About Jim Hogg County
Jim Hogg County is located in the South Texas region of the Lone Star State, including approximately 1,136 square miles of semi-arid rangeland and brushland characteristic of the Rio Grande Plain. Jim Hogg County Seat and largest community is Hebbronville, which is the administrative and commercial center for this rural jurisdiction. Established in 1913 from portions of Brooks and Duval counties, Jim Hogg County was named after Texas Governor James Stephen Hogg, who served from 1891 to 1895 and was known as a progressive reformer.
Jim Hogg County's population is approximately 5,200 residents according to recent Census estimates, making it one of the less densely populated counties in Texas. The scene is dominated by ranch land, mesquite brush, and oil and gas infrastructure. Major landmarks include Jim Hogg County Courthouse, a historic structure in downtown Hebbronville, and the vast South Texas ranchlands that have supported cattle operations for generations.
Jim Hogg County's economy has historically relied on ranching, oil and gas extraction, and agriculture. Jim Hogg County Clerk, located at 102 East Tilley Street in Hebbronville, TX 78361, maintains vital records, court documents, and election records. Jim Hogg County Tax Assessor-Collector office, also in the courthouse, handles property tax assessments and motor vehicle registrations.
Jim Hogg County Clerk is the chief records custodian for property deeds and official county documents. Jim Hogg County's unique character stems from its position in the heart of South Texas ranch country, its rich Hispanic heritage, and its role in Texas oil production.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Jim Hogg County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Jim Hogg County's unincorporated areas. It manages Jim Hogg County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is key to community safety by patrolling rural areas and responding to emergencies. The office also engages in community outreach programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education, which are tailored to the specific needs of Jim Hogg County residents.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Jim Hogg County is primarily handled by Jim Hogg County Sheriff's Office. In addition to the Sheriff's Office, the Hebbronville Police Department serves the town of Hebbronville, providing municipal law enforcement services. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Jim Hogg County. The Sheriff's Office handles broader jurisdictional responsibilities, while the Hebbronville Police Department focuses on local community policing.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Jim Hogg County is primarily provided by Jim Hogg County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 102 East Tilley Street, Hebbronville, TX 78361. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and is responsible for patrol operations, criminal investigations, court security, and operation of Jim Hogg County detention facility. Jim Hogg County Jail, located adjacent to the courthouse in Hebbronville, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through public records requests submitted to the Sheriff's Office, though some restrictions may apply for juvenile arrests or cases under seal.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the volume of responsive documents.
- No tribal police jurisdictions operate within Jim Hogg County, and the Texas Department of Public Safety provides additional highway patrol and criminal investigation support throughout Jim Hogg County.
Inmate information and custody status can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Jim Hogg County does not currently maintain a full online inmate roster system. For municipal law enforcement, Hebbronville has historically relied on county law enforcement services, though some limited municipal ordinance enforcement may occur through city officials. Arrest records in Jim Hogg County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552), and citizens may submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office for copies of arrest reports, incident reports, and booking records.
Texas Government Code §552.108 specifically addresses the public nature of arrest records and booking photographs. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests, warrants, incident reports, and jail bookings.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Jim Hogg County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. Jim Hogg County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Texas Department of Public Safety provides statewide criminal history information. Residents can request background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal. The Texas Bureau of Investigation does not exist; instead, the Texas Department of Public Safety is the central repository for criminal records in the state.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Jim Hogg County are maintained by Jim Hogg County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the Sheriff's Office by submitting a formal request under the Texas Public Information Act. Arrest records typically include the arrestee's personal details, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Jim Hogg County Jail, located in Hebbronville, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Jim Hogg County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of bail set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Jim Hogg County are taken and retained by Jim Hogg 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. While Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement or record sealing. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites, although the accuracy and legality of these sources can vary.
Courts & Case Records
Jim Hogg County judicial system includes the 229th District Court, which has jurisdiction over Jim Hogg County and several neighboring counties for felony criminal cases, major civil litigation, family law matters including divorce and child custody, and juvenile cases. Jim Hogg County Court convenes in Jim Hogg County Courthouse at 102 East Tilley Street, Hebbronville, TX 78361. Jim Hogg County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, mental health commitments, and civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $250,000.
- Justice of the Peace courts handle small claims cases (up to $20,000), evictions, traffic citations, and serve as magistrates for probable cause hearings and warrant issuance.
- While Jim Hogg County does not maintain a full online case search portal, case information may be obtained by visiting the courthouse in person or submitting written requests.
