About Navarro County
Navarro County is located in the north-central region of Texas, approximately 50 miles south of Dallas. Established in 1846, Navarro County was named after José Antonio Navarro, a Texas statesman and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Navarro County Seat is Corsicana, a city renowned as the birthplace of the Texas petroleum industry when the first significant oil discovery occurred in 1894. Navarro County covers approximately 1,086 square miles and has a population of around 52,000 residents according to recent estimates.
Navarro County's geography features rolling prairies, rich blackland soil, and the Richland-Chambers Reservoir, one of the largest reservoirs in Texas. Major landmarks include the historic Corsicana downtown district, Pioneer Village, and Collin Street Bakery, famous worldwide for its fruitcakes. Navarro County Courthouse, built in 1905, stands as an architectural gem in the heart of Corsicana.
Navarro County Clerk's office is located at 300 West 3rd Avenue, Suite 10, Corsicana, TX 75110. Navarro County Tax Assessor-Collector operates from 300 West 3rd Avenue, Suite 7, Corsicana, TX 75110, handling property tax assessments and collections. Navarro County Recorder functions are performed through the County Clerk's office, maintaining land records, deeds, and official documents.
What makes Navarro County unique is its blend of agricultural heritage, petroleum history, and proximity to major metropolitan areas while maintaining its small-town character and rich cultural traditions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Navarro County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Navarro County. It operates Navarro County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention programs. The Sheriff's Office has specialized divisions, including a narcotics unit and a criminal investigations division, which focus on specific types of crime prevalent in Navarro County.
Police Departments
Navarro County is served by Navarro County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments, including the Corsicana Police Department, Kerens Police Department, and Rice Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader unincorporated areas. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, often working together to ensure public safety across Navarro County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Navarro County Sheriff's Office, led by the elected Sheriff, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Navarro County. The Sheriff's Office is located at 1301 East Highway 31, Corsicana, TX 75109, and can be reached for Their website at navarrocountytx.org provides information about services and programs. Navarro County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or relevant police department, identifying the specific records sought.
- Most agencies require requests to include the arrested person's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are considered public records in Texas and are typically available through the Sheriff's Office upon request or via the online inmate search system.
- Processing times and copy fees may apply according to statutory limits.
Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to search for current inmates by name or booking number, with information including charges, bond amounts, and booking dates. Municipal police departments serve incorporated cities within Navarro County, including the Corsicana Police Department (serving Navarro County Seat), Kerens Police Department, Rice Police Department, Frost Police Department, Dawson Police Department, and Angus Police Department. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records are generally public information.
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all arrests made by deputies, while municipal departments maintain their own arrest logs.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Navarro County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Navarro County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. To run a background check in Texas, individuals can request information from the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides a full criminal history for residents. The Texas Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for background checks and criminal record inquiries.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Navarro County are maintained by Navarro County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following the guidelines set by the Texas Public Information Act. Navarro County arrest records provide full information about the individual's interactions with law enforcement, including any charges filed and court proceedings.
Jail & Inmate Records
Navarro County Jail, located in Corsicana, is the primary detention facility for people arrested in Navarro County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and regulations that visitors must follow. The bond and bail process in Texas allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Navarro County are taken and retained by Navarro 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 submitting a records request. Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty. Mugshots are often used with arrest records to provide a complete overview of an individual's criminal history.
Courts & Case Records
Navarro County's judicial system includes multiple court levels serving various jurisdictions. The 13th District Court and 87th District Court serve as Navarro County's primary trial courts of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, divorces, civil matters over $200, juvenile matters, and appeals from lower courts. Both district courts are located in Navarro County Courthouse at 300 West 3rd Avenue, Corsicana, TX 75110.
- Navarro County Court at Law exercises intermediate jurisdiction over Class A and B misdemeanors, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, appeals from Justice Courts, and probate matters.
- Navarro County Clerk's office charges statutory fees for certified copies ($1 per page plus $5 for certification) and record searches.
- Some case information is available online through third-party vendors, though Navarro County does not currently maintain a full public case search portal.
- Requests for court records should be directed to the appropriate clerk's office with case number, party names, or other identifying information.
Court records and case information can be accessed through the District Clerk's office for Navarro County has four Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4) handling small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, evictions, and serving as magistrates for arrest warrants. Navarro County Clerk maintains records for County Court at Law and can be reached for Municipal courts in Corsicana and other incorporated cities handle city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits. Texas Government Code Chapter 552 and Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76a govern access to court records, with most civil and criminal records available to the public unless sealed by court order.
Property & Public Records
Navarro County Clerk's office is the official recorder of deeds and maintains all land and property records for Navarro County. Located at 300 West 3rd Avenue, Suite 10, Corsicana, TX 75110, the County Clerk can be reached for The office maintains and records 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, oil and gas leases, and plat maps.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk's office for statutory fees.
- The Appraisal District provides an interactive GIS mapping system through their website, enabling users to view parcel boundaries, aerial photography, and property information layers.
- Both offices accept public information requests under the Texas Public Information Act for historical records and documents.
Texas Property Code governs the recording and maintenance of these documents, requiring instruments affecting real property to be recorded in Navarro County where the property is located. Navarro County Clerk's office provides document recording services during regular business hours, with fees established by Texas Local Government Code Section 118.011 (typically $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page for most documents). Navarro County Appraisal District, located at 240 North 12th Street, Corsicana, TX 75110, phone, maintains property tax records, appraisal values, ownership information, and property descriptions.
