About Hood County
Hood County, Texas, is a scenic county located in North Central Texas, approximately 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Established in 1866 and named after Confederate General John Bell Hood, Hood County includes approximately 437 square miles of rolling hills, lakes, and historic ranching country. Hood County seat is Granbury, a charming historic town known for its beautifully preserved town square and Victorian-era architecture. As of the 2020 Census, Hood County had a population of approximately 61,598 residents, reflecting steady growth driven by its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and quality of life. Hood County is home to Lake Granbury, a man-made reservoir on the Brazos River that is a major recreational destination and economic driver. Hood County Courthouse, built in 1890, is a designated Texas Historic Landmark and anchors the Granbury town square, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Key county offices include Hood County Clerk located at 100 E. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048; Hood County Tax Assessor-Collector at the same address; and Hood County Appraisal District at 301 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048. Hood County's economy balances tourism, retirement communities, agriculture, and commuter populations working in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Hood County is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, low crime rates, and preservation of small-town Texas character while offering modern amenities and services to Everyone.
- Hood County Courthouse, built in 1890, is a designated Texas Historic Landmark and anchors the Granbury town square, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Hood County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Hood County. It oversees the operation of Hood County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community policing and public safety, with divisions dedicated to patrol, investigations, and special operations.
Police Departments
Hood County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Hood County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Granbury Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency within the city of Granbury, while the Tolar and Lipan Police Departments serve their respective communities. These agencies collaborate on major investigations and share resources to enhance public safety across Hood County. Each department has jurisdiction within its city limits, with the Sheriff's Office covering the broader unincorporated areas.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Hood County is primarily provided by Hood County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1200 West Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates Hood County Jail.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Texas and are often available through the Sheriff's Office inmate search system or by specific public information request.
- Processing times and any associated copying fees will vary by request complexity.
- Sex offender registration information is publicly available through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online sex offender registry.
The jail facility accepts inquiries for Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Granbury Police Department, serving Hood County seat at 310 W. Bridge Street, Granbury, TX 76048 Additional policing services may be provided by constables in Hood County's Justice of the Peace precincts.
Arrest records and booking reports in Hood County are public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552).
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Hood County, TX are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Court Records - Hood County Clerk - Texas.gov.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Hood County, TX are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Hood County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.
- Look up current inmates and booking information at Hood County, Texas Inmate Search | HoodRecords.us.
- Sheriff's Office: Contact - Hood County Sheriff, TX - Texas.gov.
- The bond and bail process allows release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.
Courts & Case Records
Hood County court system includes multiple levels of jurisdiction serving the residents of Hood County. The 355th District Court of Hood County is the primary court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, family law matters including divorce and child custody, civil cases over $200, and appeals from lower courts. Hood County Court is located at Hood County Courthouse, 100 E.
- Online case access may be available through Hood County website or Texas courts online systems.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $1 per page plus a certification fee.
- Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse for in-person research, and written requests for specific documents can be submitted with appropriate fees for copying and certification.
Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Hood County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters between $200 and $250,000, appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts, and probate matters. Hood County has four Justice of the Peace courts (Precincts 1-4) that handle small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, evictions, and magistrate functions including setting bail and issuing warrants. The Granbury Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Court records in Hood County are accessible under Texas Government Code Chapter 552 (Public Information Act) and Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76a. Hood County District Clerk, located at 100 E. Pearl Street, Suite 106, Granbury, TX 76048, maintains records for the District Court.
Hood County Clerk maintains records for the County Court at Law and Justice Courts.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Hood County are maintained by Hood County Clerk's Office, located at 100 E. Pearl Street, Suite 101, Granbury, TX 76048 Hood County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, maintaining records of property deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, releases, liens (including mechanics liens, tax liens, and judgment liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, and plat maps. These records are public information under Texas law and are available for public inspection and copying.
- Hood County provides online access to recorded documents through Hood County website, where users can search by name, document type, book and page, or instrument number.
- Some online services may require registration and charge subscription or per-document fees.
- The Appraisal District provides a free online property search tool where users can look up properties by owner name, address, or account number to view current appraisals, exemptions, and property details.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the County Clerk's office for a statutory fee of $1 per page plus certification charges.
Vital Records
Vital records for Hood County, Texas, include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. Birth and death certificates are maintained by both local and state authorities under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191. For births and deaths occurring in Hood County, certified copies can be requested from Hood County Clerk's Office at 100 E. Pearl Street, Suite 101, Granbury, TX 76048 The current fee for a certified birth or death certificate is typically $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility to obtain certified copies, as only immediate family members and other authorized persons can request these records.
- Processing time for in-person requests is usually immediate if records are available; mail requests typically take 2-4 weeks.
