemption data. The Tax Assessor-Collector's Office at 115 West Houston Street handles property tax payments and vehicle title transfers.
All property records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552 and Texas Property Code, with limited exceptions for certain confidential information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Grayson County, Texas are managed through multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Grayson County can be requested from Grayson County Clerk's Office at 100 West Houston Street, Sherman, TX 75090, phone, for events that occurred locally.
- Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail requests, faster for in-person requests.
- Marriage records become public information and certified copies are available for $10.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the Texas.gov website or VitalChek for an additional service fee.
However, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit is the central repository for all Texas vital records and can provide certified copies of birth certificates (available to eligible applicants only) for $23 and death certificates for $21, with expedited service available for additional fees. Marriage licenses are issued by Grayson County Clerk's Office, requiring both applicants to appear in person with valid photo identification, proof of age and identity, and payment of fees (approximately $80, reduced to $20 with completion of premarital education course). Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk's Office in Grayson County Courthouse.
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, birth and death certificates are restricted to family members, legal representatives, and those with tangible interest and proper identification. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo ID and demonstrate legal relationship or entitlement to the record.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Grayson County are managed through multiple agencies depending on the business type and activity. Grayson County Clerk's Office at 100 West Houston Street, Sherman, TX 75090 (phone: 903-813-4305) maintains assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) and fictitious name registrations for businesses operating under names different from the owner's legal name, with filings searchable in person or by request.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State Business & Public Filings Division provides a free online database at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml, showing entity status, registration date, registered agent, and filing history. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be verified through their website. Professional and occupational licenses (medical, legal, contracting, cosmetology) are regulated by respective state boards rather than county offices.
Building permits, construction permits, and zoning compliance in unincorporated Grayson County are handled by the County Development Services or Planning Department, while incorporated cities manage their own permitting. Contact Grayson County Planning for rural development questions. The Sherman Chamber of Commerce (www.shermantexas.com) and Denison Area Chamber of Commerce (www.denisontexas.us) provide business development resources, economic data, and networking opportunities.
Business personal property must be rendered annually to Grayson County Appraisal District for taxation purposes.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Grayson County are administered by Grayson County Elections Administrator, located at 115 West Houston Street, Suite 101, Sherman, TX 75090. The Elections Office can be reached at and maintains information at co.grayson.tx.us/page/Sherman area.Elections. Voter registration in Texas requires completion of an application at least 30 days before an election, available online through the Texas Secretary of State at www.texas.gov or through Grayson County Elections Office, county libraries, and Department of Public Safety offices.
- Registered voters can locate their specific polling place by visiting the County Elections website, calling the Elections Office, or using the Texas Secretary of State's polling place locator.
- In the November 2024 general election, Grayson County voter turnout reached approximately 62-65% of registered voters, reflecting strong engagement in presidential and congressional races.
Texas offers online voter registration status checking but requires mailed or in-person submission of initial registration applications with original signature. Grayson County maintains numerous Election Day polling locations and early voting sites in Sherman, Denison, and throughout Grayson County. Public election records include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted per Texas Election Code), campaign finance reports filed with Grayson County and state, candidate applications, precinct-by-precinct election results, and ballot propositions.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm elections, Texas statewide offices including Governor and Attorney General, State Legislature races, and county offices. Texas offers limited mail-in (absentee) voting, restricted to voters 65 or older, those with disabilities, those confined in jail but eligible, or those outside Grayson County during the election period.
Applications for mail ballots must be received by the Elections Office no later than 11 days before Election Day. Under Texas Election Code Chapter 1.006 and the Public Information Act, citizens may request access to election records, voter history, and precinct data, though personal voter information such as social security numbers and driver's license numbers remain confidential. Grayson County posts unofficial election results online on election night and certifies official results within required timeframes.
Economy & Demographics
Grayson County's economy reflects a diverse mix of manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, retail, tourism, and distribution sectors. Major employers include Caterpillar Inc. And Chart Industries in Sherman, employing thousands in heavy equipment manufacturing and cryogenic equipment production. Texoma Medical Center in Denison and Wilson N. Jones Regional Medical Center in Sherman anchor the healthcare sector as significant employers.
- Median household income in Grayson County approximates $58,000 to $62,000 based on recent census estimates, slightly below Texas state averages but supported by lower cost of living.
- Grayson County's proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (approximately 60 miles) enables commuter employment while maintaining lower housing costs.
Grayson County's agricultural economy remains important with cattle ranching, hay production, wheat, corn, and equine operations generating substantial revenue. Lake Texoma drives a substantial tourism and recreation economy, with marinas, resorts, fishing guides, and vacation rentals supporting seasonal employment. Grayson County benefits from strategic location along U.S.
Highway 75 corridor connecting Dallas-Fort Worth to Oklahoma, attracting distribution and logistics operations. Retail development has expanded along Highway 75 in Sherman and Denison, with national chains and regional businesses. Unemployment rates typically track state averages, ranging from 3.5% to 5% depending on economic cycles.
Economic development initiatives focus on industrial park expansion, infrastructure improvements, workforce training partnerships with Grayson College, and downtown revitalization in Sherman and Denison. Aviation, defense contracting, and technology sectors show emerging growth potential.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Limited: State Database Available | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Grayson County provides strong digital access to court dockets, property records with GIS mapping, and jail information, though vital records require traditional request methods and business filings split between county and state systems.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Grayson County
Explore public records for 17 cities and communities in Grayson County, Texas.