About Houston — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna serves as Kent County's primary detention facility. When someone is arrested and booked, the process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. The Delaware Department of Correction maintains an online portal where the public can search for current inmates, making it easier for families and attorneys to locate individuals in custody. Visitation at the facility follows stringent rules, appointments must be scheduled in advance, and visitors need to follow specific guidelines.
Local specifics: Inmate lookups for individuals arrested in or near Houston can be conducted at Delaware Department of Correction Inmate Locator.
Arrest Records
The Delaware State Police and local police departments throughout Kent County maintain arrest records for the area. Residents and attorneys can request these records through formal applications, which usually require identification and payment of a fee. Each record contains the arrested individual's personal information, details of the alleged offense, and the name of the arresting agency. The Delaware Freedom of Information Act governs how accessible these records are, balancing transparency with the need to protect sensitive information.
Local specifics: The Houston Police Department is reachable at (713) 884-3131. More information is available at www.houstontx.gov. Recent arrest records for Houston are published online at Delaware Department of Correction Inmate Locator.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Kent County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Delaware State Police and local police departments. Residents can request background checks through the Delaware State Bureau of Identification, which provides criminal history reports. The bureau offers fingerprint-based checks, making sure of accuracy and reliability. Kent County's criminal records are essential for various purposes, including employment screening and legal proceedings.
Local specifics: Statewide criminal background checks covering Houston residents can be requested through dpr.delaware.gov.
Vital Records
For those in need of vital records, the Houston community is served by the Kent County Office of Vital Statistics. This office is responsible for maintaining birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for residents within the 19954 ZIP code. Individuals can request certified copies of these important documents by visiting the office in person or submitting an online application.
The staff at the Kent County Office of Vital Statistics is dedicated to making sure of the privacy and security of these sensitive records while providing efficient and courteous service to Houston.
Business & Licensing Records
A diverse range of businesses calls the Houston area home, each playing a role in the local economy. Entrepreneurs and business owners who need permits and licenses can obtain them through the Kent County Department of Planning and Zoning. This office oversees the issuance of business licenses, building permits, and zoning approvals, making sure that commercial activities comply with local regulations.
Whether someone needs information about the permitting process, wants to review zoning codes, or needs to check the status of ongoing projects, the department's website and staff provide direct assistance.
Economy & Demographics
Houston, Delaware is a small town in Kent County. The local economy is supported by agriculture and small businesses. Many residents commute to nearby Milford and Dover for employment. Kent County government offices provide economic data and business resources for the area.
Elections & Voter Records
Houston, Delaware voters are served by the Kent County Department of Elections, located at 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901, phone (302) 744-2478, website https://www.co.kent.de.us/departments/department-of-elections. This office administers all federal, state, county, and school district elections for residents here, handling voter registration, absentee voting, polling place management, and election results certification.
Delaware residents can register to vote online at https://ivote.de.gov, the Delaware State Election Commissioner's official portal, up to the fourth Saturday before any election (24 days prior). Registration requires a Delaware driver's license or state ID number, Social Security number, and proof of residency. Delaware allows same-day registration during the early voting period. Voters must be U.S. Citizens, Delaware residents, and at least 18 years old by election day; those with felony convictions can vote after completing their sentence including probation and parole. Because the community is unincorporated with no municipal government, there are no city council or mayoral elections here. Residents vote in Kent County Council elections (seven council members elected from districts), Kent County Levy Court races, state legislative contests (Delaware House and Senate districts), statewide offices (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner), and federal races (U.S. House, U.S. Senate, President). Local voters can locate their assigned polling place using the polling place lookup tool at https://ivote.de.gov/VoterView by entering their address; most residents historically vote at Houston Fire Hall, 13001 Shawnee Road, Houston, DE 19954, though assignments vary by election district.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Houston voters are published by the Delaware Department of Elections (https://elections.delaware.gov/). Voters will elect Delaware's single U.S. Representative, all Delaware state senators (21 seats, four-year terms, even-numbered districts in 2026), and all Delaware state representatives (41 seats, two-year terms). Kent County Council seats and Levy Court positions may also be on the ballot depending on district rotation and term schedules. School board elections for Milford School District will likely be decided. Residents should monitor the Kent County Department of Elections website for candidate filings, sample ballots, and local referendum questions as the 2026 election approaches. Delaware voter registration lists are public records available for purchase for political purposes through written request to county election offices, though individual voter history requires specific authorization. Campaign finance reports for state and county candidates are searchable online through the Delaware Public Integrity Commission at https://cipublic.delaware.gov. Precinct-level election results for the area and all Kent County polling places are published by the Department of Elections after certification at https://elections.delaware.gov. Delaware offers absentee voting by mail for any reason; applications are available at https://ivote.de.gov and must be received by the Friday before the election. Early in-person voting is available at the Kent County Department of Elections office beginning the Friday before Election Day through the Monday before, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Voted absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.
Public Records Resources for Houston, Delaware
Official government websites for Houston, Delaware and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov,.us, or.mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or.com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Delaware State Bureau of IdentificationCentral repository for criminal history information in the state of Delaware.
- Delaware State Criminal CourtsPublic access to criminal judicial records, transcripts of trials, fees and filings.
- Locate an OffenderFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the Delaware Dept. of Corrections.
- Delaware EscapeesList of absconders and fugitives from the Delaware Department of Corrections.
- Delaware Sex OffendersSearch the Delaware State Police database of registered offenders by name or location.
- Delaware Most WantedCurrent posting of fugitives and absconders in the state of Delaware.
- Delaware State PoliceTraffic section, domestic violence unit and more.
- Delaware Division of Fish and WildlifeFishing licenses, hunting licenses and more.
- Delaware Attorney GeneralPublic, law enforcement, consumers, victims, media and reporting.
- Delaware Department of JusticeInformation for the public from the Delaware department of Justice
- New Castle County SheriffJail and prisoner information, sheriff sales.
- Sussex County SheriffSheriffs sales for non payment of taxes and fees for services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Houston, Delaware?
To register to vote in Houston, Delaware, residents can register online through the Delaware Department of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the Kent County elections office. Delaware requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Delaware Department of Elections voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Houston, contact the Kent County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Houston, Delaware?
Property records for Houston, Delaware are maintained by the Kent Board of Assessment's Office and the Kent Recorder of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Kent County, including parcels in Houston. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Kent Recorder of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Delaware counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Kent County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Houston, Delaware?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Houston, Delaware residents are available through both county and state offices. The Delaware Division of Public Health, Office of Vital Statistics, located in Dover, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Delaware. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Kent County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Kent County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.