About Medina County
Medina County, Texas, is a rural county located in the southwestern portion of the state, approximately 40 miles west of San Antonio. Established in 1848 and named after the Medina River, which flows through Medina County, Medina County includes approximately 1,335 square miles of diverse terrain ranging from rolling Hill Country scenes to fertile agricultural valleys. Medina County Seat is Hondo, situated along U.S. Highway 90, which is the primary east-west corridor through Medina County. As of the 2020 Census, Medina County has a population of approximately 50,000 residents.
Medina County is home to several incorporated communities including Castroville, known as the 'Little Alsace of Texas' for its unique Alsatian heritage and historic architecture, as well as the towns of Devine, Natalia, and LaCoste. Medina County River and Medina County Lake are significant landmarks, providing recreational opportunities and serving as critical water resources for Medina County. Medina County's economy traditionally centered on ranching, agriculture, and oil and gas production, though residential development has increased in recent decades due to proximity to San Antonio.
Medina County Courthouse, located at 1410 Avenue N in Hondo, houses the County Clerk's office, which maintains official county records. Medina County Tax Assessor-Collector is located at the same address and handles property tax assessments and collections. Medina County Clerk is the chief records custodian for Medina County, managing land records, vital statistics, and court documents.
Medina County retains its rural character while experiencing gradual growth as part of the greater San Antonio metropolitan area.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Medina County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Medina County's unincorporated areas. The office oversees Medina County jail, processes arrests, and manages criminal records. The office works diligently to ensure the safety and security of Medina County residents through various initiatives and partnerships with local agencies.
Police Departments
Medina County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Medina County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Hondo, Castroville, and Devine. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Medina County. The coordination between these departments is crucial for maintaining public safety and addressing criminal activity effectively.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Medina County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1410 Avenue N in Hondo, Texas 78861, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Medina County. Medina County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor sentences.
- Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records are generally considered public information and may be requested from the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
- Requests should be submitted in writing, either in person, by mail, or through the agency's online request portal if available.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are typically included in arrest records and may be available through the Sheriff's Office inmate search system or by submitting a formal public information request.
- Processing times for records requests vary, but agencies must respond within ten business days under state law.
- Fees for copies of arrest records are established by statute and typically include a nominal per-page charge plus any applicable certification fees.
Inmates can be located through the Sheriff's Office website, which typically provides an online inmate roster searchable by name or booking number, including information such as booking date, charges, bond amount, and anticipated release date. Municipal law enforcement agencies within Medina County include the Hondo Police Department, Castroville Police Department, Devine Police Department, and Natalia Police Department, each serving their respective incorporated cities. Some records may be withheld if they are part of an ongoing investigation or protected by specific exemptions under the Public Information Act.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Medina County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal, which includes data from Medina County. The Texas Department of Public Safety also helps with providing criminal information and supporting local law enforcement efforts.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Medina County are maintained by Medina County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following the guidelines set by the Texas Public Information Act. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, the charges filed, and the arresting agency. Access to these records is subject to certain restrictions to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
Medina County Jail, located in Hondo, is the primary detention facility for Medina County. The booking process at the jail involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and guidelines that must be adhered to.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Medina County are taken and retained by Medina 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 website or by request. Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of records. Mugshots are typically used for identification purposes and may be published in local media or online databases.
Courts & Case Records
Medina County court system consists of several levels of jurisdiction serving Medina County's legal needs. The 38th Judicial District Court, located in Medina County Courthouse at 1410 Avenue N in Hondo, Texas 78861, handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in dispute value, family law cases including divorce and child custody, and juvenile matters.
- Many court records can be searched online through Medina County's case management system, though availability varies by court.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $1 per page plus a certification fee of $5.
- Online access may require registration and payment of subscription fees.
- Walk-in requests are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
Medina County Court can be contacted through the office’s website. Medina County Court at Law presides over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases with amounts in controversy between $200 and $250,000, appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts, and probate matters. Medina County has multiple Justice of the Peace Courts serving different precincts throughout Medina County, handling small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and serving as magistrates for arrest warrant issuance. Municipal Courts in Hondo, Castroville, Devine, and Natalia have jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Court records in Medina County are accessible through the District Clerk's office for district court cases and the County Clerk's office for county court and probate matters. Texas Government Code Chapter 552 and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration govern public access to court records.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Medina County are maintained by Medina County Clerk's office, which functions as the County Clerk, located at 1410 Avenue N in Hondo, Texas 78861. Medina County Clerk's office can be contacted at and maintains an official website at medinacountytexas.org. The office records and preserves documents affecting real property, 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 plats.
- Medina County provides property record searching capabilities, though users should verify current access options by contacting the County Clerk directly or visiting Medina County website.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk's office for a statutory fee of $1 per page plus $5 for certification.
These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description to help with searches. Texas Property Code governs the recording and indexing of land records. Many counties in Texas now offer online access to recorded documents through subscription services or free public portals.
Medina County Appraisal District, a separate entity from county government, maintains property tax records, appraisal values, ownership information, and property characteristics. The appraisal district is located at 403 Avenue H in Hondo and can be reached, with an online property search available at medinacad.org. The Tax Assessor-Collector's office, located in the courthouse, handles property tax billing and collection.
Some documents may be available as uncertified copies for research purposes at reduced rates. Medina County may offer a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping portal providing parcel boundaries, aerial imagery, and property information layers accessible to the public.
Vital Records
Vital records for Medina County, Texas, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both local and state authorities under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapters 191-195. Birth certificates for births occurring in Medina County can be requested from Medina County Clerk's office at 1410 Avenue N, Hondo, Texas 78861, or from the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin. Medina County Clerk typically maintains records for births that occurred within Medina County, while the state office holds records for all births in Texas.
