About Kerr County
Kerr County is located in the Texas Hill Country, approximately 65 miles northwest of San Antonio. Kerr County Seat is Kerrville, a city of approximately 24,000 residents situated along the Guadalupe River. Kerr County includes roughly 1,106 square miles and has a total population of approximately 52,000 residents as of recent census estimates. Kerr County was created in 1856 and named after James Kerr, a major in the Texas Revolution. The scene is characterized by rolling hills, limestone outcroppings, spring-fed rivers, and abundant juniper and oak trees.
- Kerr County Clerk's office is located in the courthouse and is the primary records repository for land documents, vital records requests, and election administration.
Major landmarks include the Kerrville-Schreiner Park, the Museum of Western Art, and the historic Y.O. Ranch. Kerr County is renowned for its outdoor recreation, hunting ranches, summer camps, and as a retirement destination due to its mild climate and natural beauty.
Kerr County Courthouse, houses several key offices. Kerr County Clerk maintains court records, marriage licenses, and certain business filings. Kerr County District Clerk handles district court records and civil case filings.
Kerr County Appraisal District, located at 1221 Junction Highway in Kerrville, oversees property tax assessments. Kerr County's economy has historically centered on ranching, agriculture, tourism, and healthcare, with a growing retiree population contributing to economic stability.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Kerr County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Kerr County. This office patrols rural regions, manages Kerr County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable divisions within the office include the Criminal Investigations Division and the Patrol Division, which work together to ensure the safety and security of residents.
Police Departments
In addition to Kerr County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Kerr County includes municipal police departments such as the Kerrville Police Department and the Ingram Police Department. The Kerrville Police Department serves the city of Kerrville, handling urban law enforcement duties, while the Ingram Police Department focuses on the city of Ingram. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Kerr County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Kerr County Sheriff's Office, located at 400 Clearwater Drive in Kerrville, Texas 78028, provides law enforcement services throughout the unincorporated areas of Kerr County and operates Kerr County Jail. Kerr County Jail houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences.
- Within Kerr County, the Kerrville Police Department provides municipal law enforcement for the city of Kerrville and can be reached at 703 Thompson Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028
- Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and accident reports by submitting a written public information request to the Sheriff's Office or local police department.
- Most agencies require requesters to specify the date range, type of record, and subject matter.
- Fees may apply for copying and processing.
- Mugshots are generally considered public records and are often available through the jail's online inmate search portal or by specific request to the custodian of records at the law enforcement agency.
Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office website, where visitors can search current inmates by name or booking number to view charges, bond amounts, and booking dates. Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in the online inmate roster. Other municipalities such as Ingram maintain smaller police presences or contract with the Sheriff's Office.
Arrest records in Kerr County are public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which provides broad access to government records with specific exceptions for ongoing investigations and certain confidential matters.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Kerr County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal records for personal or professional purposes, adhering to the guidelines set by the Texas Public Information Act.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety offers statewide criminal history information, which can be accessed by Kerr County residents for full background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kerr County are maintained by Kerr County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. 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, for public access and public access to governmental information. Arrest records provide crucial information for legal proceedings and background checks.
Jail & Inmate Records
Kerr County Jail, located in Kerrville, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Kerr County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with certain restrictions on the number of visitors and visiting hours.
- The bond and bail process in Texas allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Kerr County are taken and retained by Kerr 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 submitting a formal request. While Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dismissed or if they are found not guilty. Mugshots are often used with arrest records for identification and legal purposes.
Courts & Case Records
Kerr County court operations are centered at Kerr County Courthouse, 700 Main Street, Kerrville, TX 78028. The 216th District Court is the primary trial court of general jurisdiction for felony criminal cases, major civil disputes, family law matters including divorce and child custody, and juvenile cases. Kerr County Clerk's office, phone, maintains records for Kerr County court and provides case lookup services. Kerr County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under certain dollar thresholds, probate matters, guardianships, and mental health proceedings.
- Kerr County also has Justice of the Peace Courts in multiple precincts that handle small claims (up to $20,000), evictions, traffic violations, and serve as magistrate courts for initial appearances and bail settings.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $1 to $5 per page depending on the document type and certification requirements.
- Remote access to some court documents may be available through subscription services or county portals, though certain sensitive filings may require in-person requests at the clerk's office.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Kerr County are maintained by Kerr County Clerk's office, located in Kerr County Courthouse at 700 Main Street, Kerrville, TX 78028 Kerr County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, recording documents including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage liens, releases, easements, right-of-way agreements, oil and gas leases, mechanic's liens, property tax liens, and subdivision plat maps.
- Kerr County Appraisal District also provides a GIS mapping system accessible through its website, allowing users to view parcel boundaries, aerial imagery, and property data layers for research and planning purposes.
The Clerk's office maintains grantor-grantee indexes dating back to Kerr County's formation, providing a full chain of title for all real property within Kerr County. Many counties in Texas now provide online access to recorded documents, and citizens can check Kerr County Clerk's website for available digital search tools. Property tax records are managed separately by Kerr County Appraisal District, located at 1221 Junction Highway, Kerrville, TX 78028
The Appraisal District maintains an online property search portal where citizens can look up ownership information, assessed values, exemptions, property characteristics, and tax history by owner name, property address, or account number. Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail from the County Clerk's office, typically costing $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus any applicable certification fees.
