About Matagorda County
Matagorda County is located along the Texas Gulf Coast, including approximately 1,612 square miles in southeastern Texas. Matagorda County Seat is Bay City, which is the governmental and commercial hub for Matagorda County's approximately 36,000 residents. Established in 1836 as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas, Matagorda County has a rich history tied to early Texas settlement, with the community of Matagorda serving as an important port in the 19th century.
Matagorda County is bounded by the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast and includes significant waterways such as the Colorado River, Caney Creek, and the Intracoastal Waterway. Major landmarks include Matagorda Bay system, one of Texas's most productive estuarine environments, and the South Texas Project nuclear power plant near Wadsworth, which is a key part of the local economy. Matagorda County Courthouse, located at 1700 Seventh Street in Bay City, houses the County Clerk's office and other vital county departments.
Matagorda County Tax Assessor-Collector maintains offices at the same address, handling property assessments and tax collections. Matagorda County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, maintaining land records, court documents, and vital statistics. Matagorda County's flat coastal prairie scene supports agriculture, particularly rice farming and cattle ranching, which have been economic mainstays for generations.
Matagorda County's unique position along the Central Flyway makes it a prime location for birding and wildlife observation, attracting ecotourists throughout the year. Matagorda County's blend of coastal resources, energy production, agriculture, and small-town communities creates a distinctive Gulf Coast character.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Matagorda County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the unincorporated areas of Matagorda County. This office oversees Matagorda County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is focused on public safety and supporting the community relationships through various outreach programs.
Police Departments
In addition to Matagorda County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Matagorda County, including the Bay City Police Department and the Palacios Police Department. These agencies are responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Matagorda County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1700 Seventh Street in Bay City, Texas 77414, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Matagorda County.
- Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
Inmate information and jail roster searches are typically available by contacting the jail directly at or through third-party inmate lookup services that aggregate Texas county jail data. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Bay City Police Department, serving Matagorda County Seat, and the Palacios Police Department, serving the coastal community of Palacios. Arrest records in Matagorda County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), and citizens may request these records by submitting a written request to the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally part of arrest records and may be released unless specifically exempted under state law. Response times for public records requests vary but agencies must respond within ten business days under Texas law, either providing the records, seeking an Attorney General opinion, or explaining why the information is exempt from disclosure.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Matagorda County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal, which offers access to criminal records for employment, licensing, and personal review purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Matagorda County are maintained by Matagorda County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Texas Public Information Act. A Matagorda County arrest record typically contains the individual's personal information, arrest date, charges, and any bail conditions set by the court.
Jail & Inmate Records
Matagorda County Jail, located in Bay City, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Matagorda County. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal details of the detainee. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to adhere to scheduled times and security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state guidelines, enabling the release of detainees upon payment of bail, which can be arranged through a bail bondsman or directly at the jail.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Matagorda County are taken and retained by Matagorda County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request under the Texas Public Information Act. Texas law does not have specific provisions for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can seek legal counsel if they believe their rights have been violated in the dissemination of such images.
Courts & Case Records
Matagorda County's court system includes the 130th District Court and the 23rd District Court, both of which have jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, family law cases, and juvenile matters. Matagorda County Courts are located in Matagorda County Courthouse at 1700 Seventh Street, Bay City, Texas 77414, with the District Clerk's office accessible for Matagorda County Court at Law hears misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, probate matters, and appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts.
- Matagorda County has four Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4) handling small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, evictions, and magistrate functions including setting bail and issuing warrants.
- Online case lookup may be available through Matagorda County website or via the Texas Judicial Branch's online case search system.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents typically range from $1 to $5 per page plus certification fees.
- Research requests can be submitted in writing or in person, with clerk staff able to assist in locating specific case files by case number, party name, or filing date.
Matagorda County Court at Law is also located in the main courthouse. Bay City operates a Municipal Court handling city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Court records are maintained by the District Clerk for district-level cases and the County Clerk for county and lower court matters.