- The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered at the same time when requesting from the County Clerk.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if the record is on file locally, while mail requests may take 2-3 weeks.
- Death certificates follow a similar process, with certified copies available from the County Clerk's office or the state vital statistics office at the same fee structure.
- The marriage license fee is set by state statute.
- Certified copies of marriage records can be obtained from the County Clerk for statutory fees.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as Texas law restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or other qualified applicants. Marriage licenses are issued by Medina County Clerk's office, with both applicants required to appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers. Divorce decrees are maintained by the District Clerk's office as part of court records.
Online ordering of vital records may be available through VitalChek or the state's official website at dshs.texas.gov/vs, with expedited service available for additional fees. Informal copies for genealogical research may have different access requirements than certified copies used for legal purposes.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Medina County can be accessed through multiple governmental entities depending on the type of record sought. Medina County Clerk's office at 1410 Avenue N in Hondo processes and maintains assumed name certificates (DBA - 'Doing Business As' filings) for people and entities conducting business under a name other than their legal name. These filings are required under Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 71 and are public records searchable at the County Clerk's office. The filing fee is established by statute.
- This free database allows searches by entity name, registered agent, or file number, providing formation dates, status, registered agent information, and filing history.
For full business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the official business registry accessible online at direct.sos.state.tx.us/corps/sosda. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, not at Medina County level. Professional licenses for occupations such as real estate agents, contractors, cosmetologists, and others are issued by respective state licensing boards, with verification typically available through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning information are handled by municipal building departments in incorporated areas or by county authorities in unincorporated areas. Medina County Planning and Development office can provide information regarding building permits and land use regulations for unincorporated parts of Medina County. Medina County Economic Development Corporation works to attract and retain businesses in Medina County and can be a resource for business climate information.
Local Chambers of Commerce, including Medina County Chamber of Commerce and Alliance, provide networking and business resources for Medina County's commercial community.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Medina County, Texas, are administered by Medina County Elections Administrator, located at 1410 Avenue N in Hondo, Texas 78861. The elections office can be contacted, and election information is available on Medina County website at medinacountytexas.org under the elections section. Voter registration in Texas is handled at Medina County level, with applications processed by the County Tax Assessor-Collector or the Elections Administrator. Texas residents may register to vote if they are U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of Medina County.
- Voters can also register in person or by mail using a printable application form.
- The 2024 general election in Medina County saw turnout comparable to typical Texas rural counties, generally ranging between 55-65 percent of registered voters in presidential election years.
Voter registration applications must be submitted at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Online voter registration is available through the Texas Secretary of State website at texas.gov, where residents can complete and submit their registration electronically if they have a Texas driver's license or identification card. To find your specific polling place in Medina County, voters can visit Medina County elections website, call the elections office, or check the Texas Secretary of State's voter portal at teamrv.sos.state.tx.us, where entering your name and date of birth will display your registration status, precinct, and polling location.
Election records that are public in Texas include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports filed with local and state authorities, and election related expenditure records maintained by Medina County. The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat, Texas statewide offices including Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Texas House and Senate seats, and various county and local positions. Absentee voting by mail in Texas is limited to specific categories: voters 65 years or older, voters who will be absent from Medina County during the early voting period and on election day, voters who are sick or disabled, and voters who are confined in jail but otherwise eligible. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Medina County Early Voting Clerk, with deadlines specified by the Texas Election Code.
Early voting in person is available at designated locations in Medina County for a period beginning several weeks before election day. The transparency of election records in Texas is governed by the Texas Election Code and the Texas Public Information Act, which require most election related documents to be available for public inspection, making sure of accountability and public confidence in the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Medina County's economy represents a blend of traditional rural industries and emerging sectors driven by its proximity to the San Antonio metropolitan area. Historically, Medina County's economic foundation rested on agriculture, ranching, and natural resource extraction, sectors that remain significant today. Cattle ranching, hay production, and crop farming continue to occupy substantial portions of Medina County's land area.
- The median household income in Medina County is approximately $57,000, somewhat below the Texas state average, reflecting the rural character of much of Medina County.
Agriculture and ranching employ a significant portion of the workforce, with family-owned operations predominating. The oil and gas industry maintains a presence in Medina County, with extraction and service companies providing employment and contributing to the tax base through mineral production. Retail trade, healthcare, and education represent growing employment sectors, particularly in Hondo, Medina County Seat, and Castroville, located closer to San Antonio.
Major employers include the Medina Valley Independent School District, Hondo Independent School District, Medina County Regional Hospital, and various manufacturing facilities. Medina County's location along major transportation corridors, including U.S. Highway 90 and State Highway 173, handles commerce and commuting to San Antonio, where many residents work.
Tourism contributes to the local economy, particularly in Castroville, where the Alsatian heritage attracts visitors to historic sites, restaurants, and annual festivals. Medina Lake and the surrounding recreational areas draw outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Medina County has experienced moderate population growth as residential development extends westward from San Antonio, bringing new construction activity and supporting services.
Efforts by local economic development organizations focus on attracting light manufacturing, logistics operations, and small businesses that can benefit from lower operating costs compared to urban areas while maintaining reasonable access to San Antonio's larger market and workforce.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Available | Property: Yes: Appraisal District Online | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Sheriff Website | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Database Online | Elections: Yes: Online Information | Overall Score: 7/10, Medina County provides reasonable access to public records with property tax and business information readily available online, though some vital records require traditional request methods.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Medina County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Medina County, Texas.