About Pecos County
Pecos County is located in West Texas, covering approximately 4,764 square miles, making it one of the larger counties in the state by land area. Pecos County Seat is Fort Stockton, a city situated at the crossroads of Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 285. As of recent census estimates, Pecos County has a population of approximately 15,000 residents. Pecos County was created in 1871 from parts of Presidio County and organized in 1875, named after the Pecos River that flows through Pecos County.
Major landmarks include Fort Stockton Historic Site, a military post established in 1858 to protect travelers and mail routes, and the world's largest roadrunner statue, "Paisano Pete," which stands 20 feet tall in Fort Stockton. Pecos County Courthouse, located at 400 South Nelson Street in Fort Stockton, is the administrative center. Pecos County Clerk's office manages public records including vital statistics, court documents, and property records.
Pecos County Tax Assessor-Collector, also located in the courthouse, handles property tax assessments and collections. Pecos County's economy has historically relied on ranching, agriculture, and more recently oil and gas production. Comanche Springs, once one of the largest natural springs in Texas, historically provided water for Pecos County but ceased flowing in the 1960s due to groundwater pumping.
What makes Pecos County unique is its blend of frontier history, desert scene, and its position as a vital transportation and energy corridor in West Texas.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Pecos County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Pecos County. This office handles a variety of duties including patrolling rural areas, managing Pecos County Jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and works closely with local schools and organizations to promote safety and crime prevention.
Police Departments
In addition to Pecos County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Pecos County is provided by municipal police departments, including the Fort Stockton Police Department and the Iraan Police Department. The Fort Stockton Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Fort Stockton, focusing on community policing and crime prevention. The Iraan Police Department serves the city of Iraan, addressing local crime and safety issues.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Pecos County Sheriff's Office, located at 103 West Callaghan Street in Fort Stockton, Texas 79735, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Pecos County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.co.pecos.tx.us for general information. Pecos County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving shorter sentences. Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at during business hours.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available as part of arrest records, though the agency may charge reasonable fees for copies.
- Processing times for public records requests vary but agencies must respond within 10 business days under state law.
The facility maintains booking records including mugshots, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Within Pecos County, the City of Fort Stockton operates its own Police Department, located at 115 West 1st Street, Fort Stockton, TX 79735, handling municipal law enforcement matters within city limits. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records are generally considered public information, and citizens may request these records from either the Sheriff's Office or Fort Stockton Police Department.
Some records may be withheld if they are part of an ongoing investigation or contain information exempt under Chapter 552. Pecos County does not have tribal police jurisdictions, but the Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains a presence along Interstate 10 and state highways throughout Pecos County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Pecos County, Texas, includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Pecos County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Texas Public Information Act. To run a background check in Texas, individuals can request records from the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Pecos County, Texas, are maintained by Pecos County Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about the arrest, including the date, time, location, and charges filed against the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, either in person or through their official website. The Texas Public Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to governmental information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Pecos County Jail, located in Fort Stockton, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Pecos County. The booking process at the jail includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmates can be searched through an online inmate lookup system provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules at Pecos County Jail require visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct and dress code.
- The bond and bail process in Texas allows for the release of inmates pending trial, provided they meet the conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Pecos County are taken and retained by Pecos County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at Pecos County jail. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a request for public records. While Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dismissed or if they are found not guilty. Mugshots are often used with arrest records to provide a complete overview of an individual's interactions with law enforcement.
Courts & Case Records
Pecos County's judicial system includes the 112th District Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $200 in controversy, family law matters including divorce and child custody, and juvenile cases. The 112th District Court is located in Pecos County Courthouse at 400 South Nelson Street, Fort Stockton, TX 79735, and can be reached for Pecos County Clerk maintains case records and can be contacted at the same address or by calling.
- Pecos County also has Justice of the Peace courts that handle misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $20,000, traffic violations, and evictions.
- Pecos County Clerk's office provides in-person access to case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $1 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5 certification fee.
- The Texas Judicial Branch website at www.txcourts.gov provides general information about court procedures, and some docket information may be available through third-party legal research services.
- Requests for older archived records may require additional processing time and fees.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Pecos County are maintained by the County Clerk's office, located in Pecos County Courthouse at 400 South Nelson Street, Fort Stockton, TX 79735. Pecos County Clerk can be reached at and is the official recorder of deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, oil and gas leases, judgments, financing statements, and plat maps. These records date back to Pecos County's organization in 1875 and are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
- Pecos County provides property record searches through the office, though access may require an in-person visit or written request.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page under Texas Local Government Code Section 118.011.
- The Pecos Central Appraisal District, located at 924 North Main Street, Fort Stockton, TX 79735 (phone: 432-336-6274), conducts property valuations and maintains detailed property characteristic data.
- Requests for copies of recorded instruments should be submitted in writing with specific document numbers or adequate description including names and dates.
Vital Records
Vital records for Pecos County, Texas, including birth and death certificates, are managed through multiple offices. Birth and death certificates occurring in Pecos County may be obtained from Pecos County Clerk's office at 400 South Nelson Street, Fort Stockton, TX 79735, phone. However, the State of Texas centralized vital records in 1966, making the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit the primary source for certified copies. The state office is located at P.O.
- Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040, and can be reached for Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $21 each.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant (for birth certificates), family members, legal representatives, and individuals with court orders.