The public may search court records in person at the respective clerk's offices during regular business hours. Under Texas Government Code Section 552.021, court records are presumed to be public information unless specifically exempted by law, though certain records involving juveniles, sealed cases, and protected personal information may be restricted.
Property & Public Records
Matagorda County Clerk, located at 1700 Seventh Street, Bay City, Texas 77414, is the official Recorder of Deeds and maintains all property related documents including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, mechanic's liens, abstract of judgments, easements, right-of-way agreements, and subdivision plat maps. Matagorda County Clerk's office can be reached at and maintains recorded documents dating back to Matagorda County's founding.
- Real property records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description, allowing researchers to trace property ownership chains and encumbrances.
- Matagorda County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, also located at 1700 Seventh Street (phone: 979-244-7693), maintains property tax records, appraisal values, ownership information, and tax payment histories.
- Matagorda County Appraisal District, a separate entity located at 2309 Avenue F in Bay City (phone: 979-245-5307), determines property valuations and maintains detailed property characteristic data.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk for a fee of $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page of the same document.
- Many researchers use the online property search and GIS mapping tools to identify properties before visiting the clerk's office for official copies.
Many Texas counties, including Matagorda, have contracted with third-party vendors to digitize land records, and an online search portal may be available through Matagorda County website at matagordacounty.us, though fees typically apply for viewing or printing official documents. The Appraisal District typically offers a free online property search tool on its website where users can look up parcels by owner name, address, or account number, viewing appraisal values, exemptions, and legal descriptions. Property records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552 and Texas Local Government Code provisions governing county recorders.
Vital Records
Vital records for Matagorda County, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both local and state authorities. Matagorda County Clerk's office at 1700 Seventh Street, Bay City, Texas 77414 (phone: 979-244-7680) can provide informational copies of birth and death records for events occurring within Matagorda County, though certified copies suitable for legal purposes are typically issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section in Austin.
- To request a certified birth or death certificate, applicants may apply in person at the County Clerk's office, by mail to the Texas Vital Statistics office at P.O.
- Current fees are $23 for a certified birth certificate and $21 for a certified death certificate when ordered from the state office, with additional fees for expedited processing and online ordering.
- Processing times range from 2-3 weeks for mail requests to 5-10 business days for online orders, with rush options available for an additional fee.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $81.
Birth certificates are restricted records under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192, available only to the registrant (if 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper documentation. Death certificates have similar restrictions for the first 25 years after death. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040, or online through the official state vendor at VitalChek.com.
Marriage licenses are issued by Matagorda County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person at the clerk's office with valid identification, and the license is valid for 90 days after issuance with a 72-hour waiting period unless waived by completing a premarital education course. Divorce decrees are maintained by the District Clerk's office as part of district court records. Applicants for vital records must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate their eligibility to receive the restricted record.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Matagorda County involves multiple levels of government depending on the type of business activity. Matagorda County Clerk's office at 1700 Seventh Street, Bay City, Texas 77414 (phone: 979-244-7680) maintains Assumed Name (DBA - Doing Business As) registrations for people and entities conducting business under a name other than their legal name, as required by Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 71. The filing fee for an assumed name certificate is typically $16, and the registration must be renewed every ten years.
- The Secretary of State charges filing fees ranging from $300 to $750 depending on entity type.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations, businesses must file with the Texas Secretary of State's Corporations Section, which maintains a searchable online database at apps.sos.state.tx.us/soscorp/search where the public can look up business entity information, registered agents, filing dates, and current status. Businesses selling taxable goods must obtain a Sales and Use Tax Permit from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, which can be applied for online at comptroller.texas.gov. Certain professional occupations require state-level licensing through respective licensing boards (medical, legal, cosmetology, contracting, etc.).
At the local level, businesses operating within Bay City or other incorporated municipalities must obtain city business permits or occupational licenses from the respective city secretary's office. Building permits, construction permits, and certificates of occupancy are issued by Matagorda County Development Services department or city building inspection departments for locations within city limits. Zoning information and development regulations can be obtained from Matagorda County planning office.
