Houston County

Houston County is located in East Texas, approximately 120 miles north of Houston and 150 miles south of Dallas. Houston County seat is Crockett, named after the famous frontiersman Davy Crockett. Established in 1837, Houston County was named in honor of Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas and later governor of the state. Houston County includes approximately 1,231 square miles and had a population of around 22,066 according to recent census estimates. Houston County is characterized by rolling terrain, pine forests, and rich agricultural land that has supported farming and timber industries for generations. Major landmarks include the Davy Crockett National Forest, Mission Tejas State Park, and the historic downtown Crockett square. Houston County is served by several key administrative offices: Houston County Clerk's office located at 401 E. Houston County Avenue, Suite 202 in Crockett; Houston County Appraisal District which handles property assessments; and the County Tax Assessor-Collector's office. The economy has historically been driven by agriculture, forestry, and more recently, the state prison system with several Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities located within county boundaries. Houston County maintains a small-town character while acting as a regional hub for government services, retail, and healthcare in the Piney Woods region of East Texas.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• The Grapeland Police Department provides law enforcement services for the city of Grapeland.
• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written public information request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific police department that made the arrest.
• Booking photographs and mugshots are generally available through the same process, though some sensitive information may be redacted.
• Processing fees may apply for copies of records.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of inmates under certain conditions while awaiting court proceedings.

• Houston County also has Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4) that handle small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, magistrate functions including setting bail, and conducting inquests.
• Fees for copies typically include $1 per page for standard documents and higher fees for certified copies.

• Some Houston County property records may be searchable online through third-party vendor systems, though full online access varies.
• Houston County Avenue, Suite 104, Crockett, Texas 75835 (phone: 936-544-7542), maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, property characteristics, and appraisal values.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the County Clerk for a statutory fee of $1 per page plus $5 for certification.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• The current fee is $23 for a certified birth certificate, with additional fees for expedited processing.
• Death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
• Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail requests and faster for online orders.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Business formation documents, annual reports, and registered agent information are available through this system.