- Processing time is typically 8-10 weeks by mail, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Same-day service is not available for vital records in Pecos County; applicants should plan accordingly and allow sufficient processing time.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and prove direct and tangible interest under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191. Marriage licenses are issued by Pecos County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person with valid identification, social security numbers, and pay the required fee (typically $81, reduced to $11 if applicants complete a premarital education course). The marriage license is valid for 90 days after the 72-hour waiting period.
Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk's office in the same courthouse for Online ordering of vital records is available through the Texas.gov website at www.texas.gov for state-issued certificates, with identity verification required.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Pecos County are managed through several offices depending on the type of registration. Pecos County Clerk's office at 400 South Nelson Street, Fort Stockton, TX 79735 (phone: 432-336-7503) handles assumed name certificates (DBAs) and fictitious name filings for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. These filings cost approximately $25 and must be renewed every 10 years.
- Oil and gas operators must register with the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates drilling permits and production in this energy-rich region.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the SOSDirect portal at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml, which provides free access to entity information including formation dates, registered agents, and filing status. Businesses operating in Texas must also obtain relevant permits from state agencies: sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts at comptroller.texas.gov, while professional licenses (medical, legal, real estate, cosmetology, etc.) are regulated by respective state licensing boards. Local business operations within Fort Stockton city limits may require city business permits or certificates of occupancy from the Fort Stockton City Hall at 115 West 1st Street, Fort Stockton, TX 79735, phone.
Building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, and zoning compliance matters are handled by city or county development offices; applicants should contact the appropriate jurisdiction based on property location. The Fort Stockton-Pecos County Chamber of Commerce, located at 1000 Railroad Avenue, Fort Stockton, TX 79735 (phone: 432-336-2264, website: www.fortstocktonchamber.com), provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for Pecos County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Pecos County, Texas are administered by Pecos County Elections Administrator, operating under the County Clerk's office located at 400 South Nelson Street, Fort Stockton, TX 79735. The office can be reached for voter registration information, polling locations, and election procedures. Voter registration in Texas is handled at Pecos County level; residents may register by completing an application available from the County Clerk, online at www.votetexas.gov, or through the Texas Secretary of State.
- In the November 2024 general election, Pecos County saw voter turnout of approximately 52-58% of registered voters, consistent with rural Texas county participation rates in presidential election years.
- Citizens may request specific election records by submitting Public Information Act requests to the County Clerk's office, with processing times varying based on the scope of the request.
Applications must be postmarked or submitted at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Texas offers online voter registration status checks but requires paper applications with original signatures for new registrations. Voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by visiting the Texas Secretary of State website at www.votetexas.gov or by contacting Pecos County Elections office directly.
During early voting periods (typically two weeks before election day), Pecos County establishes early voting locations in Fort Stockton, with hours extended on certain days for voter convenience. Public election records in Texas include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted under Texas Election Code Section 18.066), campaign finance reports filed with Pecos County or state, candidate applications and filings, precinct-level election results, and poll worker records. These are accessible under the Texas Public Information Act.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include U.S. House of Representatives races for Texas's 23rd Congressional District, statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other state constitutional offices, as well as state legislative seats, county offices, and local positions. Texas voters may request mail-in (absentee) ballots if they are 65 years or older, have a disability, will be out of Pecos County during the entire early voting period and on election day, or are confined in jail but eligible to vote.
Applications for mail-in ballots must be received by the County Elections office no later than 11 days before election day. Pecos County provides reasonable transparency in election administration, with results posted after polls close and historical data available upon request, though full online databases are not maintained at Pecos County level.
Economy & Demographics
Pecos County's economy is characterized by a diverse mix of energy production, agriculture, ranching, and transportation-related services. The oil and gas industry represents the largest economic driver, with significant drilling activity in the Permian Basin making Pecos County a notable producer of both crude oil and natural gas. Major energy companies operating in Pecos County include subsidiaries of large petroleum corporations, along with numerous independent producers and oilfield service companies that employ substantial portions of the workforce.
- The median household income in Pecos County is approximately $56,000, slightly below the Texas state average but supported by well-paying energy sector jobs.
Agriculture and ranching remain important economic sectors, with cattle ranching, sheep and goat production, and some irrigated farming where water is available. Fort Stockton's strategic location at the intersection of Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 285 makes transportation, logistics, and traveler services significant contributors to the local economy, with truck stops, hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments serving cross-country travelers.
Major employers include the Fort Stockton Independent School District, Pecos County government, Memorial Hospital, retail chains, and energy-related businesses. The Fort Stockton-Pecos County economic development efforts focus on using Pecos County's transportation infrastructure, available land, and energy resources to attract new investment. Renewable energy is emerging as a growth sector, with wind and solar projects under development to capitalize on West Texas's abundant wind and sunshine resources.
Unemployment rates in Pecos County fluctuate with energy prices but have generally remained near or below state averages during periods of strong oil and gas activity. Tourism contributes modestly through historical attractions, outdoor recreation, and birding at nearby natural areas. Pecos County's remote location and small population present challenges for economic diversification, but the energy sector continues to provide relative economic stability.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone Inquiry | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail | Business: Yes: State Online | Elections: Limited: Basic Access | Overall Score: 5/10, Pecos County maintains public records as required by Texas law but offers limited online digital access compared to larger urban counties, requiring most requests be made in person or by phone.