About Kimble County
Kimble County is located in the Edwards Plateau region of west-central Texas, established in 1858 and organized in 1876. Kimble County Seat is Junction, which is the primary municipal center and is situated at the confluence of the North and South Llano Rivers. Kimble County includes approximately 1,251 square miles of rugged Hill Country terrain characterized by limestone cliffs, spring-fed streams, and native grasslands. As of recent census estimates, Kimble County maintains a population of approximately 4,300 residents, making it one of the less densely populated counties in Texas.
The scene is defined by the Llano River watershed, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts for hunting, fishing, and river recreation. Historically, Kimble County developed as a ranching and agricultural community, with the sheep and goat industry playing a foundational economic role since the late 19th century. Kimble County is home to South Llano River State Park, a significant natural attraction featuring diverse wildlife and important habitfor the Rio Grande turkey restoration program.
County government operations are centralized in Junction, with Kimble County Courthouse. Kimble County Clerk's office maintains vital records, court documents, and property filings, while the County Tax Assessor-Collector handles property tax assessments and collections. Kimble County Clerk can be reached at the courthouse address, and the Appraisal District office maintains property valuations and tax records.
Kimble County retains its rural character with ranching, wildlife management, and outdoor tourism forming the economic backbone of this authentic Texas Hill Country community.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Kimble County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Kimble County. This office patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Kimble County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and collaborates with local agencies to ensure public safety. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, criminal investigations, and a dedicated team for managing emergency situations.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Kimble County is primarily handled by Kimble County Sheriff's Office and the Junction Police Department. The Sheriff's Office covers the entire county, focusing on rural and unincorporated areas, while the Junction Police Department serves the city of Junction. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Kimble County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Kimble County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Kimble County, Texas 76849. The Sheriff's Office can be contacted at and maintains responsibility for patrol operations, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operation of Kimble County detention facility. Kimble County Jail, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor sentences.
- The Junction Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services within the city limits of Junction and can be contacted through City Hall.
- Requests should specify the information sought, and the agency has ten business days to respond or seek an Attorney General opinion if exceptions apply.
- Mugshot and booking photo availability varies, as these are considered public information under Texas law but may require formal public information requests.
Inmate information and jail roster details can typically be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as many smaller Texas counties do not maintain online inmate lookup systems. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records, and citizens may request copies by submitting written requests to the custodian of records at the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests, warrants, and incident reports.
Kimble County does not have tribal police jurisdictions, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Kimble County boundaries. For specific arrest record requests, individuals should contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division and be prepared to provide identifying information such as names, dates of birth, and approximate dates of arrest to help with the search process.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Kimble County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Kimble County Sheriff's Office and the District Clerk maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Texas Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking full background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kimble County are maintained by Kimble County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Texas Public Information Act governs the release of these records, for public access and public access. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
Kimble County Jail, located in Junction, is the primary detention facility for Kimble County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and attorneys to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Texas state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Kimble County are taken and retained by Kimble County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While there is no specific online database for mugshots, requests can be made in person or by mail. Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the arrest did not lead to a conviction.
Courts & Case Records
Kimble County court system operates through several judicial bodies with distinct jurisdictions. The 198th District Court serves Kimble County and surrounding counties, hearing felony criminal cases, major civil matters, divorce proceedings, and appeals from lower courts. Kimble County Court convenes at Kimble County Courthouse, 501 Main Street, Junction, Texas 76849. County Court at Law and Constitutional County Court handle misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, mental health proceedings, and civil cases with amounts in controversy typically under $20,000.
- Case information and court records can be accessed by visiting the District Clerk's office at the courthouse or by contacting.
- Certified copies of court documents require payment of statutory fees, typically $1.00 per page plus certification fees.
- Document retrieval fees and copy costs are established by Texas Local Government Code Section 118.011, with specific fee schedules available from the respective clerk's offices.
Kimble County Judge presides over Constitutional County Court matters. Kimble County Justice of the Peace Courts handle small claims cases, evictions, Class C misdemeanors including traffic violations, and conduct magistrate functions including setting bail and issuing warrants. Justice Court offices are located at the courthouse in Junction.
