About Midland County
Midland County is located in the western region of Texas, covering approximately 902 square miles in the heart of the Permian Basin. The county seat is the City of Midland, which also serves as the economic and governmental hub. As of the 2020 Census, Midland County had a population of approximately 169,983 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in West Texas. The county was created in 1885 from Tom Green County and organized that same year.
- The county is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,800 feet above sea level on the flat Llano Estacado.
Midland County is renowned as a center of the petroleum industry, with its economy heavily influenced by oil and gas exploration and production. Major landmarks include the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, the George W. Bush Childhood Home, and the Commemorative Air Force Museum.
The this county Courthouse, located at 500 N Loraine Street in downtown Midland County, houses various county offices. The County Clerk's office, also at 500 N Loraine Street, maintains official records including court documents, vital records, and business filings. The the county Appraisal District, located at 2708 N Big Spring Street, handles property assessments and tax rolls.
The County Auditor oversees financial operations. What makes this jurisdiction unique is its position as one of the wealthiest counties in Texas per capita during oil boom periods, its role as the childhood home of President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, and its significant contribution to American energy independence through its vast petroleum reserves.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Midland County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the county jail, manages the booking and processing of arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs specific to the county. Notable divisions within the Sheriff's Office include the Patrol Division, which ensures public safety in rural areas, and the Criminal Investigations Division, which handles major crime investigations.
Police Departments
Midland County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while the Midland Police Department is responsible for the city of Midland. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, sharing resources and information to effectively manage law enforcement across the county. Other municipal police departments within the county include those in nearby communities such as Greenwood.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Midland County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 400 S Main Street, Midland, TX 79701, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (432) 688-4600, and their website is www.co.the local community.tx.us/sheriff. The agency operates the Midland County Detention Center at the same address, which houses inmates awaiting trial or serving county sentences.
- Inmate lookup is available online through the Sheriff's Office website, where the public can search by name or booking number to find current inmates, their charges, bond amounts, and booking photos.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records, typically ranging from $0.10 per page plus staff time for extensive requests.
Mugshots and booking information are considered public records under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). Within this county, the Midland area Police Department serves the City of the local community and can be reached at (432) 685-7108, with headquarters at 601 N Main Street. Arrest records in this jurisdiction can be requested through the Sheriff's Office or local police departments under the Texas Public Information Act, which requires governmental bodies to provide access to public information unless specifically exempted by law.
Some records may be withheld if they are part of an ongoing investigation or contain confidential information. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all arrests made in the county, including arrest reports, warrants, and incident reports. The the area jail roster is updated regularly and includes information on current inmates, their charges, bond amounts, court dates, and projected release dates.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Midland County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Texas Public Information Act. Residents can conduct background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides a comprehensive criminal history for individuals.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Midland County are maintained by the Midland County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through a formal application process, adhering to the Texas Public Information Act. An arrest record in this county typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. Requests for these records can be made in person or through written requests to the Sheriff's Office, which processes them according to state guidelines.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Midland County Detention Center is the primary jail facility in the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested in Midland County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate information can be accessed through the county's online inmate lookup system. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of a set amount, which can be arranged through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Midland County are taken and retained by the Midland 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 under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the arrest record. Mugshots are typically available alongside arrest records, providing a visual record of the individual at the time of arrest.
Courts & Case Records
Midland County's court system includes several levels of jurisdiction. The 238th, 318th, 385th, and 441st District Courts serve Midland County with felony criminal cases, civil matters over $200, divorce cases, and other matters, located at the this county Courthouse, 500 N Loraine Street, Midland, TX 79701. Phone contact is (432) 688-4370 for the District Clerk's office, which maintains all district court records. the county has County Courts at Law (County Court at Law No. 1 and No.
- 2) handling misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, probate matters, and appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts.
- the region also operates Justice of the Peace Courts in four precincts, handling small claims under $20,000, evictions, traffic violations, and Class C misdemeanors.
- Court records can be searched through the District Clerk's office, with online case lookup available at www.co.Midland area.tx.us for some court types.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $1-$5 per page depending on certification requirements.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Midland County are maintained by the Midland County Clerk's office at 500 N Loraine Street, Suite 301, Midland, TX 79701, phone (432) 688-4900. The County Clerk serves as the official recorder of deeds, and their website is www.co.the local community.tx.us/county_clerk. Available records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, releases, mechanic's and materialmen's liens, federal tax liens, abstracts of judgment, easements, right-of-way documents, oil and gas leases, mineral deeds, and plat maps.
- Many property records can be searched online through third-party subscription services or through the county's official records search portal.
- Certified copies of recorded documents from the County Clerk cost $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
- Recording fees are $25 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.
The office maintains an index system dating back to the county's organization in 1885. The Midland area Central Appraisal District (MCAD), located at 2708 N Big Spring Street, the local community, TX 79705, phone (432) 683-5171, maintains property tax records, appraisal information, and ownership data. MCAD provides a free online property search tool at www.midlandcad.org where users can search by owner name, property address, or account number to view assessed values, exemptions, property characteristics, and tax history.
The county offers a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer online that displays property boundaries, zoning, flood zones, and aerial imagery, accessible through the region website.
