About Grimes County
Grimes County is located in east-central Texas, approximately 60 miles northwest of Houston and 90 miles northeast of Austin. Established in 1846, Grimes County was named after Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Grimes County Seat is Anderson, a historic town that is the governmental center. Grimes County includes approximately 799 square miles and has a population of around 29,000 residents according to recent estimates. Grimes County is characterized by rolling terrain, pine and oak forests, and rich agricultural land.
Major communities include Navasota, the largest city in Grimes County, as well as Anderson, Bedias, Iola, and Todd Mission. The Texas Renaissance Festival, held annually near Todd Mission, is one of the nation's largest Renaissance festivals and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Grimes County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, cotton, and timber production.
Grimes County Courthouse in Anderson, built in 1894, is a historic landmark and houses several county offices. Grimes County Clerk is, Anderson, TX 77830, and maintains vital records, court records, and business filings. Grimes County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, also located in the courthouse, handles property tax assessments and collections.
Grimes County Appraisal District, at 405 West Frank Street, Navasota, TX 77868, is responsible for property appraisals. Grimes County's proximity to major metropolitan areas while maintaining its rural character makes it attractive to residents seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to urban amenities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Grimes County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Grimes County. It oversees Grimes County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community policing and public safety, offering programs such as neighborhood watch and crime prevention workshops. The Sheriff's Office also has specialized divisions, including a criminal investigations unit and a narcotics task force, to address specific crime issues within Grimes County.
Police Departments
Grimes County is served by Grimes County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments, including the Navasota Police Department and Anderson Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while city police departments manage law enforcement within their respective city limits. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and public safety throughout Grimes County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Grimes County Sheriff's Office, located at 303 West Washington Street, Anderson, TX 77830, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Grimes County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at grimescountysheriff.com. Sheriff Don Sowell oversees operations including patrol, criminal investigations, civil process, and Grimes County jail. Grimes County Jail is operated by the Sheriff's Office and houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically considered public records and may be obtained through written requests to the arresting agency or the jail.
- The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs and incident reports that citizens may request.
- Processing times and copying fees apply according to state statute, typically $0.10 per page for standard copies.
- Citizens seeking arrest records should submit Texas Public Information Act requests in writing, specifying the records sought and providing identification as required by law.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail at or through the Sheriff's Office website, which may provide an online inmate roster with booking information. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Navasota Police Department, serving the city of Navasota, located at 101 East McAlpine Street, Navasota, TX 77868. Arrest records in Grimes County are public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), and requests can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or individual police departments.
Some information may be withheld if it relates to ongoing investigations or is otherwise exempt under Chapter 552. The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains statewide criminal history records accessible through proper channels.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Grimes County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Grimes County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Texas Public Information Act. Background checks can be conducted through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides a full criminal history for people. The Texas Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for residents seeking detailed criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Grimes County are maintained by Grimes County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following the procedures outlined by the Texas Public Information Act. A typical arrest record in Grimes County will show the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency, providing a summary of the incident.
Jail & Inmate Records
Grimes County Jail, located in Anderson, is the primary detention facility for Grimes County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and strict regulations on what visitors can bring. The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for release through cash bonds or bail bondsmen.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Grimes County are taken and retained by Grimes 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. While Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request removal from third-party sites under certain conditions. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on how to search for and request copies of mugshots.
Courts & Case Records
Grimes County District Court, Anderson, TX 77830, handles felony criminal cases, civil matters involving amounts over $200, divorce and family law cases, and juvenile matters. The 278th Judicial District Court serves Grimes, Leon, and Madison Counties. Grimes County Clerk's office, reachable, maintains district court records and provides case information to the public. Grimes County has Justice of the Peace Courts in multiple precincts handling Class C misdemeanors, small claims up to $20,000, evictions, and traffic violations.
- Grimes County Clerk provides online case access through the Texas Judicial Branch's case search portal for some records.
