About Reagan County
Reagan County is located in west-central Texas, approximately 45 miles south of Midland. Reagan County Seat and only incorporated county is Big Lake, which is the administrative and commercial center for Reagan County's approximately 3,800 residents. Reagan County was created in 1903 from Tom Green County and organized in 1923, named after John Henninger Reagan, a Confederate postmaster general and United States Senator from Texas. Reagan County includes 1,175 square miles of semi-arid terrain characterized by rolling plains, mesquite brush, and oil field infrastructure.
The discovery of oil in the Big Lake Oil Field in 1923 transformed Reagan County from a ranching economy to an energy-producing region, with the Santa Rita No. 1 well becoming legendary as the discovery well that funded the University of Texas Permanent University Fund. Today, oil and gas extraction remains the dominant economic force.
Reagan County Courthouse, located at 400 Plaza Avenue in Big Lake, houses the County Clerk, County Judge, and other administrative offices. Reagan County Appraisal District, situated at 305 W. 2nd Street in Big Lake, handles property valuations and tax assessments.
Reagan County Clerk is the official records custodian for vital records, court documents, property deeds, and business filings. What makes Reagan County unique is its oil heritage, small population density (approximately 3.2 persons per square mile), and its role in Texas energy production despite its modest size. Reagan County's scene is dotted with pump jacks and drilling rigs, proof to the petroleum industry that has sustained the local economy for a century.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Reagan County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Reagan County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees patrol operations, manages Reagan County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office is key to community safety and often engages in programs meant to crime prevention and public awareness. The office collaborates with other law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage and response to incidents across Reagan County.
Police Departments
In addition to Reagan County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Reagan County is supported by the Big Lake Police Department. The Big Lake Police Department serves the city of Big Lake, handling local law enforcement duties within city limits. Both agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of a unified approach to public safety. The sheriff's office typically handles rural and unincorporated areas, while the city police focus on urban law enforcement, traffic control, and community policing initiatives.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Reagan County Sheriff's Office, located at 400 Plaza Avenue in Big Lake, Texas 76932, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Reagan County and provides jail services. The Sheriff's Office can be reached for Reagan County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- Processing times vary but agencies must respond within ten business days under state law.
- Mugshots and booking photos are considered public records and can be requested through the same public information request process, though fees may apply for copies.
- Requesters should specify the type of records sought, relevant dates, and names of individuals when submitting public information requests to expedite processing.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly during business hours; Reagan County does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online inmate roster, though detainee information is available through phone inquiry and in-person requests at the Sheriff's Office. The City of Big Lake maintains a municipal police department that handles law enforcement within city limits, working cooperatively with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and mutual aid. Arrest records in Reagan County are public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), and citizens may request arrest logs, incident reports, and booking records by submitting a written public information request to the Sheriff's Office or Big Lake Police Department.
Reagan County does not operate a centralized online database for mugshots. For federal law enforcement matters, Reagan County falls under Reagan County of the San Angelo office of the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI's San Antonio Division.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Reagan County cover a range of documentation, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Reagan County Sheriff's Office and the District Clerk's Office are primary custodians of these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides full criminal history information. The Texas Bureau of Investigation also helps with maintaining statewide criminal records, offering resources for Reagan County residents seeking detailed background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Reagan County are maintained by Reagan County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Reagan County, including the nature of the charges and personal information of the individuals involved. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The Texas Public Information Act governs the release of such records, for public access and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Reagan County Jail, located in Big Lake, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Reagan County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmates can be searched through Reagan County's online inmate lookup system, which provides details on charges and bond amounts. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond process follows Texas state laws, allowing for the release of inmates upon payment of bail, which can be arranged through the jail or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Reagan County are taken and retained by Reagan County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed by the public through the sheriff's office or online databases. While Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty. The availability of mugshots can vary, and they may also be found in court records if related to ongoing legal proceedings.