Kimble County Clerk maintains County Court records and can be reached for Under Texas Government Code Section 552.001 et seq. (Public Information Act) and Texas Rule of Judicial Administration 12, most court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific confidentiality statutes. While Texas counties increasingly offer online case lookup through regional portals, smaller counties like Kimble may require in-person or telephone inquiries for case status information.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Kimble County are maintained by the County Clerk's office located at Kimble County Courthouse, 501 Main Street, Junction, Texas 76849, phone. Kimble County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, maintaining records of real property conveyances, warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deed of trust instruments, mortgages, mechanic's and materialman's liens, federal tax liens, judgment liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, oil and gas leases, and plat maps.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments are available for statutory fees, typically including a base retrieval fee plus per-page copying charges.
- Requesters seeking historical deed chains or complex title searches should contact the County Clerk's recording department directly.
These instruments are indexed by grantor and grantee names and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Texas Property Code governs the recording and priority of real property interests, requiring certain documents to be filed in Kimble County where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors. Property tax information is maintained separately by Kimble County Appraisal District, Junction, Texas 76849, phone.
The Appraisal District website may offer online property search capabilities allowing users to search by owner name, property address, or account number to view appraised values, exemptions, and tax assessment information. Kimble County Tax Assessor-Collector's office handles tax collection and can provide information on payment status, delinquent taxes, and tax certificates. Some Texas counties participate in regional property data systems or GIS mapping platforms that allow free public access to parcel information, aerial imagery, and basic ownership data, though availability varies by county resources and technological infrastructure.
Vital Records
Vital records for Kimble County, Texas, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are managed through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Kimble County can be requested from Kimble County Clerk's office at 501 Main Street, Junction, Texas 76849, phone, for events that occurred locally.
- Birth certificates cost $23.00 for the first copy and $22.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, while death certificates cost $21.00 each when ordered through the state office.
- Processing times typically range from two to three weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Online ordering is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services website or authorized vendor VitChek, which provides credit card payment options and faster processing.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk's office in Kimble County where the ceremony will occur, requiring both applicants to appear in person with valid identification and payment of the license fee.
- Requesters should be prepared to provide exact dates or date ranges, full names of parties, and appropriate fees when requesting vital records.
However, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section in Austin is the statewide repository for all Texas birth and death certificates and is often the most reliable source for certified copies. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 191.0046, which restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, and other qualified applicants. Marriage records and certified copies of marriage licenses are maintained permanently by the County Clerk.
Divorce records are filed with the District Clerk of Kimble County where the divorce was granted, and certified copies can be obtained from Kimble County District Clerk's office at the courthouse.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Kimble County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and regulatory requirements. Kimble County Clerk's office at 501 Main Street, Junction, Texas 76849, phone, maintains Assumed Name (DBA or "Doing Business As") filings for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and entities operating under names different from their legal names.
- Texas Business Organizations Code Section 71.002 requires assumed name certificates to be filed in each county where business is conducted, with fees typically around $25.00 per filing.
- Texas sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, not at Kimble County level, and businesses can register online through the Comptroller's Webfile system.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the statewide SOSDirect system accessible at sos.state.tx.us, providing free public access to business name availability, registered agent information, formation dates, and filing status. Professional licenses including medical, nursing, cosmetology, real estate, and contractor licenses are regulated by respective state licensing boards rather than county offices. Building permits, development permits, and zoning compliance are typically administered by city governments for incorporated areas or county offices for unincorporated areas.
Kimble County Judge's office or a designated planning department handles land use and construction permits for unincorporated county areas. The Junction Economic Development Corporation and Kimble County Chamber of Commerce, if active, can provide information on local business climate, networking opportunities, and economic development incentives. Business owners should consult both state and local requirements, as Texas operates under a mixed regulatory system where certain functions remain with state agencies while others are delegated to municipal or county authorities depending on statutory provisions and local ordinances.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Kimble County, Texas, are administered by Kimble County Elections Administrator or County Clerk, operating from Kimble County Courthouse at 501 Main Street, Junction, Texas 76849. Kimble County Clerk's office can be contacted for voter registration information, polling place locations, and election related inquiries. Voter registration in Texas is handled at Kimble County level, with completed applications submitted to Kimble County voter registrar.
