About Kleberg County
Kleberg County is located in the Coastal Bend region of South Texas, covering approximately 1,090 square miles. Kleberg County Seat is Kingsville, which is the primary hub for government services and commerce. As of recent census estimates, Kleberg County has a population of approximately 31,000 residents. Kleberg County was created in 1913 from Nueces County and named after Robert Justus Kleberg, a respected lawyer and early Texas settler.
Kleberg County is home to the world-famous King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the world spanning over 825,000 acres, which has profoundly shaped Kleberg County's identity and economy. Kleberg County also hosts Texas A&M University-Kingsville, a major educational institution that contributes significantly to Kleberg County's intellectual and economic vitality. Naval Air Station Kingsville, one of the Navy's premier pilot training facilities, is another landmark institution within Kleberg County.
Kleberg County Clerk's office is located at 700 East Kleberg County Avenue in Kingsville and handles vital records, court documents, and official county filings. Kleberg County Tax Assessor-Collector maintains property tax records and vehicle registration at the same address. Kleberg County Recorder functions are performed through the County Clerk's office for deed and property record filings.
Geographically, Kleberg County features coastal prairie scenes, with portions extending to Baffin Bay along the Gulf Coast. The climate is subtropical with hot summers and mild winters, supporting ranching, agriculture, and outdoor recreation.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Kleberg County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Kleberg County. It oversees Kleberg County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is tasked with patrolling rural areas, responding to emergencies, and investigating crimes. The Sheriff's Office also runs community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
Kleberg County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Kleberg County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Kingsville Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency within the city of Kingsville, handling urban policing and crime prevention. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Kleberg County. The Sheriff's Office focuses on rural and unincorporated areas, while city departments address urban issues, working together to maintain law and order throughout Kleberg County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Kleberg County Sheriff's Office, located at 1500 East King Avenue in Kingsville, Texas, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Kleberg County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and operates a website at klebergsheriff.com where citizens can access information about services and operations. Kleberg County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same address, houses pretrial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- Written requests should be submitted to the respective law enforcement agency's records division, and agencies have ten business days to respond or seek an Attorney General opinion if withholding information.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through Kleberg County Jail's online inmate search system or can be requested from the Sheriff's Office records department.
Inmate lookup services are available through the jail's website or by calling the facility directly, providing information on current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. The Kingsville Police Department serves Kleberg County Seat and is located at 1700 East General Cavazos Boulevard, providing municipal law enforcement services within city limits. Arrest records in Kleberg County are public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which grants citizens the right to request and inspect arrest logs, incident reports, and booking records.
Some third-party websites aggregate mugshot data, though official sources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. Kleberg County does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Kleberg County. Texas Ranger Company D South Texas also has investigative jurisdiction in Kleberg County for major crimes.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Kleberg County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Kleberg County Sheriff's Office and the Kingsville Police Department maintain these records, providing access to residents and legal professionals. To run a background check in Texas, individuals can request records from these local agencies or use the Texas Department of Public Safety's online services.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kleberg County are maintained by Kleberg County Sheriff's Office. These records include detailed information about the arrest, charges, and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office, following procedures outlined by the Texas Public Information Act. An arrest record in Kleberg County typically includes the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Kleberg County Jail, located in Kingsville, is the primary detention facility for Kleberg County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Kleberg County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. The facility provides an inmate lookup service, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the jail and require visitors to adhere to scheduled times and security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Kleberg County are taken and retained by Kleberg 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 or third-party websites that aggregate such data. To search for mugshots, individuals can visit the Sheriff's Office website or contact them directly for guidance. Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can request corrections or updates if the information is inaccurate or outdated.
Courts & Case Records
Kleberg County's judicial system is anchored by the 105th District Court, which has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, family law cases including divorce and child custody, and juvenile matters. Kleberg County Court is located at 700 East Kleberg Avenue in Kingsville and can be reached for Kleberg County Court at Law hears misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, appeals from justice and municipal courts, and probate matters.
