About Kendall County
Kendall County, Texas, established in 1862, is located in the scenic Texas Hill Country approximately 30 miles northwest of San Antonio. The county seat is Boerne, a charming city known for its German heritage and historic downtown district. Kendall County encompasses approximately 663 square miles and has experienced significant population growth, with the U.S. Census Bureau estimating the population at over 47,000 residents as of recent counts, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas.
The county is characterized by its rolling hills, limestone formations, cypress-lined creeks, and the headwaters of the Guadalupe River, which flows through the region. Major landmarks include Cascade Caverns, Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, and the historic Boerne City Lake Park. The county was named after George Wilkins Kendall, a journalist and Texas pioneer.
this county's economy has evolved from ranching and agriculture to include tourism, retirement communities, and residential development serving the San Antonio metropolitan area. The the county Courthouse, located at 201 East San Antonio Avenue in Boerne, serves as the administrative center. The County Clerk's office, also at the courthouse, maintains vital records, court documents, and property records.
The the county Appraisal District, located at 110 West Evergreen Street in Boerne, handles property assessments and tax records. The county's unique character blends Hill Country natural beauty, German-Texan cultural heritage, and modern suburban growth while maintaining a commitment to preserving its historical roots and environmental resources.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Kendall County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of the county. The office oversees the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing initiatives and operates specialized divisions such as criminal investigations and narcotics enforcement. The office is committed to public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure a coordinated response to crime and emergencies.
Police Departments
In addition to the Kendall County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments. The Boerne Police Department serves the city of Boerne, while the Fair Oaks Ranch Police Department covers Fair Oaks Ranch. Each department operates within its respective city limits, handling local law enforcement duties, traffic enforcement, and community policing. These agencies work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Kendall County Sheriff's Office, located at 204 South John Keller Street in Boerne, Texas 78006, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Kendall County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (830) 249-9721, and their website is accessible through the county's official portal. The agency operates the Kendall County Jail, which houses inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanor offenses. Inmates can be located through the jail roster available on the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly at (830) 249-9721.
- The inmate lookup system typically provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and expected release dates.
- Written requests should include the subject's name, date of birth if known, and the approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's online inmate roster or can be requested under the Public Information Act.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and related documentation.
- The Sheriff's Office maintains records of warrants, incident reports, and accident reports that are available upon proper request.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Kendall County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Kendall County Sheriff's Office and the local courts. Residents can request background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Texas Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking more detailed background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kendall County are maintained by the Kendall County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person or through written requests. The Texas Public Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to government documents. A this county arrest record typically includes the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Kendall County Jail, located in Boerne, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides an inmate lookup service. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to specific guidelines regarding conduct and attire.
- The bond and bail process in Texas allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and bail amounts are set based on the severity of the charges.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Kendall County are taken and retained by the Kendall 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 website or by request. While Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from online databases may need to contact the hosting websites directly. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on accessing mugshots and other related records.
Courts & Case Records
Kendall County's judicial system includes the 216th District Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, divorces, civil matters over $200, and juvenile cases. The District Court is located at the Kendall County Courthouse, 201 East San Antonio Avenue, Boerne, TX 78006, and can be reached at (830) 249-9343. The County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, probate matters, and appeals from justice and municipal courts.
- Online case lookup may be available through the county website, though some records require in-person or written requests.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents typically range from $1 per page plus a certification fee.
Kendall County also has Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4) that handle small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, evictions, and magistrate functions including setting bail and conducting inquests. The Boerne Municipal Court addresses city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Court records in this county can be searched through the District Clerk's Office at (830) 249-9343 for district court cases and the County Clerk's Office at (830) 249-9343 for county court matters.
Access to court records is governed by Texas Government Code Chapter 552 (Public Information Act) and Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76a, which addresses sealing of court records. Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk, and divorce decrees are filed with the District Clerk. Probate records, including wills and estate proceedings, are maintained by the County Clerk's office and are generally public unless sealed by court order.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Kendall County are maintained by the County Clerk's office at the Kendall County Courthouse, 201 East San Antonio Avenue, Boerne, TX 78006, phone (830) 249-9343. The County Clerk serves as the official recorder of deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, releases, easements, right-of-way documents, and plat maps for all property within this county. These records are public and searchable, providing a complete chain of title for real property transactions.
- Property records can be searched online through various third-party subscription services or by visiting the County Clerk's office in person.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the County Clerk for a fee of $1 per page plus $5 for certification.
- The Kendall County GIS (Geographic Information System) provides an online parcel viewer with aerial photography, property boundaries, and ownership data accessible through the county's official website.
- Document recording fees vary based on the number of pages and type of instrument being recorded, with standard fees beginning at approximately $25 for the first page.
