About Limestone County
Limestone County is located in east-central Texas, approximately 90 miles south of Dallas and 50 miles east of Waco. Limestone County Seat is Groesbeck, a historic town situated near the geographic center of Limestone County. Established in 1846, Limestone County covers approximately 909 square miles and has a population of around 23,000 residents as of recent census estimates. Limestone County derives its name from the abundance of limestone rock formations found throughout Limestone County. Major communities include Groesbeck, Mexia, Thornton, and Kosse.
- Limestone County's scene features rolling prairie lands, numerous creeks, and Lake Groesbeck area, a significant reservoir covering over 12,500 acres that provides recreation and water supply.
Historically, Limestone County has been agricultural, with cotton, cattle, and hay production dominating the economy. Fort Parker State Park, site of the 1836 Fort Parker massacre and the capture of Cynthia Ann Parker, is a major historical landmark. Limestone County Courthouse in Groesbeck, built in 1924, stands as an architectural centerpiece.
Limestone County is served by several key administrative offices: Limestone County Clerk located at 200 West State Street, Groesbeck, TX 76642, which maintains vital records, court documents, and recorded instruments; Limestone County Appraisal District at 111 West Navasota Street, Groesbeck, which handles property assessments and tax records; and the County Tax Assessor-Collector who manages property tax collection and vehicle registration. What makes Limestone County unique is its blend of rich Native American and frontier history, combined with modern recreational opportunities centered around Lake the local community and its enduring small-town character.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Limestone County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Limestone County. It oversees Limestone County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs specific to the needs of Limestone County residents. The Sheriff's Office is key to coordinating with local police departments and other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety across Limestone County.
Police Departments
Limestone County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Limestone County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Mexia Police Department and the Groesbeck Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective city, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of a coordinated response across Limestone County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Limestone County is primarily provided by Limestone County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 200 West State Street, Groesbeck, TX 76642. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a presence throughout the unincorporated areas of Limestone County. The agency operates Limestone County Jail, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders. Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at the Sheriff's Office main number or by visiting the facility during business hours.
- Currently, Limestone County does not offer a full online inmate search portal, so requests must be made by phone or in person.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written public information request to the Sheriff's Office or the relevant municipal police department.
- Response times vary, but agencies must respond to requests promptly, typically within ten business days.
- Mugshots and booking photos are maintained by the arresting agency and Limestone County jail; these can be requested through the same public information request process.
- Fees may apply for copies of records.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Mexia Police Department (serving the city of Mexia, Limestone County's largest city), the Groesbeck Police Department (serving Limestone County Seat), and smaller departments in Thornton and Kosse. Each municipal department maintains its own records and booking procedures. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records.
Some records may be withheld if they pertain to ongoing investigations or are protected by specific exemptions under state law. There are no tribal police jurisdictions in Limestone County. The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains a highway patrol presence along major corridors including US Highway 84 and State Highway 14.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Limestone County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, with oversight from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Residents can run background checks through the Texas Bureau of Investigation, which provides full criminal history reports. These records are crucial for legal proceedings, employment checks, and public safety measures.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Limestone County are maintained by Limestone County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the Texas Public Information Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and any court dates. The Sheriff's Office provides guidance on how to access these records, for public access and compliance with state laws.
Jail & Inmate Records
Limestone County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in Limestone County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Limestone County, where they are processed and held until bail is posted or they are transferred to a court hearing. Inmate lookup services are available for the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond process follows Texas state law, allowing for cash or surety bonds to secure an inmate's release.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Limestone County are taken and retained by Limestone County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges.
Courts & Case Records
Limestone County's judicial system includes the 87th District Court, which is the primary trial court with jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, divorce and family law cases, juvenile matters, and appeals from lower courts. The 87th District Court is located at Limestone County Courthouse, 200 West State Street, Groesbeck, TX 76642, and can be reached for Limestone County Clerk maintains case records and dockets for this court.
- Limestone County also has County Court at Law, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, probate matters, and appeals from Justice of the Peace courts.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $1 to $5 per page.