Vital Records
Vital records for Kerr County, Texas, including birth and death certificates, are available through multiple channels. For births and deaths occurring in Kerr County, certified copies can be requested from Kerr County Clerk's office at 700 Main Street, Kerrville, TX 78028, phone, though the office typically maintains only limited local records or is an application acceptance point. The primary state custodian is the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040.
- Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $21 per copy.
- Eligible requesters include the registrant (for birth certificates), immediate family members, legal representatives, and certain authorized parties.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks when ordering by mail, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the County Clerk for approximately $10.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 and 192. Marriage licenses are issued by Kerr County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person at the County Clerk's office, pay the license fee (typically $71-$81 depending on whether the couple completes a premarital education course), provide identification, and observe a 72-hour waiting period unless waived. Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk's office at the same courthouse location.
Online ordering of vital records is available through the Texas.gov portal or VitChek for an additional convenience fee.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Kerr County are distributed among county, municipal, and state agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. Kerr County Clerk's office at 700 Main Street, Kerrville, TX 78028, phone, maintains assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name, as required by Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 71. The filing fee is typically around $24, and filings must be renewed every ten years.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations, registration is handled by the Texas Secretary of State, Corporations Section. The Secretary of State maintains a free, searchable online database called SOSDirect (sos.state.tx.us/corp) where anyyou can look up business entity information including formation date, registered agent, status, and filing history. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be researched or verified through the Comptroller's website.
Professional and occupational licenses (medical, legal, real estate, cosmetology, etc.) are regulated by state-level licensing boards rather than county authorities. Building permits, construction permits, and zoning information for unincorporated areas of Kerr County are managed by Kerr County Development Services Department, which reviews applications for compliance with county building codes, septic system regulations, and land use restrictions. The City of Kerrville issues its own business permits and certificates of occupancy through the City Secretary and Development Services.
The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 1700 Sidney Baker Street, Suite 100, Kerrville, TX 78028, provides business resources, economic development information, and member directories at Kerr Countyvilletx.com.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Kerr County are administered by Kerr County Elections Administrator, Suite 101, Kerrville, TX 78028. The Elections office can be contacted through the office’s website, and information is available online through Kerr County website at kerrcounty.org. Voter registration in Texas is handled at Kerr County level, and residents may register by completing a voter registration application available from the Elections Administrator, public libraries, or downloadable from the Texas Secretary of State website at texas.gov. Applications can also be submitted online through the state portal.
- These records are accessible through public information requests to the Elections Administrator or online through Kerr County and state websites.
- In the November 2024 general election, Kerr County experienced turnout of approximately 65-70% of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of Hill Country counties.
The voter registration deadline in Texas is 30 days before any election. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. Citizens, Texas residents, at least 17 years and 10 months old (18 to vote), and not be a convicted felon (unless sentence completed including parole and probation) or declared mentally incapacitated by a court.
Voters can find their polling place by visiting Kerr County Elections website or the Texas Secretary of State's voter portal, where entering a name and date of birth or voter registration number will display assigned polling locations for early voting and Election Day. Election records that are public in Texas include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Texas Election Code Section 18.066), campaign finance reports filed with Kerr County or state, candidate applications and petitions, precinct-level election results, and statements of votes cast. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate midterm elections, Texas statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other constitutional offices, Texas House and Senate seats, and local county positions. Mail-in (absentee) ballots in Texas are restricted to voters aged 65 or older, those who will be out of Kerr County during early voting and on Election Day, those confined in jail but otherwise eligible, or those with a disability or illness. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Kerr County Elections Administrator and received by the 11th day before Election Day.
Texas law requires strong transparency in election records, and citizens can request ballot images, voting machine reports, poll lists, and other election materials under the Texas Public Information Act and Election Code to ensure election integrity and public accountability.
Economy & Demographics
Kerr County's economy is diverse, anchored by healthcare, tourism, ranching, retirement services, and education. The largest employers in Kerr County include Peterson Health, a regional medical center and healthcare system employing over 1,000 people, and the Kerrville Independent School District. The tourism sector is substantial, driven by Kerr County's Hill Country location, hunting ranches, state parks, summer youth camps including numerous nationally recognized camps along the Guadalupe River, and events such as the Kerrville Folk Festival.
- Census estimates, the median household income in Kerr County is approximately $56,000 to $62,000, somewhat below the Texas state median.
The Mooney Aviation Company, which manufactured aircraft in Kerrville for decades, was historically a major industrial employer, though the facility has changed ownership and operations over the years. Major economic sectors include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, accommodation and food services, educational services, and agriculture. Ranching remains significant, with cattle, goat, sheep, and exotic game operations contributing to the agricultural economy.
Kerr County benefits economically from a substantial retiree population attracted by the mild climate, outdoor amenities, and quality of life, which supports a strong real estate and construction sector. According to recent U.S. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to state and national averages, ranging between 3% and 5% in recent non-recession years.
Economic development efforts focus on attracting healthcare-related businesses, professional services, light manufacturing, and expanding tourism infrastructure. The Kerr Economic Development Corporation works to recruit new businesses and support existing enterprises, emphasizing Kerr County's strategic location between San Antonio and the Permian Basin region.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Portal | Business: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Kerr County provides digital access to most public records with well-maintained online portals for property searches, court lookups, inmate information, and election data.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Kerr County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Kerr County, Texas.