- Certified copies of judgments, orders, and other court documents are available for a statutory fee of $1.00 per page plus $5.00 for certification.
- Research fees may apply for extensive record searches.
Jim Hogg County Judge presides over the County Court and also is the chief executive officer of county government. The Justice Court is located at the courthouse in Hebbronville. Court records in Jim Hogg County can be accessed through the District Clerk's Office (for district court cases) at and the County Clerk's Office (for county court and justice court cases) for Texas Government Code Chapter 552 establishes the public's right to access court records, with certain exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile matters, and confidential family law information.
The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76a governs the sealing of court records.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Jim Hogg County are maintained by Jim Hogg County Clerk, serving as the County Recorder, with offices located at 102 East Tilley Street, Hebbronville, TX 78361, phone. Jim Hogg County Clerk's recording division maintains the Official Public Records, which include warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, mechanic's and materialmen's liens, federal tax liens, lis pendens notices, easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, mineral deeds, plat maps, and subdivision records.
- The Appraisal District provides property record searches and may offer limited online access through their website, though functionality varies.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the County Clerk for $5.00 for certification plus $1.00 per page.
Texas Property Code governs the recording and indexing of real property documents. Documents are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description, with records dating back to Jim Hogg County's creation in 1913. Jim Hogg County Appraisal District, located at 216 East Viggie Street, Hebbronville, TX 78361, phone, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, and property valuations for all real and business personal property in Jim Hogg County.
Jim Hogg County Tax Assessor-Collector, situated in the courthouse, handles property tax collections and motor vehicle title and registration services. Same-day service is typically available for documents with complete legal descriptions or recording information. Many South Texas counties have implemented GIS mapping systems, though Jim Hogg County's online GIS access may be limited; interested parties should contact the Appraisal District directly for current parcel viewer availability.
Vital Records
Vital records for Jim Hogg County, Texas, are primarily maintained by Jim Hogg County Clerk at 102 East Tilley Street, Hebbronville, TX 78361, phone. Birth certificates for births occurring within Jim Hogg County can be requested from the County Clerk, though the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the central repository for all Texas birth records. Birth certificates cost $23.00 for the first copy and $23.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates are similarly available from the County Clerk for deaths occurring in Jim Hogg County or from the state Vital Statistics office for $21.00 per copy.
- Processing time at Jim Hogg County level is typically 1-3 business days if records are immediately available; state-level requests may take 2-3 weeks.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $81.00, though couples who complete a premarital education course may receive a fee reduction and extended license validity.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the Texas.gov website or VitChek for state-held records with expedited processing and delivery options.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility to receive the record. Marriage licenses are issued by Jim Hogg County Clerk and require both parties to appear in person with valid identification, proof of age, and Social Security numbers. Marriage ceremonies must occur within 90 days of license issuance (or 30 days without the education course).
Divorce records (decrees of dissolution) are maintained by the District Clerk for divorces granted by the District Court. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 governs vital statistics and establishes confidentiality provisions and authorized applicant requirements. Genealogical researchers may access older vital records subject to statutory confidentiality periods.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Jim Hogg County are maintained through multiple governmental entities depending on the type of business activity. Jim Hogg County Clerk, located at 102 East Tilley Street, Hebbronville, TX 78361, phone, accepts and records Assumed Name Certificates (DBA - "doing business as" filings) as required by Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 71. Sole proprietors and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file an assumed name certificate with the County Clerk in each county where business is conducted.
- The filing fee is approximately $18.00 and the certificate remains valid indefinitely but should be renewed if information changes.
- The Secretary of State's SOSDirect system (sos.state.tx.us) provides free online searching of registered business entities, registered agents, and UCC filings.
For formal business entity formation and registration, the Texas Secretary of State Business and Public Filings Division in Austin maintains the central registry of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business structures. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and are required for businesses selling taxable goods or services. Professional licenses (medical, legal, engineering, cosmetology, etc.) are issued by respective state licensing boards rather than county authorities.
Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning compliance in unincorporated Jim Hogg County are handled by county officials, though Jim Hogg County's permitting infrastructure may be limited given its rural nature; inquiries should be directed to the County Judge's office for The City of Hebbronville administers its own building permits and business licensing within city limits. Jim Hogg County area may have limited chamber of commerce activity; regional economic development resources are available through South Texas regional organizations and the Texas Economic Development Corporation.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Jim Hogg County, Texas, are administered by Jim Hogg County Elections Administrator, operating under the supervision of the County Clerk's office at 102 East Tilley Street, Hebbronville, TX 78361, phone. Voter registration in Jim Hogg County is handled through Jim Hogg County Tax Assessor-Collector, who is the voter registrar. Texas residents may register to vote by completing a voter registration application available at county offices, public libraries, or through the Texas Secretary of State website.
