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, the county encompasses approximately 437 square miles of rolling hills, lakes, and historic ranching country. The county seat is Granbury, a charming historic town known for its beautifully preserved town square and Victorian-era architecture.
- The 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.
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. The county is home to Lake Granbury, a man-made reservoir on the Brazos River that serves as a major recreational destination and economic driver. Key county offices include the this jurisdiction Clerk located at 100 E.
Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048; the Hood County Tax Assessor-Collector at the same address; and the this jurisdiction Appraisal District at 301 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048. The 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 residents and visitors alike.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Hood County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It oversees the operation of the 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. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach programs to foster positive relationships with residents and enhance public safety awareness.
Police Departments
Hood County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the 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 the 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 the Hood County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1200 West Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (817) 579-3307 and maintains a website at www.hood-county.com/sheriff. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates the Hood County Jail.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written public information request to the area Sheriff's Office or the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- 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.
Inmates housed at the area Jail can be searched through the this jurisdiction Sheriff's Office website, which typically provides an online inmate roster with booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. The jail facility accepts inquiries at (817) 579-3222. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Granbury Police Department, serving the county seat at 310 W.
Bridge Street, Granbury, TX 76048, phone (817) 573-2882. Additional policing services may be provided by constables in the county's Justice of the Peace precincts. Arrest records and booking reports in the region are public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552).
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all arrests, warrants, incident reports, and accident reports, subject to certain exemptions for ongoing investigations and protected information under Texas law.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Hood County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Hood County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Texas Department of Public Safety provides statewide criminal history information. Residents can request background checks through the Texas DPS website, which offers comprehensive criminal history reports. The Texas Bureau of Investigation supports local law enforcement with resources and expertise in handling complex criminal cases.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Hood County are maintained by the Hood County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following procedures outlined under the Texas Public Information Act. Arrest records typically contain the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. The Sheriff's Office ensures that these records are accessible to the public while complying with state privacy laws.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Hood County Jail, located in Granbury, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting detainees, who are then held pending arraignment or release on bail. Inmate information, including charges and bond amounts, can be accessed through the Hood County Sheriff's Office website. Visitation is regulated by specific rules, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to dress codes.
- The facility provides information on the bond process, allowing family members to post bail for the release of inmates.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Hood County are taken and retained by the Hood 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. Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances. The availability of mugshots online is subject to state regulations, and third-party websites may also provide access to these images.
Courts & Case Records
The 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. The District Court is located at the Hood County Courthouse, 100 E. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048, and can be reached at (817) 579-3238.
- The County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters between $200 and $250,000, appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts, and probate matters.
- Online case access may be available through the 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.
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 this county are accessible under Texas Government Code Chapter 552 (Public Information Act) and Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76a.
The Hood County District Clerk, located at 100 E. Pearl Street, Suite 106, Granbury, TX 76048, phone (817) 579-3222, maintains records for the District Court. The 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 the Hood County Clerk's Office, located at 100 E. Pearl Street, Suite 101, Granbury, TX 76048, phone (817) 579-3222. The County Clerk serves as 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 the 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.
The Hood County Appraisal District, located at 301 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048, phone (817) 579-3345, website www.hoodcad.org, maintains property tax records, appraisal information, ownership data, and property characteristics. Property tax collection is handled by the region Tax Assessor-Collector at 100 E.
Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048, phone (817) 579-3200. the county offers a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool accessible through the county website, providing interactive parcel maps, aerial imagery, property boundaries, and basic ownership information for research and planning purposes.
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 the region Clerk's Office at 100 E. Pearl Street, Suite 101, Granbury, TX 76048, phone (817) 579-3222. 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 the this jurisdiction 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 the county District Clerk at 100 E. Pearl Street, Suite 106, Granbury, TX 76048, phone (817) 579-3222, as part of the district 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 the 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. The Hood County Clerk's Office at 100 E. Pearl Street, Suite 101, Granbury, TX 76048, phone (817) 579-3222, 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, phone (817) 573-1622, website www.granburychamber.com, provides business information, networking opportunities, and resources for businesses operating in the area.
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 the county level.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and development permits in unincorporated this county are handled by the this jurisdiction 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.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Hood County, Texas, are administered by the Hood County Elections Administrator, located at 1410 West Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048, phone (817) 579-3360. 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 the county is handled through the 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 the 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 the county elections website or call the Elections office. Early voting locations and schedules are published before each election and typically include the 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.
In the November 2024 general election, the region demonstrated high voter engagement with turnout exceeding 70% of registered voters, reflecting the county's strong civic participation and conservative political orientation. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring 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 the county during early voting and Election Day. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to the this jurisdiction 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. the region election records are subject to the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Election Code provisions ensuring transparency.
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. The 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 the county's aging population. Manufacturing and distribution facilities operate in the county, taking advantage of proximity to major highways and the Fort Worth market.
Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and hay production, remains economically important on the county's rural lands. The 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 the the county government, Granbury Independent School District, Lake Granbury Medical Center, and various retail establishments.
The unemployment rate in this jurisdiction typically tracks below state and national averages, reflecting the county's economic stability. Economic development efforts focus on attracting quality businesses that complement the 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.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search (Appraisal District) | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10 — Hood County provides excellent digital access to property appraisals, inmate information, and election data, with court and recorded document access available online, though some services require fees or in-person visits.