Houston, Mississippi Public Records

The Chickasaw County Chancery Court, with the Chancery Clerk's Office at the same Houston courthouse address (phone: 662-456-3152), handles divorce and family law matters, estate and probate cases, guardianships, land disputes, and civil matters under $200,000. The Chickasaw County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, small claims up to $3,500, and civil matters up to $3,500. Mississippi provides online access to some court records through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system at https://courts.ms.gov, where users can search case information for participating courts, though not all Chickasaw County records may be fully digitized. In-person searches at the Circuit or Chancery Clerk's office remain the most comprehensive method. Certified copies of court documents typically cost $1.50 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. Case filing fees vary: Circuit Court civil filings typically cost $154-$194 depending on case type, Chancery Court divorce filings are approximately $152, and small claims filings in Justice Court cost around $38-$58.

While Chickasaw County does not currently offer a comprehensive online property search portal, the Mississippi Automated Resource Information System (MARIS) provides some GIS mapping data accessible through county cooperation. The Chickasaw County Chancery Clerk, serving as the land records office, is located at the Chickasaw County Courthouse, 1 County Road 504, Houston, MS 38851 (phone: 662-456-3152). The Chancery Clerk records and maintains all land-related documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, land contracts, easements, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, plats, and surveys. These records are indexed by grantor (seller), grantee (buyer), and legal description, with records dating back to the county's formation in 1836. Land records must be searched in person at the Chancery Clerk's office, as online access to imaged documents is not currently available. Copy fees are typically $1.00 per page for uncertified copies and $1.50 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee for certified copies. Recording fees for new documents vary based on document type and number of pages. Title companies and attorneys regularly conduct property searches at the Chancery Clerk's office, and the public may access the same records during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.

Manufacturing has historically been part of Houston's economic base, though like many rural Mississippi communities, the town has experienced shifts in industrial employment over recent decades. Healthcare services are provided through smaller clinics, with residents typically traveling to Tupelo for major medical facilities. Retail and service businesses centered on the historic downtown square provide local shopping and dining options. Agriculture, particularly cattle farming, poultry production, and timber, remains economically significant in the surrounding rural areas. The median household income in Houston is estimated at approximately $35,000-$40,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural character and economic challenges facing many small Mississippi towns. Houston's economy is closely tied to the broader Chickasaw County economy and the Tupelo micropolitan area, which provides additional employment opportunities for commuters. The town has worked to preserve its historic downtown and maintain quality of life for residents while facing the economic pressures common to rural communities, including population decline and competition from larger regional centers.

The Houston Police Department, located at 116 Public Square, Houston, MS 38851 (phone: 662-456-3701), provides law enforcement services within the city limits. The department maintains incident reports, accident reports, and arrest records that can be requested in person during regular business hours. Written requests may be required for certain records, and fees may apply for copies. The Chickasaw County Sheriff's Office, with headquarters at 1 County Road 504, Houston, MS 38851 (phone: 662-456-2339), provides law enforcement services for unincorporated areas of the county and operates the county detention facility. The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and inmate information for all individuals booked into the Chickasaw County Jail. While the Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a comprehensive online inmate roster, booking information including names, charges, booking dates, and bond amounts can be obtained by calling the jail directly at 662-456-2339. The Mississippi Public Records Act, codified at Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 through § 25-61-17, grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public records. Law enforcement agencies must respond to public records requests within fourteen business days and may charge reasonable fees for copying. Certain records may be exempt from disclosure, including active investigation files, records that would jeopardize an ongoing investigation, and specific confidential informant information. To request police or sheriff records, citizens should submit a written request describing the records sought with reasonable specificity, provide contact information, and be prepared to pay applicable copying fees (typically $0.50 per page). Some records may require a longer processing time or court order depending on the nature of the information requested.

Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com with additional processing fees. Expedited service is available for an extra fee. Birth records are available from 1912 to present, though earlier records may exist in county files. Only certain individuals can request certified copies: the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, legal representatives, or individuals with a court order. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests and faster for online orders. Marriage licenses are issued by the Chickasaw County Circuit Clerk's Office, 1 County Road 504, Houston, MS 38851 (phone: 662-456-4302). The marriage license fee is $21.00, and there is no waiting period or blood test requirement in Mississippi. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification and Social Security numbers. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10 each. Divorce records are maintained by the Chickasaw County Chancery Clerk's Office at the same courthouse location (phone: 662-456-3152), as the Chancery Court handles all divorce proceedings. Divorce records are public court records and can be searched through the Chancery Clerk's case files. Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $1.50 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee. Marriage and divorce records are available from the date of county formation in 1836, though earlier records may be incomplete.

Fictitious business name (Doing Business As or DBA) registrations for Chickasaw County are filed with the Chickasaw County Chancery Clerk, 1 County Road 504, Houston, MS 38851 (phone: 662-456-3152). DBA filings must include the business name, owner information, and business address, with fees typically around $25-$50. These registrations are public record and can be searched at the Chancery Clerk's office. For formal business entity formation and registration, the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office maintains the central business registry. Corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities must register with the Secretary of State. The Mississippi Business Services Division can be reached at P.O. Box 136, Jackson, MS 39205 (phone: 601-359-1633, website: https://www.sos.ms.gov/business-services). The Secretary of State's website offers a free online Business Entity Search where anyone can look up registered businesses, view entity status (active, dissolved, etc.), find registered agent information, review officers and directors, check filing dates, and verify good standing status. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements, which create security interests in personal property and serve as public notice of liens, are also filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State and searchable online at https://www.sos.ms.gov/ucc. Commercial property tax assessments for business owners can be researched through the Chickasaw County Tax Assessor's Office at 662-456-2615, where assessed values for commercial real estate and business personal property are maintained.

Houston voters are served by the Chickasaw County Circuit Clerk's Office, which administers elections for the county. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at 1 County Road 504, Houston, MS 38851 (phone: 662-456-4302). Mississippi voters can register online through the Mississippi Online Voter Registration system at https://www.ms.gov/sos/voter_registration, or by submitting a paper application to the Circuit Clerk's office. Voter registration deadlines in Mississippi are 30 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Mississippi residents, at least 18 years old by the election date, and not disqualified by a felony conviction (unless rights have been restored) or court-ordered mental incapacity. Valid identification requirements apply when registering and voting. Houston, as an incorporated municipality, holds municipal elections for Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Mississippi municipal elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June of odd-numbered years. The most recent municipal elections were held in June 2021, with the next scheduled for June 2025. Candidates for local office file with the Houston City Clerk at City Hall. Municipal ballot measures and local referendums may also appear on city election ballots. Polling place assignments for Houston residents can be verified by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office or checking with the Mississippi Secretary of State's website at https://www.sos.ms.gov. In the November 2024 presidential election, Chickasaw County reported approximately 60-65% voter turnout, consistent with rural Mississippi counties, with the county favoring Republican candidates as is typical in northeastern Mississippi. For the November 3, 2026 general election, Houston and Chickasaw County voters will decide several important races. Mississippi does not have a U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2026 (next Senate race is 2026 for the seat currently held by Roger Wicker, and 2024 for Cindy Hyde-Smith's seat). State legislative races for the Mississippi House of Representatives and Mississippi State Senate will be on the ballot, as Mississippi holds legislative elections every four years, with the last in 2023, making the next in 2027. However, any special elections could occur in 2026. County offices including Sheriff, Chancery Clerk, Circuit Clerk, Tax Assessor, Tax Collector, Coroner, Surveyor, and Board of Supervisors seats may appear on the ballot depending on term expirations. Mississippi allows absentee voting for voters who will be away from their county on election day, have a temporary or permanent physical disability, are 65 or older, are required to work on election day during polling hours, are a parent or guardian of a person with a disability, or are an election official. Absentee ballot applications are available through the Circuit Clerk's office and must be requested in accordance with Mississippi deadlines. Public election records in Mississippi include voter registration lists (available with restrictions), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State and local clerks, candidate qualifying information, precinct-level election results, and polling place information, all accessible through the Circuit Clerk and Secretary of State offices.