- In the November 2024 general election, Jim Hogg County reported voter turnout of approximately 55-60% of registered voters, consistent with participation patterns in South Texas counties during presidential elections.
- Citizens may request election records under the Texas Public Information Act by submitting written requests to the County Clerk.
Online voter registration is not available in Texas; applications must be submitted by mail or in person. The voter registration deadline is 30 days prior to any election. Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling location through the Texas Secretary of State's voter registration search tool at texas.gov or by contacting the County Elections office.
Jim Hogg County typically operates several vote centers during early voting periods and multiple Election Day polling locations, with specific sites announced prior to each election. Election records that are public under Texas law include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted under Texas Election Code §18.066), election results by precinct, candidate applications and filings, campaign finance reports (for county-level candidates), and election administrative records. The Texas Election Code Chapter 1.011 establishes the public nature of most election records while protecting certain personal information.
Midterm and local election turnout is typically lower, often in the 20-35% range. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, several statewide Texas offices potentially including Governor and other constitutional offices, Texas Legislature seats, and county and local positions.
Early voting for Texas elections typically begins 17 days before Election Day and ends four days before Election Day. Vote-by-mail (absentee) ballots in Texas are restricted to specific categories: voters 65 years or older, voters with disabilities or illnesses, voters confined in jail but eligible to vote, and voters who will be absent from Jim Hogg County during the entire early voting period and Election Day. Applications for mail ballots must be submitted to Jim Hogg County Elections Administrator and are available on the Secretary of State website.
Texas has specific identification requirements for voting, requiring one of seven acceptable forms of photo ID or a supporting document with a declaration of reasonable impediment.
Economy & Demographics
Jim Hogg County's economy is characterized by traditional South Texas industries including ranching, oil and gas production, and limited agriculture, with a modest population base of approximately 5,200 residents supporting a primarily rural economic structure. Jim Hogg County sits within the productive South Texas oil and gas fields, and energy sector employment represents a significant portion of the local economy, with numerous wells, lease operations, and supporting service companies operating throughout Jim Hogg County.
- Census Bureau estimates, the median household income in Jim Hogg County is approximately $32,000-$38,000, significantly below the Texas state median, reflecting the rural nature and limited economic diversification.
- White-tailed deer and feral hog hunting provides supplemental economic activity.
- Jim Hogg County's location along transportation corridors in South Texas provides some pass-through commerce.
Cattle ranching has been the historic economic foundation since before Jim Hogg County's 1913 establishment, with large ranches covering much of Jim Hogg County's 1,136 square miles of rangeland. According to U.S. Major employers include county government, the Hebbronville Independent School District, energy sector companies, ranching operations, and retail/service businesses in Hebbronville.
The unemployment rate in Jim Hogg County historically runs higher than state averages, often in the 7-10% range, though fluctuations occur based on energy sector activity. Agricultural production beyond cattle ranching is limited by the semi-arid climate and brushy terrain, though some hunting lease income supplements ranch revenues. Economic development challenges include the small population base, limited infrastructure, distance from major metropolitan markets, and workforce development needs.
No major manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters are located in Jim Hogg County, and retail/commercial activity is concentrated in Hebbronville. Border region economic dynamics influence Jim Hogg County, though Jim Hogg County is located approximately 60 miles north of the Rio Grande. Recent economic development efforts focus on supporting existing industries and improving infrastructure.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone Required | Property: Limited: Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person Preferred | Business: Yes: State Online (County In-Person) | Elections: Limited: Basic Info Available | Overall Score: 4/10, Jim Hogg County provides traditional in-person records access with limited digital infrastructure, reflecting its small rural county resources.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Jim Hogg County, Texas?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Jim Hogg County, Texas?
How do I get a criminal background check in Jim Hogg County, Texas?
How can I look up sex offenders in Jim Hogg County, Texas?
How do I register to vote in Jim Hogg County, Texas?
How do I look up property records in Jim Hogg County, Texas?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Jim Hogg County, Texas?
How do I find business license records in Jim Hogg County, Texas?
Cities & Towns in Jim Hogg County
Explore public records for 2 cities and communities in Jim Hogg County, Texas.