Courts & Case Records
Reagan County is served by the 112th Judicial District Court, which handles felony criminal cases, major civil matters, family law cases including divorce and child custody, and juvenile proceedings. Reagan County Court maintains offices in Reagan County Courthouse at 400 Plaza Avenue, Big Lake, Texas 76932, and can be contacted for The 112th District includes Reagan and Upton counties. Reagan County also operates a County Court at Law that exercises jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases with amounts in controversy under $250,000.
- Reagan County does not currently offer a full online case search portal; requesters must visit the office or call to inquire about specific cases.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a statutory fee of $1 per page plus a $5 certification fee.
Justice of the Peace Courts serve Reagan County in precinct-level matters including small claims (up to $20,000), Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and magistrate functions such as setting bail and issuing warrants. Court records in Reagan County are governed by the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, which mandate public access to most court documents except sealed records and certain family law cases involving minors. Case information can be searched in person at the District Clerk's office located in the courthouse.
Reagan County Clerk maintains records for the District Court, while the County Clerk maintains records for County Court and Justice Court proceedings. Case files are public unless specifically sealed by court order, and docket sheets, judgments, and orders are available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Reagan County are maintained by Reagan County Clerk, whose office is located at 400 Plaza Avenue (Room 104), Big Lake, Texas 76932, phone. Reagan County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds and maintains documents including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mechanic's liens, abstract of judgments, oil and gas leases, mineral rights conveyances, easements, right-of-way agreements, and subdivision plat maps.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments are available for $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page of the same document, plus $5 for certification.
- Requests for document copies can be made in person or by mail with proper identification and payment.
These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description, with records dating back to Reagan County's organization in 1923. Reagan County does not currently offer a full free online property records search system; requesters must visit the County Clerk's office in person, call for specific document retrieval, or work through a title company. Property tax information and appraisal records are maintained separately by Reagan County Appraisal District, located at 305 W.
2nd Street, Big Lake, Texas 76932, phone. The Appraisal District website may provide limited property search capabilities including ownership information, taxable values, and property characteristics. Tax payments and delinquency information are handled by Reagan County Tax Assessor-Collector, also located in the courthouse.
Real property taxes in Reagan County are assessed and collected on behalf of Reagan County, Big Lake ISD, the City of Big Lake, and other taxing entities.
Vital Records
Vital records for Reagan County, Texas, are primarily handled through Reagan County Clerk's office at 400 Plaza Avenue, Big Lake, Texas 76932, phone, and the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit. Birth certificates for people born in Reagan County can be requested from the County Clerk if the birth occurred locally, but the state centralized vital records system means most requests are processed through the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, Texas 78711-2040.
- Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks by mail or can be expedited for additional fees.
- Death certificates follow the same procedure and fee structure, with requests submitted to the state vital records office or through authorized local providers.
- Marriage license fees are approximately $81, reduced to $21 with completion of a state-approved premarital course.
Marriage licenses are issued by Reagan County Clerk, and both parties must appear in person with valid identification, proof of age, and social security numbers; there is a 72-hour waiting period after issuance before the ceremony can occur unless waived by completion of a premarital education course. Divorce decrees are filed with the District Clerk's office in Reagan County Courthouse and are part of the court record. Texas vital records law (Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191) restricts access to birth and death certificates to qualified applicants including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with court orders or other legal entitlements.
Online ordering is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services website or authorized third-party vendors, requiring uploading of identification documents. Genealogical researchers may access records older than 25 years with fewer restrictions.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Reagan County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. Reagan County Clerk, located at 400 Plaza Avenue, Big Lake, Texas 76932, phone, records assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As filings) and fictitious name registrations for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. These filings cost approximately $16 and are valid indefinitely but should be renewed when ownership or business structure changes.
- The Secretary of State's business search tool, called SOSDirect, allows free searches of registered entities, registered agents, and filing histories.
