About Loving County
Loving County, located in far West Texas, holds the distinction of being the least populous county in the entire United States, with a 2020 Census population of just 64 residents. Loving County Seat is Mentone, an unincorporated community that is the administrative center. Established in 1887 and organized in 1893, Loving County was named after Oliver Loving, a pioneer cattleman who co-created the Goodnight-Loving County Trail.
Loving County covers approximately 677 square miles of arid desert scene in the Permian Basin region, bordered by New Mexico to the west and Reeves and Winkler counties to the east and north. Despite its small population, Loving County maintains full governmental operations including a County Clerk, County and District Clerk office, Tax Assessor-Collector, and County Judge. Loving County courthouse is located at 100 Bell Street in Mentone, Texas 79754.
The economy is driven almost entirely by oil and gas extraction, with Loving County sitting atop productive portions of the Permian Basin. What makes Loving County truly unique is not just its tiny population, but its vast stretches of rangeland, minimal infrastructure, and the challenge of maintaining county services for so few residents spread across such a large area. Loving County has no incorporated cities, no traffic lights, and represents one of the most sparsely populated areas in the continental United States.
The Red Bluff Reservoir on the Pecos River forms part of Loving County's western boundary with New Mexico.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Loving County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining peace and order throughout Loving County. The office patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Loving County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office is known for its commitment to community safety and often collaborates with neighboring counties due to its limited resources.
Police Departments
Loving County is primarily served by Loving County Sheriff's Office, as there are no municipal police departments within its boundaries. The sheriff's office handles all law enforcement duties, including patrolling, responding to emergencies, and investigating crimes. Due to Loving County's small size and population, the sheriff's office often collaborates with law enforcement agencies from neighboring counties to address major crimes and ensure full coverage of Loving County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement services in Loving County are provided by Loving County Sheriff's Office, located at Loving County Courthouse, 100 Bell Street, Mentone, TX 79754. The Sheriff's Office can be reached for Due to Loving County's extremely small population and geographic isolation, the Sheriff's Office operates with minimal staff and often coordinates with neighboring counties and the Texas Department of Public Safety for additional support.
- Arrest records and booking information are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and can be requested under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code.
- Written requests for arrest records should be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or the County and District Clerk.
- Mugshots and booking photos, when available, are part of arrest records and can be requested through the same public information request process.
- Due to limited digital infrastructure, most records requests require in-person visits or mail correspondence.
Loving County does not maintain a traditional county jail facility; instead, prisoners are typically housed through interlocal agreements with neighboring counties such as Reeves County or Winkler County. To inquire about inmate information or detention status, citizens should contact Loving County Sheriff's Office directly, as there is no online inmate lookup system due to Loving County's size. There are no incorporated municipalities in Loving County, therefore no municipal police departments exist within Loving County boundaries.
The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains jurisdiction on state highways running through Loving County and may have additional arrest records for offenses occurring on state roadways.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Loving County includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Loving County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining these records, while the Texas Department of Public Safety provides statewide criminal history information. Residents can request background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal, which includes records from Loving County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Loving County are maintained by Loving County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Loving County, including the date, time, and nature of the offense. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The records typically include personal information about the arrestee, the charges filed, and the arresting officer's details. Texas Public Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Loving County does not have its own jail facility due to its small population. Instead, individuals who are arrested in Loving County are typically transported to neighboring counties for detention. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Inmate lookup availability is limited, and those seeking information on a recently arrested individual should contact Loving County Sheriff's Office for guidance. The bond and bail process follows Texas state laws, allowing for release upon posting bail as determined by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Loving County are taken and retained by Loving County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be requested through the sheriff's office. Currently, there is no online database for mugshots specific to Loving County, so individuals seeking this information must contact the office directly. Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can request removal or sealing under certain conditions, such as expungement of records.
Courts & Case Records
Loving County is served by the 143rd Judicial District Court, which also serves Reeves, Culberson, and Presidio counties. District Court handles felony criminal cases, divorces, civil matters over $200, juvenile matters, and contested probate cases. Loving County Court convenes in Loving County at the courthouse in Mentone, though most proceedings are held in Pecos, Loving County Seat of Reeves County. Loving County and District Clerk, located at 100 Bell Street, Mentone, TX 79754, phone, maintains all district court records.
- Loving County also has a Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 1, which handles small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and is the magistrate court for initial appearances.
- Court records can be accessed by visiting the County and District Clerk's office in person or by written request.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, typically $1 per page plus $5 for certification, as established by Texas Local Government Code Section 118.
- Case file searches may incur research fees.
- Requests for bulk data or extensive records searches should be directed to the County and District Clerk with reasonable advance notice given the limited staff resources.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Loving County are maintained by Loving County Clerk's office at the courthouse, 100 Bell Street, Mentone, TX 79754, phone. Loving County Clerk serves as Loving County recorder and maintains documents including warranty deeds, deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, oil and gas leases, easements, right-of-way agreements, and subdivision plats. Due to Loving County's role in the Permian Basin oil industry, mineral rights documents and production royalty records constitute a significant portion of filed instruments.
- The office does not currently offer online access to recorded documents, and researchers must visit in person or submit written requests by mail.
- Recording fees are set by Texas Local Government Code Section 118 and typically include $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.
- The Reeves County Central Appraisal District provides appraisal services for Loving County under an interlocal agreement.
These records are public under Texas Property Code and can be examined during regular business hours. Property tax records are maintained by Loving County Tax Assessor-Collector, also located at the courthouse. The Assessor maintains appraisal rolls, tax payment histories, and ownership information.