- Justice of the Peace Courts in Kleberg County handle small claims up to $20,000, eviction cases, traffic violations, and serve as magistrate courts for arrest warrants and bail hearings.
- Kleberg County Clerk maintains district and county court records at 700 East Kleberg County Avenue and provides public access during business hours.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for $1 per page plus a $5 certification fee.
- Document retrieval fees apply for extensive searches.
- Re:SearchTX, the statewide case management system, provides limited online access to some case information, though implementation varies by court.
Property & Public Records
Kleberg County Clerk's Office, located at 700 East Kleberg Avenue in Kingsville, Texas 78363, is the official recorder of deeds and maintains Kleberg County's land records system. The office can be reached at and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Available records include warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, mechanic's and materialman's liens, federal tax liens, releases and satisfactions, easements, right-of-way documents, oil and gas leases, and subdivision plat maps.
- Kleberg County Clerk maintains grantor-grantee indexes dating back to Kleberg County's formation in 1913, allowing researchers to trace property ownership chains.
- Document recording fees follow Texas Local Government Code guidelines, with standard documents costing $25 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.
- Certified copies are available for $5 plus $1 per page.
- The Appraisal District also maintains a GIS mapping system allowing visual parcel searches.
Kleberg County offers online property record searching through a subscription-based service accessible via Kleberg County website, though free index searching may be available at the courthouse. Kleberg County Tax Assessor-Collector's office at 700 East Kleberg County Avenue maintains property tax records, assessed valuations, exemption information, and tax payment histories. Property tax records can be searched through Kleberg County Appraisal District website at klebergcad.org, which provides free access to property ownership information, legal descriptions, improvement details, and current tax year assessments.
All property records are public under Texas Property Code and Government Code provisions, with limited exceptions for certain homestead and security-related information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Kleberg County, Texas are maintained by Kleberg County Clerk's office at 700 East Kleberg Avenue, Kingsville, Texas 78363, phone. Birth certificates can be obtained for births that occurred within Kleberg County, with certified copies costing $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility to obtain the record under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are found, while mail requests take approximately two to three weeks.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Kleberg County Clerk's office with a current fee of $81, reduced to $11 if couples complete a state-approved premarital education course.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek for an additional service fee.
- Identification requirements follow Texas Administrative Code Title 25, requiring government-issued photo ID for all requestors.
Death certificates for deaths occurring in Kleberg County are available from the same office for the same fees, requiring requestor identification and demonstration of direct and tangible interest as defined by Texas law. Informal marriage (common-law) declarations are also filed with the County Clerk. Divorce decrees are filed with the District Clerk at the same address and are public record unless sealed by court order.
For vital records older than Kleberg County office retains or for statewide searches, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the central repository, accessible at dshs.texas.gov/vs. The Texas Family Code and Health and Safety Code govern vital records access, with restrictions protecting privacy while making sure of legitimate access for genealogical research, legal proceedings, and personal documentation needs.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Kleberg County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Kleberg County Clerk at 700 East Kleberg Avenue, Kingsville, processes assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under names other than the owners' legal names, with filing fees of $25 per assumed name. These records are public and searchable at the County Clerk's office.
- The Kingsville Chamber of Commerce, located at 635 East King Avenue and accessible at kingsvillechamber.com, provides business networking, advocacy, and information services to the local business community.
For full business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the SOSDirect database at direct.sos.state.tx.us where the public can search business formations, registered agents, ownership information, and corporate status free of charge. Texas sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, not at Kleberg County level. Professional licenses for occupations such as physicians, attorneys, cosmetologists, and contractors are issued by respective state licensing boards rather than county authorities.
Local business licensing and permits are handled by the City of Kingsville at 400 East King Avenue for businesses operating within city limits, including health permits, sign permits, and occupancy certificates. Building permits and zoning compliance in unincorporated Kleberg County are administered by the County Planning and Zoning Department, though much commercial development occurs within municipal jurisdictions. The Kingsville Economic Development Council and Kleberg County Economic Development Office work to attract and support business growth in Kleberg County.