Birth records are confidential for 75 years and death records for 25 years under Texas law, with access restricted to qualified applicants. Marriage licenses are issued by Hood County Clerk's Office; couples must apply in person with valid identification, pay the license fee (typically $82, reduced to $22 if couples complete a premarital education course), and observe a 72-hour waiting period unless waived. Marriage records become public information and can be searched and copied.
Divorce decrees are maintained by Hood County District Clerk at 100 E. Pearl Street, Suite 106, Granbury, TX 76048, as part of Hood County court case files. Alternatively, vital records can be ordered from the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin by mail, in person, or online at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs, which maintains statewide records and may be faster for older records or when Hood County of event is uncertain.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Hood County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Hood County Clerk's Office at 100 E. Pearl Street, Suite 101, Granbury, TX 76048, handles assumed name certificates (DBA - "Doing Business As" filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. These records are public and can be searched at the County Clerk's office. The filing fee is typically $16 for the first assumed name and lower for additional names filed simultaneously.
- Bridge Street, Granbury, TX 76048, website www.granburychamber.com, provides business information, networking opportunities, and resources for businesses operating in Hood County.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations, filings are made with the Texas Secretary of State. The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search tool called SOSDirect at www.sos.state.tx.us where users can search by business name, registered agent, or file number to view corporate records, status, registered agents, and filing history. Professional licenses and occupational permits are generally issued by state boards and agencies rather than at Hood County level.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and development permits in unincorporated Hood County are handled by Hood County Development Services Department. Within the city limits of Granbury and other municipalities, local planning and development offices issue permits and business certificates.
The Granbury Chamber of Commerce, located at 116 W. Zoning information and land use regulations can be obtained from county and municipal planning departments.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Hood County, Texas?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Hood County, Texas?
How do I get a criminal background check in Hood County, Texas?
How can I look up sex offenders in Hood County, Texas?
How do I register to vote in Hood County, Texas?
How do I look up property records in Hood County, Texas?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Hood County, Texas?
How do I find business license records in Hood County, Texas?
Cities & Towns in Hood County
Economy & Demographics
Hood County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of tourism, retirement services, retail, agriculture, and a growing population of commuters working in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Hood County's picturesque setting on Lake Granbury and its historic downtown square make tourism a significant economic driver, with visitors coming for antiquing, dining, theater productions at the Granbury Opera House, water recreation, and special events.
- The median household income in Hood County was approximately $67,000 according to recent American Community Survey estimates, slightly above the Texas state average.
Retail trade and accommodation/food services employ a substantial portion of the workforce, supported by the tourism industry and growing resident population. Healthcare is a major employer, with Lake Granbury Medical Center and numerous medical practices serving Hood County's aging population. Manufacturing and distribution facilities operate in Hood County, taking advantage of proximity to major highways and the Fort Worth market.
Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and hay production, remains economically important on Hood County's rural lands. Hood County has experienced significant residential growth as retirees and families seek affordable housing, good schools, and small-town atmosphere within reasonable commuting distance of urban employment centers. Major employers include Hood County government, Granbury Independent School District, Lake Granbury Medical Center, and various retail establishments.
The unemployment rate in Hood County typically tracks below state and national averages, reflecting Hood County's economic stability. Economic development efforts focus on attracting quality businesses that complement Hood County's character while expanding the tax base and employment opportunities. The Granbury Economic Development Corporation works to recruit new businesses and support existing enterprises.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Hood County, Texas, are administered by Hood County Elections Administrator, located at 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048 The Elections office website can be accessed through www.hood-county.com/elections, providing information on voter registration, polling locations, early voting schedules, sample ballots, and election results. Voter registration in Hood County is handled through Hood County Voter Registrar. Texas residents must register to vote at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Texas also offers online voter registration status checks and updates for currently registered voters.
- Citizens can request access to election records, observe election processes, and obtain copies of results and documentation, promoting accountability in the electoral process.
Voter registration applications can be submitted by mail using a form available from the Elections office, county libraries, or downloaded from the Texas Secretary of State website at www.sos.texas.gov. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old, residents of Hood County, and not finally convicted of a felony (or have completed their sentence including probation or parole).
To find your specific polling place in Hood County, voters can use the polling place locator on Hood County elections website or call the Elections office. Early voting locations and schedules are published before each election and typically include Hood County Annex and other convenient sites. Election records that are public information include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports (filed with the Texas Ethics Commission for most races), and ballot language.
U.S. House and Senate races, Texas statewide offices including Governor, and state legislative positions.
Absentee voting by mail in Texas is restricted to specific categories: voters 65 or older, voters with a disability, voters confined in jail but eligible to vote, or voters who will be out of Hood County during early voting and Election Day. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Hood County Elections Administrator and received by the specified deadline before the election. Texas law requires photo identification to vote in person; acceptable IDs include Texas driver's license, Texas Election Identification Certificate, U.S.
Passport, military ID, or other approved forms. Hood County election records are subject to the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Election Code provisions for public access.