About Houston
The City of Houston's Population is 2,392,327* The land of area of Houston is 671.745 square miles. Houston has an estimated population of 2,392,327. Official government information is available at www.houstontx.gov.
Houston is a city in Shelby County, Ohio. Use the official town and county resources on this page to reach the clerk, court, assessment, public records, and Freedom of Information request pages serving residents and researchers.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Houston
Houston Police Department
The mission of the Houston Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in the City of Houston by working cooperatively with the public and within the framework of the U.S. Constitution to enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe environment.
https://www.houstontx.gov/police/
Shelby County Sheriff's Office
Gather information about the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Houston
Office of Harris County District Clerk - Marilyn Burgess | Search Our Records
Family Select Court Type to display Case/Offense Type.. Searches return Harris County data, only. No federal or other County's records, or Justice of the Peace or other Municipalities Class C Misdemeanors will be searched.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Houston
Shelby County Recorder
Property records for Houston, Ohio are maintained by the Shelby County Recorder. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Shelby County, including Houston.
Public Records & Services in Houston
About Houston — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Shelby County Jail in Sidney is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested within Shelby County, including those from Houston. The booking process follows standard procedures: photographing, fingerprinting, and entering personal information into the system. Family members and legal representatives can use the facility's online inmate lookup service to find information about current detainees. Visitation requires prior scheduling and strict adherence to security protocols.
Local specifics: Inmate lookups for individuals arrested in or near Houston can be conducted at Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Offender Search.
Arrest Records
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, including those originating in Houston. These records document the circumstances of each arrest, charges filed, and personal information about the arrestee. Residents and attorneys seeking arrest records can contact the Sheriff's Office directly, following procedures outlined under the Ohio Public Records Act. A typical arrest record includes the date of arrest, specific charges, and information about any related court proceedings.
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 www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Shelby County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Sheriff's Office or directly from the state bureau, which offers fingerprint-based checks for more results. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in Shelby County.
Local specifics: Statewide criminal background checks covering Houston residents can be requested through www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov.
Vital Records
The Shelby County Health Department is the primary source for vital records in Houston, Ohio. This department maintains birth and death certificates, as well as marriage and divorce records, for the entire county. Individuals seeking to obtain copies of these documents can visit the Health Department's office in Sidney or submit requests online through Shelby County's website (https://www.co.shelby.oh.us/departments/health-department). The Health Department also provides various public health services and programs to Houston.
Business & Licensing Records
The Shelby County Auditor's Office manages business records for Houston, maintaining information on commercial property ownership, business licenses, and tax assessments. Business owners and residents can access these records through the Auditor's website at https://www.co.shelby.oh.us/departments/auditor or by visiting the office in Sidney. The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at https://www.shelbycountyohio.com/ serves as another valuable resource for local businesses, offering information on economic development, networking opportunities, and community events throughout the area.
Economy & Demographics
Houston, Ohio's economy is largely driven by its agricultural roots and small businesses. The village is home to several family-owned farms and agribusinesses, as well as a variety of local shops, restaurants, and service providers. Economic data and records related to the Houston area can be found through the Shelby County Economic Development Partnership (https://www.shelbycountyohio.com/economic-development) and the Shelby County Auditor's Office. These resources provide information on employment, tax revenue, and other economic indicators for the region.
Elections & Voter Records
ELECTION HUB for Houston, Ohio voters The Shelby County Board of Elections manages all voting matters for Houston residents. Their office sits at 234 E. Court St, Sidney, OH 45365, and can be reached at (937) 498-7207. Visit them online at www.shelbycountyboe.com. Registering to vote takes just minutes using the online tool at OhioSOS.gov, the Ohio Secretary of State website. Houston residents need to register at least 30 days before an election and must provide a valid Ohio driver's license or state ID number.
As an unincorporated community, Houston doesn't hold municipal elections for mayor or city council. Residents can locate their assigned polling place through the Board of Elections website. Under Ohio law, most election records are public documents available by request from the Shelby County Board. Shelby County saw 67% For absentee or mail-in voting, Ohio voters can request a ballot up to 3 days before an election. Completed ballots must be postmarked by election day and received within 10 days after the election to count.
Public Records Resources for Houston, Ohio
Official government websites for Houston, Ohio 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.
- Ohio Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Ohio Secretary of State.
- Ohio Death RecordsOnline resource for finding free death records in the Ohio Dept. of Health.
- Ohio Death RowInformation about Ohio death row inmates from the Ohio Dept. of Rehabilitation and Corrections.
- Ohio Marriage SearchRequest a copy of a marriage certificates from the OH Department of Health.
- Ohio Unclaimed PropertySearch property and claim status by individual name or business through the OH Dept. of Commerce.
Nearby Cities in Shelby County, Ohio
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain vital records in Houston, Ohio?
Vital records for Houston, Shelby County, Ohio including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Ohio Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Shelby County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
How do I find public school records in Houston, Ohio?
Public schools in Houston, Shelby County, Ohio are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Ohio Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
How do I access crime data and statistics for Houston, Ohio?
Crime data for Houston, Shelby County, Ohio is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local police (where present) or the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
How do I access public library records in Houston, Ohio?
The Houston Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Shelby County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
Where can I get fingerprinting services in Houston, Ohio?
Fingerprinting services for Houston, Ohio residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Shelby County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact local police (where present) or the Shelby County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
How do I register to vote in Houston, Ohio?
To register to vote in Houston, Ohio, residents can register online through the Ohio Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Shelby County elections office. Ohio 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 Ohio Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Houston, contact the Shelby County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Houston, Ohio?
Property records for Houston, Ohio are maintained by Shelby County. The county assessor's office holds property tax records, assessed values, and ownership information. Property deeds, liens, and mortgage documents are filed with the county recorder's office. Many counties in Ohio offer online portals where residents can search property records by address or owner name. For federal property related records, the USA.gov website provides guidance on accessing land patents, federal tax liens, and other property documentation.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Houston, Ohio?
Birth and death certificates for Houston, Ohio residents are available through the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. Requests can typically be made online, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide identification and proof of eligibility, as vital records in Ohio are restricted to authorized individuals such as the registrant, immediate family members, or legal representatives. Locally, the Shelby County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. Processing times and fees vary depending on the method of request and the issuing office.
How do I find business license records in Houston, Ohio?
Business license records for Houston, Ohio can be obtained through the city's municipal offices or Shelby County administration. The city clerk's office or planning and development department typically handles business license applications, renewals, and public records requests. The Ohio Secretary of State's office maintains records of registered business entities, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, which can be searched through their online business filing database. For federal employer identification numbers and tax related business records, the IRS website provides relevant forms and search tools.