The Bay City Chamber of Commerce, located at 201 Seventh Street, Bay City (phone: 979-245-8333, website: baycity.org), provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for Matagorda County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Matagorda County are administered by Matagorda County Elections Administrator, an office established under Texas Election Code provisions and operating from Matagorda County courthouse complex at 1700 Seventh Street, Bay City, Texas 77414. The Elections office can be contacted, and election information is available through Matagorda County website at matagordacounty.us.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their polling location, and view sample ballots through the Texas Secretary of State's voter portal.
- In the November 2024 general election, Matagorda County voter turnout was approximately 62% of registered voters, reflecting strong participation in the presidential election.
Voter registration in Texas is handled at Matagorda County level, and residents of Matagorda County may register to vote by completing a voter registration application available from the Elections office, public libraries, or downloadable from the Texas Secretary of State website at votetexas.gov. Registration applications must be postmarked or submitted in person at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Texas offers online voter registration status checking but does not currently offer online registration submission; applications must be submitted by mail or in person with an original signature.
Early voting locations and Election Day polling places are designated by the Elections Administrator and published on Matagorda County website and in local newspapers prior to each election. Polling place information is also available through Matagorda County elections office phone line. Election records maintained by Matagorda County include voter registration rolls (available for inspection though containing protected information), candidate filings, campaign finance reports for county-level races, election results by precinct, and records of early voting and mail ballot applications.
The next major election will be the November 3, 2026 general election, featuring U.S. House races, contested U.S. Senate seats, Texas statewide offices including Governor and other constitutional officers, state legislative races, and county-level positions.
Texas voters may request mail-in (absentee) ballots if they meet specific criteria: being 65 years or older, having a disability, being confined in jail but eligible to vote, or being absent from Matagorda County during the early voting period and Election Day. Mail ballot applications must be submitted to Matagorda County Early Voting Clerk, and applications can be downloaded from the Secretary of State website. Under Texas Election Code Chapter 1.011 and the Texas Public Information Act, election records including vote totals, precinct results, and most administrative records are public information available upon request, promoting transparency in the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Matagorda County's economy is anchored by several key sectors, with energy production, agriculture, and petrochemical manufacturing serving as the primary economic drivers. The South Texas Project nuclear power plant, operated by STP Nuclear Operating Company near Wadsworth, is Matagorda County's largest employer and taxpayer, providing approximately 1,200 permanent jobs and generating nearly 2,700 megawatts of electricity for the Texas grid. The facility contributes substantially to Matagorda County's tax base and supports numerous indirect jobs in Matagorda Countyal economy.
- Commercial and recreational fishing, supported by the productive Matagorda Bay system, generates economic activity through seafood processing, marina operations, and charter services.
- According to recent economic data, Matagorda County's median household income is approximately $61,000, slightly below the state median.
Agriculture remains vital to the local economy, with rice farming dominating the fertile coastal prairie lands; Matagorda County consistently ranks among Texas's top rice-producing counties. Cattle ranching, grain sorghum, corn, and cotton also contribute to agricultural output. The petrochemical industry maintains a presence through various facilities and operations connected to the Gulf Coast industrial corridor.
Tourism contributes to the economy through birding, fishing, beach recreation, and heritage tourism, particularly in the historic communities of Matagorda and Palacios. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to state averages, ranging between 4% and 6% depending on seasonal factors. Major employers beyond the nuclear plant include the Bay City Independent School District, Matagorda County government, healthcare providers including Matagorda County Regional Medical Center, and retail establishments.
Economic development efforts focus on using Matagorda County's energy infrastructure, port access via the Intracoastal Waterway, and quality of life attributes to attract new industry while supporting existing agricultural and energy sectors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Available in Person | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Inquiry | Vital Records: Limited: State Processing Required | Business: Yes: State Database Online | Elections: Yes: Information Available | Overall Score: 7/10, Matagorda County provides reasonable access to public records with some online resources and in-person services at the courthouse.