Vital Records
Vital records for Kendall County, Texas, are maintained by multiple offices depending on the type of record and date. Birth and death certificates are available through the Kendall County Clerk's office at 201 East San Antonio Avenue, Boerne, TX 78006, phone (830) 249-9343, for events occurring within the county. However, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit serves as the central repository for all Texas vital records and can be contacted at (888) 963-7111 or through their website at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs.
- Birth certificates cost $23 for a certified copy when ordered through the state, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $23 each.
- Death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Kendall County Clerk's office, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid identification, social security numbers, and payment of the license fee.
Online ordering is available through the state's official vendor with credit card payment and electronic verification of eligibility. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Texas Family Code Section 191.0045 and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191. The 72-hour waiting period can be waived with completion of a premarital education course.
Divorce decrees are filed with the District Clerk and are considered public record unless sealed by court order. Genealogical researchers can access older vital records with fewer restrictions after certain time periods have elapsed.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Kendall County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Kendall County Clerk's office at 201 East San Antonio Avenue, Boerne, TX 78006, phone (830) 249-9343, handles assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) and fictitious name filings for businesses operating under a name different from the owner's legal name. These filings are public record and can be searched at the County Clerk's office.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and development applications in unincorporated the region are processed by the area Development Services Department, while municipalities handle their own permitting.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, filings are made with the Texas Secretary of State, Business & Public Filings Division. The Secretary of State maintains a free online database called SOSDirect (accessible at www.sos.state.tx.us) where anyone can search for registered business entities, view formation documents, check entity status, and review registered agent information. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be searched through their website.
Professional licenses for occupations such as real estate agents, contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare professionals are regulated by state licensing boards rather than county offices. The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce, located at 126 Rosewood Avenue, Boerne, TX 78006, phone (830) 249-8000, website www.boerne.org, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for the county.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Kendall County are administered by the Kendall County Elections Administrator, located at 201 East San Antonio Avenue, Suite 205, Boerne, TX 78006. The Elections office can be reached at (830) 249-9343, and election information is available through the county's official website. Voter registration in Texas is handled at the county level, and residents can register to vote by submitting a completed application to the this county Voter Registrar. The deadline to register is 30 days before any election.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling location through the Texas Secretary of State's website or by contacting the Elections office.
- The Elections Administrator provides transparency through published results, sample ballots, and voter information guides available online and at the elections office.
Texas offers online voter registration application completion through the Texas Secretary of State website at www.votetexas.gov, though the signed application must be mailed or delivered to the county. the county operates multiple early voting locations and Election Day polling places, with specific locations published before each election. Election records that are public in Texas include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports filed with the Texas Ethics Commission, and sample ballot information.
this county typically experiences high voter turnout compared to state averages, with the 2024 general election turnout estimated at approximately 70-75% of registered voters, reflecting the county's engaged electorate. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Texas statewide offices including Governor, and local county positions.
Texas allows mail-in voting for voters 65 and older, those who will be absent from the county during the election period, those who are sick or disabled, and those confined in jail but eligible to vote. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to the Early Voting Clerk and received (not postmarked) by the 11th day before Election Day. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) and Texas Election Code, citizens can request election-related records including voted ballots (subject to privacy protections), poll lists, and administrative documents.
Economy & Demographics
Kendall County's economy has transformed significantly over recent decades from primarily agricultural and ranching activities to a diverse economy driven by residential development, tourism, retail trade, and healthcare services. The county's proximity to San Antonio and location in the scenic Texas Hill Country has attracted retirees, telecommuters, and families seeking quality of life, fueling substantial population and economic growth.
- The median household income in Kendall County is estimated at over $90,000, significantly higher than the Texas state average, reflecting the county's affluent residential character.
Major employers include the Boerne Independent School District, Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, local government entities, retail establishments, and hospitality businesses. Key economic sectors include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, accommodation and food services, construction, and professional services. Tourism plays a vital role, with visitors attracted to this county's wineries, historic downtown Boerne, Cave Without a Name, Cascade Caverns, Cibolo Nature Center, antique shops, and Hill Country recreational opportunities.
Agriculture remains important with cattle ranching, exotic game ranching, and hay production continuing on rural properties. The county has seen development of upscale residential communities, golf course developments, and retirement facilities. Small business entrepreneurship thrives in boutique retail, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and professional services.
The unemployment rate in this area typically runs below state and national averages. Economic development initiatives focus on maintaining the county's character while supporting sustainable growth, infrastructure improvements, and quality employment opportunities. The Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail and other tourism initiatives generate significant economic impact annually.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Available (some online) | Property: Yes: Online search available | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-person or mail | Business: Yes: Online (County & State) | Elections: Yes: Online resources | Overall Score: 8/10 — Kendall County provides good public access to most records with online tools for property, jail, and business searches, though some records require in-person requests.