Limestone County Clerk, also located at 200 West State Street, is the clerk for the County Court at Law. Justice of the Peace Courts operate in multiple precincts throughout Limestone County, handling Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses), small claims up to $20,000, evictions, and serving as magistrates for initial appearances and warrant issuance. Municipal courts in Groesbeck, Mexia, Thornton, and Kosse have jurisdiction over city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Court records in Limestone County can be searched by visiting the District Clerk or County Clerk offices in person. As of recent years, Texas counties have been developing online case access through the Texas Judicial Branch's re:SearchTX portal, though availability varies by county and court. Under Texas Government Code Section 552.001 and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, most court records are presumed to be public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statutory exemptions involving juveniles, certain family law matters, or grand jury proceedings.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Limestone County are maintained by the County Clerk's office, which is the official recorder of deeds. Located at 200 West State Street, Groesbeck, TX 76642, phone, the County Clerk's recording department preserves and indexes all instruments affecting real property. Available records include warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust (mortgages), releases and assignments, mechanic's and materialman's liens, judgment liens, tax liens, easements, rights of way, plat maps, subdivision records, and oil and gas leases.
- Recording fees are established by Texas law and typically include $25 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.
- This database provides current and historical assessed values, exemptions, and legal descriptions.
- For certified copies of recorded documents, requests must be made in writing or in person to the County Clerk; certification adds an additional fee of approximately $5 per document.
- Limestone County provides a basic online property search through the Appraisal District, but full deed images and recorded document retrieval generally require an in-person visit or written request.
The office maintains grantor/grantee indexes dating back to Limestone County's founding. Limestone County Appraisal District, located at 111 West Navasota Street, Groesbeck, TX 76642, phone, maintains property tax records, appraisal values, ownership information, and property characteristics. The Appraisal District website offers a free online property search tool where users can look up parcels by owner name, property address, or account number.
The Tax Assessor-Collector's office handles property tax payments and maintains tax certificates. Some third-party vendors offer subscription-based access to Limestone County property records. Limestone County does maintain a GIS mapping system accessible through the Appraisal District for parcel identification and boundary visualization.
Vital Records
Vital records for Limestone County, Texas are managed through multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Limestone County can be requested from Limestone County Clerk's office at 200 West State Street, Groesbeck, TX 76642, phone. However, the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Section, is the central repository for all Texas vital records and is often the more reliable source, especially for older records.
- Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies.
- Online ordering is available through the state's VitalChek service at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs, which processes requests for an additional convenience fee of approximately $10-15.
- Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk as part of civil court cases and can be accessed through that office.
- Certified copies of marriage or divorce records require written requests with identification and payment of applicable fees.
Processing time at Limestone County level is typically immediate to 3 business days if records are available locally; state-level requests through the Texas Department of State Health Services typically take 2-3 weeks by mail, or can be expedited for additional fees. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or eligibility, as Texas restricts vital records access to immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a direct legal interest under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 and 192. Marriage licenses are issued by Limestone County Clerk, and couples must apply in person with valid identification, Social Security numbers, and payment of the license fee (typically $81, reduced to $21 if couples complete a premarital education course).
Marriage records, once recorded, become public information.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Limestone County are managed through several offices depending on the type of business activity. Limestone County Clerk's office at 200 West State Street, Groesbeck, TX 76642, handles assumed name certificates (DBAs or "Doing Business As" filings) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. These filings are required under Texas Business & Commerce Code Section 71.002 and must be filed in Limestone County where the business maintains its principal office.
- The filing fee is typically $27 for sole proprietorships and partnerships.
- The SOSDirect online portal at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp provides a free searchable database of all registered business entities in Texas, including those based in Limestone County.
- This database shows entity names, registration status, registered agents, formation dates, and filing history.
- For full business research, combining County Clerk DBA records with Secretary of State entity searches provides the most complete picture of business activity in Limestone County.
For corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal business entities, the primary resource is the Texas Secretary of State, Business & Public Filings Division. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be researched through that agency. Professional licenses (medical, legal, cosmetology, etc.) are regulated by state-level boards rather than county offices.