Their website at navarro-cad.org offers a free online property search tool allowing users to search by owner name, address, or account number to view current and historical appraisal values, exemptions, property characteristics, and tax information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Navarro County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Navarro County can be requested through Navarro County Clerk's office at 300 West 3rd Avenue, Suite 10, Corsicana, TX 75110, phone. However, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit is the central repository for all Texas vital records and is often the most reliable source for certified copies. Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $21 per copy.
- Processing times typically range from 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for additional fees.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, pay the $81 fee (reduced to $21 if couple completes a premarital education course), and observe a 72-hour waiting period unless waived.
- The Texas Department of State Health Services offers online ordering through VitalChek for an additional convenience fee, providing the fastest processing option.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 and 192. Marriage licenses are issued by Navarro County Clerk's office, which also maintains marriage records. Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk's office at Navarro County Courthouse.
Genealogical researchers may access older vital records subject to confidentiality periods: birth records become public after 75 years, death records after 25 years. Informal copies may be available for genealogical purposes through the County Clerk's office for earlier records not subject to confidentiality restrictions.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Navarro County are maintained by several agencies depending on the license or registration type. Navarro County Clerk's office at 300 West 3rd Avenue, Suite 10, Corsicana, TX 75110, handles assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) filings for people and partnerships operating under a name other than their legal name, as required by Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 71. The filing fee is established by statute and DBAs must be renewed every ten years.
- The SOS Direct online system at direct.sos.state.tx.us provides free public access to search business entity records, view formation documents, registered agents, and status information.
The Texas Secretary of State maintains the central business entity registry for all corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other formal business structures. Professional licenses for occupations such as cosmetology, plumbing, electrical work, and healthcare are issued by respective state licensing boards, not at Navarro County level. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Building permits, development permits, and zoning compliance in unincorporated Navarro County are handled through Navarro County's planning and development department or building inspection office. The City of Corsicana and other municipalities maintain separate business license and permit requirements within their jurisdictions; the Corsicana City Secretary's office at 200 North 12th Street can provide information about city-specific requirements. The Corsicana & Navarro County Chamber of Commerce, located at 120 North 12th Street, Corsicana, TX 75110, website corsicanachamber.org, provides resources for business owners, economic development information, and networking opportunities.
The chamber maintains directories of member businesses and offers assistance to entrepreneurs establishing operations in Navarro County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Navarro County are administered by Navarro County Elections Administrator, located at 300 West 3rd Avenue, Corsicana, TX 75110. The Elections office can be reached, and election information is available through Navarro County website at navarrocountytx.org. Voter registration in Texas is handled at Navarro County level, with applications processed by the County Voter Registrar.
- Navarro County provides multiple early voting locations and Election Day polling places organized by precinct.
- Navarro County's voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 55-58% of registered voters, consistent with typical Texas county turnout patterns for presidential election years.
Texas residents may register to vote by completing a voter registration application available online at the Texas Secretary of State website (votetexas.gov), at the Elections office, public libraries, or through volunteer deputy registrars. Completed applications must be submitted by mail or in person; Texas does not offer fully online voter registration. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election.
Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling location using the Texas Secretary of State's online voter lookup tool or by contacting Navarro County Elections office directly. Under Texas Election Code, numerous election records are public information, including voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted), election results by precinct, candidate filings, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and election contest records. Precinct-level results for all elections are published following certification.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House and Senate races, Texas statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and numerous state legislature seats, plus local county offices. Texas offers limited vote-by-mail options restricted to voters 65 and older, those with disabilities or illnesses, voters who will be out of Navarro County during the election period, or those confined in jail but eligible to vote.
Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Navarro County Early Voting Clerk using the official application form, received no later than 11 days before Election Day. Early voting for county elections typically begins 17 days before Election Day and ends 4 days before. Texas election transparency provisions allow citizens to request copies of voted ballots (after redaction of identifying marks), poll lists, tally sheets, and other election materials under Public Information Act procedures, making sure of accountability in the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Navarro County's economy is diversified across multiple sectors with strong foundations in manufacturing, oil and gas production, agriculture, and distribution. Navarro County's proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth has attracted warehousing and logistics operations while maintaining its traditional economic base.
- Navarro County median household income is estimated at approximately $48,000-$52,000, below the state average but reflecting the rural character and lower cost of living.
Major employers include Collin Street Bakery, a world-renowned fruitcake manufacturer and Corsicana's largest private employer with hundreds of employees; Navarro College, a public community college serving Navarro County; Corsicana ISD and other school districts; the local community Regional Hospital; and various manufacturing facilities. Agriculture remains economically significant, with cattle ranching, hay production, corn, cotton, and pecans as major products. Navarro County's blackland prairie soil supports productive farming operations.
Oil and gas extraction continues as an important industry, building on Corsicana's legacy as the birthplace of commercial oil production in Texas. Manufacturing has expanded with companies producing building materials, metal products, and food products. Navarro County Exposition Center hosts livestock shows, rodeos, and events supporting the agricultural economy.
Retail trade and healthcare services provide substantial employment. Recent economic development initiatives have focused on attracting distribution centers and light manufacturing taking advantage of Navarro County's location along Interstate 45 between Dallas and Houston. The Texas Department of Transportation's expansion projects and infrastructure improvements continue to enhance Navarro County's logistics appeal.
Unemployment rates in Navarro County typically track slightly above state averages, ranging between 4-6% depending on economic conditions. The Corsicana community has invested in downtown revitalization and tourism development, using historic architecture and cultural attractions.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online Access | Property: Yes: Free Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Information Online | Overall Score: 7/10, Navarro County provides good access to property and jail records online, though court record access requires in-person visits or direct contact with clerks for most documents.