Texas Business Organizations Code and Local Government Code provisions establish the framework for business registration and public access to business records.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Kleberg County, Texas are administered by Kleberg County Elections Administrator, located at 700 East Kleberg Avenue, Kingsville, Texas 78363. The office can be reached at and provides information on voter registration, polling locations, early voting, and election results. Voter registration in Kleberg County is handled through Kleberg County's Voter Registrar, with applications available online at the Texas Secretary of State website (texas.gov) or in person at the Elections office, county libraries, and various government offices.
- Texas law requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place using the Am I Registered? tool at teamrv.sos.state.tx.us or by contacting Kleberg County Elections office.
- In the November 2024 general election, Kleberg County voter turnout was approximately 52% of registered voters, reflecting engagement in the presidential election cycle.
Online registration is not currently available in Texas, but printable applications can be submitted by mail or in person. Kleberg County operates multiple polling locations on Election Day, with specific locations published before each election. Early voting is available at designated locations for approximately two weeks before Election Day, including weekend hours.
Election records that are public include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted under Texas Election Code), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees, candidate applications and filings, precinct-level election results, and ballot propositions. These records are accessible through the County Clerk's office and the Texas Ethics Commission website for campaign finance data. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring United States Congressional midterm elections including Texas's two U.S.
Senate seats (if one is up for election that cycle), all U.S. House seats including Texas Congressional District 27 which includes Kleberg County statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other executive positions, plus Texas State Senate and House seats, and local county and municipal offices. Mail-in (absentee) ballots in Texas are available only to voters 65 and older, those who will be absent from Kleberg County during the entire early voting period and Election Day, those confined in jail but eligible to vote, or those with a disability or illness preventing in-person voting.
Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Kleberg County Early Voting Clerk, and voted ballots must be received (not just postmarked) by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Texas Election Code Chapter 1 and Chapter 552 of the Government Code govern public access to election records, for public access in voter registration, candidate filing, campaign finance, and election results while protecting voter privacy regarding ballot choices.
Economy & Demographics
Kleberg County's economy is diversified across agriculture, education, military operations, energy, and tourism sectors. The King Ranch remains Kleberg County's most iconic economic entity, employing hundreds in ranching, farming, hunting operations, and tourism activities while spanning 825,000 acres primarily within Kleberg County. Cattle ranching and agricultural production have historically dominated the local economy, with cotton, grain sorghum, and hay production complementing livestock operations.
- Median household income in Kleberg County is estimated at approximately $48,000, below the Texas state average, reflecting the rural character and economic structure.
- Kleberg County's proximity to Corpus Christi provides access to port facilities, petrochemical industries, and larger commercial markets while maintaining its distinct agricultural and military identity.
Texas A&M University-Kingsville is Kleberg County's largest employer with over 1,000 faculty and staff, serving approximately 7,000 students and generating significant economic impact through payroll, research activities, and student spending. Naval Air Station Kingsville employs approximately 600 civilian and military personnel and hosts Navy pilot training operations that bring additional economic activity to Kleberg County. The energy sector contributes through oil and gas extraction, with Kleberg County positioned in productive South Texas energy fields.
Kleberg County unemployment rate typically tracks slightly above state averages, ranging between 5-7% depending on economic conditions. Healthcare services through Kleberg Health System provide employment and essential services. Retail and hospitality sectors serve People, with the 1904 King Ranch Saddle Shop and King Ranch Museum attracting heritage tourism.
Recent economic development efforts have focused on using the university's research capabilities, expanding healthcare services, and promoting Kleberg County's hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Texas A&M University-Kingsville campus hosts the Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center supporting entrepreneurship.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online Access | Property: Yes: Online via Appraisal District | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online via Texas SOS | Elections: Yes: Online Results & Registration Check | Overall Score: 7/10, Kleberg County provides good access to property and business records online, with jail information available digitally, though court and vital records require in-person visits.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Kleberg County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Kleberg County, Texas.