For formal business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the authoritative database through SOSDirect, accessible at www.sos.state.tx.us. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, electricians, and healthcare providers are issued by respective state licensing boards, not at Reagan County level. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy within Big Lake city limits are handled by the City of Big Lake, phone. Unincorporated areas of Reagan County may have minimal zoning regulations; inquiries should be directed to Reagan County Judge's office for Reagan County area does not currently maintain an active chamber of commerce website, though regional economic development coordination occurs through neighboring counties and the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission. Oil and gas operations require permits from the Texas Railroad Commission, while water well drilling requires registration with the local groundwater conservation district and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Reagan County, Texas, are administered by Reagan County Elections Administrator and County Clerk, with offices located at 400 Plaza Avenue, Big Lake, Texas 76932. Reagan County Clerk can be reached for voter registration information, polling locations, and election procedures. Voter registration in Texas is handled at Reagan County level; Reagan County residents may register by completing a voter registration application available from the County Clerk, local libraries, or downloaded from the Texas Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.tx.us.
- Citizens may request copies of precinct results, voter history, and candidate filing documents under the Texas Public Information Act.
Texas does not offer online voter registration; applications must be submitted by mail or in person. The voter registration deadline in Texas is 30 days prior to any election. Registered voters in Reagan County 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 the County Clerk directly.
Reagan County typically operates consolidated voting centers during early voting and designated Election Day polling places in Big Lake. Early voting occurs at Reagan County Courthouse for most elections. Election records that are public under Texas law include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted), election results by precinct, candidate filings, campaign finance reports (for local candidates, filed with the County Clerk), and records of votes cast.
Turnout in Reagan County generally ranges from 30% to 50% in midterm elections and 55% to 70% in presidential election years, often exceeding state averages due to the engaged small-community electorate. In the 2024 general election, Reagan County, like most rural West Texas counties, saw turnout consistent with these historical patterns. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate midterm races, Texas statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other constitutional offices, as well as state legislative seats and local county positions. Absentee voting by mail in Texas is restricted to voters 65 and older, those who will be absent from Reagan County during the election period, those confined in jail but eligible to vote, or those with disabilities or illnesses preventing in-person voting. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Reagan County Early Voting Clerk and received no later than 11 days before Election Day.
Transparency in Reagan County elections is maintained through public posting of election results, open meetings of Reagan County commissioners court when canvassing returns, and availability of election records for inspection.
Economy & Demographics
Reagan County's economy is overwhelmingly dominated by oil and gas extraction, which has shaped Reagan County since the 1923 discovery of the Big Lake Oil Field. The petroleum industry provides the majority of employment and tax revenue for Reagan County, with major operators including large independent producers and integrated energy companies maintaining extensive drilling and production operations throughout Reagan County's 1,175 square miles.
- As of recent economic data, median household income in Reagan County approximates $65,000 to $75,000, reflecting the higher wages associated with energy sector employment, though figures fluctuate with commodity prices.
Reagan County Appraisal District consistently reports oil and gas mineral interests and industrial infrastructure as the largest components of Reagan County's taxable value. Reagan County's small population of approximately 3,800 residents means employment opportunities are concentrated in petroleum extraction, oilfield services, trucking and transportation, government services, education (Big Lake ISD), healthcare (Reagan Memorial Hospital), retail, and ranching. Unemployment rates typically track below state averages during periods of strong oil prices and production activity, though Reagan County experiences cyclical employment patterns tied to energy market volatility.
Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and some sheep and goat production, continues as a secondary economic activity on Reagan County's vast private ranches. Reagan County lacks significant manufacturing, technology, or tourism sectors. Recent economic development has focused on maintaining infrastructure to support ongoing petroleum operations, including roads, water supply, and workforce housing.
Reagan County benefits significantly from oil and gas property tax revenue, which funds public services despite the small residential population. Sales tax collections are modest given the limited retail base in Big Lake. Reagan County's economic future remains closely tied to sustained domestic energy production and the Permian Basin's continued productivity as one of the nation's most prolific oil-producing regions.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone Only | Property: Limited: Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Office | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Overall Score: 5/10, Reagan County maintains legally compliant public records access but offers limited online search capabilities; most records require in-person visits or phone contact.
Official Government Resources
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Cities & Towns in Reagan County
Explore public records for 1 cities and communities in Reagan County, Texas.