- Texas residents may register to vote online through the Texas Secretary of State website at texas.gov by completing an application that must be printed, signed, and mailed to Kimble County voter registrar.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find polling place assignments through the Texas Secretary of State's voter registration lookup tool or by contacting the County Clerk directly.
The voter registration deadline in Texas is 30 days prior to any election, and applicants must be United States citizens, residents of Kimble County, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. Early voting locations and schedules for Kimble County elections are posted at the courthouse and published in local media prior to each election period, with early voting typically conducted at the courthouse or other designated county facility. Election records that are public under Texas Election Code include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Election Code Section 18.066), precinct-level election results, candidate filings and applications, campaign finance reports filed with Kimble County for local races, and certified election results.
The Texas Election Code Section 1.012 establishes that election records are public information subject to the Public Information Act with specific exceptions for voted ballots and certain voter information. Kimble County, like most rural Texas counties, typically experiences voter turnout ranging from 55% to 70% in presidential election years and 30% to 45% in midterm elections, with variations based on contested races and local issues. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for Texas Congressional District, potential U.S. Senate races if scheduled, Texas statewide constitutional offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and various state legislative and judicial positions. Mail-in ballot applications (early voting by mail) in Texas are restricted to voters age 65 or older, voters with disabilities, voters confined in jail but eligible to vote, and voters who will be absent from Kimble County during the early voting period and on Election Day.
Applications for mail ballots must be submitted to Kimble County Early Voting Clerk using Form ABBM available from the County Clerk or Texas Secretary of State website, with specific deadlines typically 11 days before Election Day for receipt of applications. Citizens may request copies of election results, voter turnout statistics, and other election records by contacting the County Clerk under the Texas Public Information Act, with most aggregate data available at no cost and detailed data subject to reasonable copying fees.
Economy & Demographics
Kimble County's economy is predominantly based on agriculture, ranching, wildlife management, and outdoor recreation tourism tied to Kimble County's natural resources. Livestock production, particularly sheep, goat, and cattle ranching, forms the traditional economic foundation, with Kimble County remaining one of Texas's significant producers of wool and mohair. The Edwards Plateau region's terrain and climate favor extensive grazing operations rather than row crop agriculture.
- According to recent economic data, median household income in Kimble County is estimated at approximately $44,000 to $48,000, below the Texas state median, reflecting the rural character and smaller population base.
Wildlife management has become an increasingly important economic sector, with landowners generating revenue through hunting leases for white-tailed deer, Rio Grande turkey, exotic game species, and predator control. Kimble County's largest employers typically include Kimble County government, Kimble Hospital, school districts, ranching operations, and small retail and service businesses supporting the local community. Tourism related to the South Llano River State Park, river recreation, hunting, and scenic Hill Country attractions contributes seasonal economic activity.
The city of Junction is the commercial center with grocery stores, fuel stations, restaurants, and lodging facilities serving both locals and visitors. Unemployment rates in Kimble County tend to track with rural Texas patterns, generally ranging from 3% to 5% depending on seasonal factors and broader economic conditions. Kimble County has not attracted major manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters due to its remote location and limited infrastructure, but maintains economic stability through diversified agricultural activities and tourism.
Economic development challenges include limited population growth, workforce availability, distance from major metropolitan markets, and infrastructure constraints, while strengths include natural amenity resources, low cost of living, and quality of life factors appealing to retirees and remote workers seeking rural settings.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online Access | Property: Limited: Contact Office | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: State Online (DBA at County) | Elections: Limited: Contact County Clerk | Overall Score: 5/10, Kimble County maintains traditional in-person and telephone access to most public records with limited digital infrastructure typical of small rural Texas counties.