- Fees for certified copies are established by Texas Local Government Code Section 118.011, typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for additional pages, plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- In-person requests can be made during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Precinct 1 is, Anderson; Precinct 2 at 101 Farquhar Street, Navasota; Precinct 3 in Bedias; and Precinct 4 in Todd Mission. Grimes County Court at Law, presided over by the County Judge, handles Class A and B misdemeanors, probate matters, and civil cases. Grimes County Clerk, maintains County Court records.
Court records are accessible under Texas Government Code Section 552.002, which establishes that government information is presumptively public. Some records may be sealed or confidential under specific provisions of law, including juvenile records and certain family law matters. Grimes County Clerk also maintains probate files, guardianship records, and mental health proceedings as required by statute.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Grimes County are maintained by Grimes County Clerk, Anderson, TX 77830, phone. Grimes County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, maintaining documents including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, releases, assignments, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, oil and gas leases, and subdivision plat maps. These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description to help with searches.
- The Clerk's office provides public access to land records dating back to Grimes County's formation in 1846.
- Some historical records have been digitized and may be searchable online, though availability varies.
- The Appraisal District website at grimescad.org provides a free online property search tool where users can look up parcels by owner name, address, or account number.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk for statutory fees: $5.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page of a certified instrument.
Grimes County Appraisal District, located at 405 West Frank Street, Navasota, TX 77868, phone, maintains property tax records, ownership information, property characteristics, and assessed values. This database includes ownership information, property descriptions, valuations, exemptions, and tax history. Property tax payments and collection are handled by Grimes County Tax Assessor-Collector at the courthouse in Anderson.
Grimes County maintains a Geographical Information System (GIS) that may be accessible through the Appraisal District website, providing parcel mapping and spatial data. All property records are public information under Texas Government Code Chapter 552 unless specifically exempted by law.
Vital Records
Vital records for Grimes County, Texas, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Grimes County Clerk, Anderson, TX 77830, phone, issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for ceremonies performed in Grimes County. Applicants must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the required fee (typically $71-$81 depending on whether the couple completes a premarital education course). There is a 72-hour waiting period after issuance unless waived.
- Divorce decrees are filed with the District Clerk's office at the same address, phone, and certified copies can be obtained for a statutory fee.
- Processing time is typically 2-3 weeks for mail requests and immediate for in-person visits to state offices.
- Death certificates cost $21.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies.
- Online expedited services through VitalChek involve additional processing fees.
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Grimes County are filed with the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin. Local informational copies may be available through the County Clerk for recent events, but official certified copies suitable for legal purposes must be obtained from the state. Birth certificates can be requested from Texas Vital Statistics by mail, in-person at regional offices, or online through VitalChek at Texas.gov, with fees of $23.00 for the first copy and $22.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and prove eligibility to receive certified copies under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, which restricts access to immediate family members and other qualified applicants. Records are available from 1903 forward, with earlier records potentially available through county archives or the Texas State Library.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Grimes County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Grimes County Clerk, Anderson, TX 77830, phone, accepts filings for Assumed Name Certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. These filings are required under Texas Business & Commerce Code Section 71.002 and cost approximately $15-$20 to file. Grimes County Clerk maintains an index of assumed name registrations that is available for public inspection.
- The Secretary of State's SOSDirect online system at direct.sos.state.tx.us provides free public access to search registered business entities, view formation documents, registered agents, and filing history.
- Grimes County Chamber of Commerce, serving the Navasota area, can be found at navasotachamber.com and provides resources for businesses operating in Grimes County.
- The Chamber promotes economic development and provides networking opportunities for local businesses.
For formal business entity formation and registration, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations, filings are made with the Texas Secretary of State in Austin. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, not at Grimes County level. Professional and occupational licenses (such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers) are regulated by respective state licensing boards.