Due to limited digital infrastructure, Loving County does not offer an online GIS or interactive property map system. For detailed property information, tax valuations, and ownership searches, contact the Tax Assessor-Collector for Certified copies of recorded instruments are available upon request with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.
Vital Records
Vital records for Loving County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by Loving County Clerk, located at 100 Bell Street, Mentone, TX 79754, phone. Birth certificates can be requested from the County Clerk for births that occurred in Loving County, though given Loving County's small population, most residents use services from the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin.
- Death certificates follow similar procedures with the same fee structure.
- Processing time at Loving County level is typically 1-2 weeks, though this can vary given limited staffing.
- Online ordering through VitalChek is available for an additional convenience fee.
- All vital records requests must comply with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, which restricts access to authorized persons including family members and legal representatives.
Birth certificate requests require completion of an application form, valid government-issued photo identification, proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate, and a fee of $23 for the first copy and $22 for additional copies ordered at the same time. Marriage licenses are issued by Loving County Clerk; couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the required fee of $82, which can be reduced to $22 if the couple completes a premarital education course. The 72-hour waiting period is waived for Texas residents who complete the course.
Divorce decrees are filed with the County and District Clerk after final court proceedings. For faster service or records from other Texas counties, applicants can order directly from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit at or online at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Loving County primarily flows through the County Clerk's office at 100 Bell Street, Mentone, TX 79754, phone. Loving County Clerk accepts and files Assumed Name Certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) as required under Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 71. The filing fee for an assumed name certificate is typically $17, and these records are public and available for inspection during business hours.
However, due to Loving County's minimal commercial activity outside oil and gas operations, few retail or service businesses maintain physical locations in Loving County. For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the online SOSDirect database at www.sos.state.tx.us, where users can search by entity name, registered agent, or file number free of charge. Sales tax permits are administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, not at Loving County level.
Professional licenses for occupations such as medical professionals, attorneys, engineers, and contractors are issued by respective state licensing boards. Building permits and zoning matters would be handled by the County Judge's office, though Loving County has minimal development regulation given its rural character and lack of incorporated municipalities. There is no active Chamber of Commerce in Loving County due to the sparse population.
For oil and gas-related business activity, which dominates the local economy, companies must also file with the Texas Railroad Commission for drilling permits and production reporting.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Loving County are administered by Loving County Clerk, who is the County Elections Administrator, located at 100 Bell Street, Mentone, TX 79754, phone. Voter registration in Texas, including Loving County, is handled through Loving County Voter Registrar, a function performed by the County Tax Assessor-Collector. Residents can register to vote by completing a voter registration application available at the courthouse or by downloading the form from the Texas Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.tx.us.
- Texas voters may request mail-in ballots if they are 65 or older, sick or disabled, confined in jail, or will be out of Loving County during the election period and early voting.
- Texas Election Code Chapter 552 governs public access to election records, for public access in the electoral process.
- Citizens may request election records through the County Clerk under the Texas Public Information Act.
Completed applications must be submitted by mail and postmarked at least 30 days before an election. Texas offers online voter registration status checking but not initial online registration. Voters can verify their registration status and find their polling location at the Texas Secretary of State's website or by calling the County Clerk.
Given Loving County's population of just 64 residents, there is typically one polling place located at the courthouse in Mentone for both early voting and Election Day voting. Election records that are public include voter registration rolls (with some information redacted per Texas Election Code Section 13.004), unofficial and official election results by precinct, candidate filing documents, and campaign finance reports filed with Loving County. In the November 2024 general election, Loving County reported exceptionally high turnout percentage relative to its registered voters, consistent with the civic engagement typical of very small communities where participation is highly visible.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives seats, one U.S. Senate seat, Texas Governor, other statewide offices, and state legislative races.
Applications for mail ballots must be submitted to Loving County Early Voting Clerk (the County Clerk) and received by the 11th day before Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Loving County's economy is almost entirely dependent on oil and gas extraction, with Loving County sitting atop highly productive portions of the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific petroleum-producing regions in North America. Major employers include oil field service companies and operating companies with drilling and production activities in Loving County, though most workers commute from neighboring counties.
The median household income is difficult to estimate accurately due to the extremely small population of 64 residents as of the 2020 Census, but energy-related royalty payments to landowners contribute significantly to individual wealth. Loving County has experienced boom-and-bust cycles correlated with global oil prices, with increased drilling activity during periods of high crude prices. Beyond petroleum, ranching represents the only other significant economic activity, with cattle grazing on the arid rangeland that covers most of Loving County.
Tourism is virtually nonexistent due to limited amenities and attractions. There is no manufacturing sector, no retail establishments, and no service industry to speak of within county boundaries. The unemployment rate is not reliably calculated by state agencies due to the small sample size, though economic participation is generally tied to mineral rights ownership, ranching operations, or county government employment.
Recent economic development has focused on horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies that have unlocked previously inaccessible oil reserves in the Delaware Basin portion of the greater Permian. Loving County courthouse and minimal county services represent the only government employment. Property tax revenue, heavily dependent on oil and gas property valuations, funds county operations and fluctuates with energy market conditions.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Only | Property: Limited: In-Person Only | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Business: Limited: County In-Person, State Online | Elections: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Overall Score: 3/10, Loving County's extremely small population and limited resources result in minimal digital record access; most requests require in-person visits or phone contact, though staff responsiveness is generally good given the small volume of requests.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Loving County
Explore public records for 1 cities and communities in Loving County, Texas.