Vital Records
Vital records in Midland County, Texas, are managed at both the county and state levels under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191. Birth and death certificates can be requested from the Midland County Clerk's office at 500 N Loraine Street, Suite 301, Midland, TX 79701, phone (432) 688-4900. Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $23 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy. Processing time at the county level is typically 5-10 business days.
- Only eligible persons may request vital records, including the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with a court order.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the county Clerk's office with a fee of $81, reduced to $11 if applicants complete a state-approved premarital education course.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, which processes requests for Texas vital records with additional service fees and expedited delivery options.
- Applicants must provide proof of identity and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record being requested.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Midland County can be accessed through multiple offices depending on the record type. The Midland County Clerk at 500 N Loraine Street, Suite 301, Midland, TX 79701, phone (432) 688-4900, handles Assumed Name Certificates (DBAs or "Doing Business As" filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. The filing fee is $16 for the initial filing. These records are public and can be searched at the County Clerk's office.
- The Secretary of State's online database at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda allows free searches of registered business entities throughout Texas, including those in Midland County.
- Users can search by entity name, registered agent, or file number to view formation dates, status, registered agent information, and filing history.
For formal business entity formation (corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships), the Texas Secretary of State maintains the official registry. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be verified through their website. Professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate, contracting, etc.) are regulated by state-level licensing boards specific to each profession.
Building permits, certificates of occupancy, and zoning approvals are handled by the City of Midland County Development Services Department at 300 N Loraine Street, phone (432) 685-7357, for properties within city limits. Unincorporated areas of the county may have different permitting requirements. The the local community Chamber of Commerce, located at 109 N Main Street, phone (432) 683-3381, website www.midlandtxchamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and information on local business regulations and economic development initiatives.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Midland County are administered by the Midland County Elections Administrator, located at 500 N Loraine Street, Suite 106, Midland, TX 79701. The office can be reached at (432) 688-4900, and election information is available at www.co.Midland County.tx.us/elections. Voter registration in Texas is handled through county voter registrars, and applications must be submitted at least 30 days before an election.
- These records can be requested from the Elections Administrator under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) and Texas Election Code provisions.
- Applications can be downloaded from the county elections website or requested by phone.
Texas offers online voter registration applications at www.votetexas.gov, where residents can complete the application, print it, sign it, and mail it to the county Elections Administrator. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, and residents of the county.
To find your polling place in the region, voters can check their voter registration certificate mailed by the county, call the Elections Administrator's office, or use the Texas Secretary of State's polling place locator at www.sos.state.tx.us. Early voting locations are also available and posted before each election on the county website. Election records that are public under Texas law include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the county, candidate applications and filings, precinct-level election results, and election night tallies.
In the November 2024 general election, the area had a voter turnout of approximately 58-62% of registered voters, reflecting the county's traditionally higher-than-average participation rates compared to many Texas counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House midterm elections, potential U.S.
Senate races, Texas statewide constitutional offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and various state legislative seats. To request an absentee or mail-in ballot in Midland County, voters must meet specific eligibility requirements under Texas law: being 65 years or older, having a disability, being confined in jail but eligible to vote, or being away from the county during the early voting period and on election day. Applications for mail-in ballots (ABBM) must be submitted to the region Elections Administrator and received no later than 11 days before election day.
Texas does not offer universal mail-in voting. Transparency in the area elections includes public testing of voting equipment before elections, availability of poll watchers, and public access to election records and results, all governed by the Texas Election Code.
Economy & Demographics
Midland County's economy is predominantly driven by the petroleum industry, as it sits in the heart of the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil and gas regions in the world. Major employers include petroleum exploration and production companies, oilfield services firms, and related support industries. Diamondback Energy, Pioneer Natural Resources (now part of ExxonMobil), and Chevron maintain significant operations in the area. Midland Memorial Hospital is a major healthcare employer.
- The median household income in Midland County was approximately $78,000 as of recent estimates, significantly higher than the Texas average, though income levels fluctuate considerably with oil prices.
During oil boom periods, this area has ranked among the wealthiest counties in Texas. Key economic sectors include oil and gas extraction, mining support services, professional and business services, healthcare, retail trade, hospitality, and construction. The county has limited agricultural activity compared to other Texas counties due to arid conditions and focus on petroleum.
The the county seat area International Air and Space Port serves as an economic asset, supporting both commercial aviation and aerospace research. Economic development is supported by the the local community Development Corporation and the Greater this area-Odessa Regional Economic Development Corporation. Notable projects include expansion of petrochemical facilities, renewable energy initiatives (wind and solar), and efforts to diversify the economy beyond petroleum.
Unemployment rates in this county typically track closely with oil prices, ranging from below 3% during boom periods to 5-7% during downturns. The county has no tribal lands or tribal economic contributions. Educational institutions including the University of Texas Permian Basin contribute to workforce development.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Portal | Property: Yes: Free Search via MCAD | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online via TX SOS | Elections: Yes: Online Information & Results | Overall Score: 8.5/10 — Midland County provides excellent digital access to most public records with robust online systems for property, courts, and jail records.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Midland County
Explore public records for 2 cities and communities in Midland County, Texas.