Local business permits and health permits for restaurants and food establishments are issued by municipal governments; the City of Navasota administers such permits within city limits. Building permits, construction inspections, and zoning compliance in unincorporated areas are handled by Grimes County Development Services or Commissioner's Court. Grimes County Appraisal District maintains records of business personal property renditions for taxation purposes.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Grimes County are administered by Grimes County Elections Administrator, Anderson, TX 77830, phone. The office operates under the oversight of the County Clerk and maintains voter registration rolls, manages polling locations, conducts early voting, processes mail-in ballots, and certifies election results. Voter registration in Texas is handled through Grimes County voter registrar; applications can be submitted by mail, in person, or when obtaining or renewing a driver's license.
- The 2024 general election in Grimes County saw turnout of approximately 55-60% of registered voters, consistent with Texas rural county patterns in presidential election years.
Online voter registration is not currently available in Texas, but downloadable applications can be found at VoteTexas.gov. The registration deadline is 30 days prior to any election. Texas law requires voters to present one of seven approved forms of photo identification at the polls, including a Texas driver's license, Texas election identification certificate, Texas personal identification card, U.S.
Passport, military ID card, U.S. Citizenship certificate with photo, or a license to carry a handgun. Voters can find their polling place by contacting the Elections Administrator or by using the online lookup tool at VoteTexas.gov by entering their name and date of birth.
Public election records include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under Texas Election Code Section 18.066), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate applications and filings, precinct-level election results, and early voting rosters. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate contests if applicable, Texas statewide offices including Governor and other constitutional offices, State Senate and State House seats, and various county and local positions. Mail-in (absentee) voting in Texas is restricted to voters who are 65 or older, disabled, out of Grimes County during the entire early voting period and on election day, or confined in jail but otherwise eligible. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Grimes County Elections Administrator and received no later than the close of business on the 11th day before election day.
Early voting is conducted at designated locations for approximately two weeks prior to election day. Citizens can request copies of public election records under the Texas Public Information Act by submitting written requests to the Elections Administrator, though some records such as individual voter history may be restricted. Campaign finance reports for local candidates are available for inspection at the County Clerk's office, while state-level campaign finance data is accessible through the Texas Ethics Commission website at ethics.state.tx.us.
Economy & Demographics
Grimes County's economy is diverse, blending traditional agricultural roots with growing industrial and service sectors. Agriculture remains significant, with cattle ranching, hay production, timber harvesting, and poultry farming contributing substantially to the economic base. Grimes County's timber industry benefits from extensive pine and hardwood forests.
- The median household income in Grimes County is approximately $52,000-$58,000, somewhat below the Texas state average, reflecting Grimes County's rural character.
- Grimes County's relatively affordable land and housing costs, combined with good transportation access, position it for continued growth as population pressures increase in neighboring metropolitan areas.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice operates multiple correctional facilities in Grimes County, including the Luther Unit, the Pack Unit, and the Ferguson Unit, making the state prison system one of the largest employers in Grimes County. These facilities employ hundreds of correctional officers, administrative staff, and support personnel. The Texas Renaissance Festival, held annually on weekends from October through November near Todd Mission, generates significant economic impact through tourism, drawing over 500,000 visitors during its season and creating seasonal employment opportunities.
Retail, healthcare, and education also provide substantial employment, with Navasota Independent School District and Grimes County government being major public sector employers. Manufacturing has grown with several industrial facilities locating in Grimes County due to proximity to major highways including State Highway 6 and State Highway 90. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to state averages, fluctuating between 4-6% depending on economic conditions.
Economic development efforts focus on attracting distribution centers and light manufacturing due to Grimes County's strategic location between Houston, College Station, and the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Partial Online | Property: Yes: Free Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Records Available | Overall Score: 7/10, Grimes County provides good access to property records through the Appraisal District and some court records online, but vital records require state-level requests and arrest records typically need direct contact with law enforcement.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Grimes County
Explore public records for 7 cities and communities in Grimes County, Texas.