Building permits, zoning compliance, and development permits are handled at the municipal level by city planning departments in Groesbeck, Mexia, Thornton, and Kosse, or by Limestone County for unincorporated areas, inquiries should be directed to Limestone County Judge's office for county jurisdiction matters. Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, with offices in both Groesbeck and Mexia, provides support for local businesses; the Groesbeck chamber can be reached through community resources, while Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce operates at www.mexiachamber.com.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Limestone County, Texas are administered by Limestone County Elections Administrator, operating under the oversight of the County Clerk's office at 200 West State Street, Groesbeck, TX 76642. The elections office can be reached for Voter registration in Texas is handled at Limestone County level through the County Voter Registrar.
- These records can be requested from the County Elections Administrator under the Texas Public Information Act.
- Limestone County, like many rural Texas counties, typically sees general election turnout ranging from 45-60% of registered voters in presidential election years, with lower turnout in midterm and local elections.
Texas residents may register to vote by completing a voter registration application and submitting it to Limestone County Voter Registrar; applications are available at county offices, libraries, and online at www.votetexas.gov, the official Texas Secretary of State elections portal. Texas does not offer fully online voter registration, applications must be printed, signed, and mailed or delivered. The voter registration deadline in Texas is 30 days before any election.
Registered voters in Limestone County can find their polling place by visiting the Texas Secretary of State's website at www.votetexas.gov and using the "Where to Vote" search tool, or by contacting the County Elections office directly. Polling locations are assigned based on voter registration address and precinct boundaries. Election records that are public in Texas include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted under Texas Election Code Section 18.066), precinct-level election results, candidate filing documents, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and early voting rosters.
In the 2024 general election, Limestone County turnout was consistent with these historical patterns, reflecting strong rural voter engagement. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate midterm races, Texas statewide offices including Governor, and state legislative seats.
Voters in Limestone County may request mail-in (absentee) ballots if they meet specific eligibility criteria under Texas law: being 65 years or older, having a disability, being confined in jail, or being absent from Limestone County during the entire early voting period and Election Day. Mail ballot applications must be submitted to Limestone County Early Voting Clerk and received (not postmarked) by the deadline specified in the Texas Election Code. Texas has relatively restrictive vote-by-mail eligibility compared to many states.
Early in-person voting is widely available at designated locations, typically including Limestone County courthouse and additional sites in larger communities. Limestone County's election transparency is strong in terms of public access to results and basic voter information, though detailed campaign finance data and full voter history requires formal public information requests.
Economy & Demographics
Limestone County's economy historically has been rooted in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing, with ongoing diversification in recent decades. Agriculture remains significant, with cattle ranching, hay production, and row crops (including corn, sorghum, and soybeans) generating substantial economic activity. Limestone County's agricultural sector benefits from generally fertile soils and adequate rainfall patterns. Energy has long been important, with oil and gas production contributing to the local economy, particularly in the western portions of Limestone County.
- Manufacturing provides employment through several facilities in Mexia and other communities, including companies involved in metal fabrication, industrial equipment, and food processing.
The lignite coal mining industry once dominated Limestone Countyal economy, supporting power generation facilities, though this sector has contracted in recent years. Lake Limestone, completed in the 1970s, has spurred recreational tourism and seasonal residential development, with marinas, campgrounds, and lakeside businesses serving visitors. Median household income in Limestone County is estimated at approximately $48,000-52,000, somewhat below the Texas state average, reflecting the rural character and economic challenges faced by many agricultural counties.
Major employers include Limestone County government, school districts (Groesbeck ISD, Mexia ISD, and others), healthcare facilities, retail establishments, and small manufacturers. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice operates facilities in Limestone County that provide employment. Unemployment rates in Limestone County typically track slightly above state averages, ranging from 4-6% depending on economic conditions and seasonal factors.
Economic development efforts focus on using Limestone County's location between major metropolitan areas, promoting Lake the local community tourism, supporting existing industry, and improving infrastructure. The closure of legacy coal operations has required economic adaptation and workforce retraining initiatives. Small business development and entrepreneurship support are provided through local chambers of commerce and regional economic development organizations.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Limited Online | Property: Yes: Free Appraisal Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Portal | Business: Yes: State Online (DBA at County) | Elections: Yes: State Portal | Overall Score: 6/10, Limestone County provides basic digital access for property appraisals and relies on state systems for business and election info, but most records require in-person requests or phone contact.