About Real County
Real County, Texas is a small, rural county located in the southwestern region of the Texas Hill Country, approximately 100 miles northwest of San Antonio. Established in 1913 from parts of Bandera, Edwards, and Kerr counties, Real County was named for Julius Real, a member of the Texas Legislature who represented Real County. Real County Seat and only incorporated city is Leakey, positioned along the scenic Frio River. Real County includes approximately 700 square miles of rugged limestone terrain, juniper-covered hills, and spring-fed rivers.
- Main Street, Leakey, provides property valuations and maintains appraisal records for taxation purposes.
As of the most recent census estimates, Real County population is approximately 3,300 residents, making it one of the least populous counties in Texas. Real County is renowned for its natural beauty, particularly the Frio Canyon and portions of the Edwards Plateau. Major landmarks include Garner State Park, one of Texas's most popular state parks, the Lost Maples State Natural Area famous for fall foliage, and Camp Wood, an unincorporated community with historical significance.
Real County's economy traditionally relies on ranching, hunting leases, and tourism related to outdoor recreation. Real County government offices are located at Real County Courthouse, 101 E. Main Street in Leakey, TX 78873.
Real County Clerk maintains vital records, court records, and official county documents. Real County Tax Assessor-Collector handles property tax assessments and collections. Real County Appraisal District, located at 109 E.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Real County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Real County. This office patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Real County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is committed to community policing and often engages in outreach programs to enhance public safety. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, criminal investigations, and a dedicated team for managing emergency responses and disaster preparedness.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Real County is primarily handled by Real County Sheriff's Office. However, the city of Leakey also has its own municipal police department, which manages law enforcement within the city limits. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Real County. The Sheriff's Office handles rural and unincorporated areas, while the Leakey Police Department focuses on urban law enforcement and community policing within the city.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Real County Sheriff's Office, located at 100 Black Bass Drive, Leakey, TX 78873, is the primary law enforcement agency for Real County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and is responsible for patrol operations, criminal investigations, court security, and operation of Real County jail. Real County operates a small detention facility adjacent to the Sheriff's Office where inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences are housed.
- To request arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to Real County Sheriff's Office, specifying the name and date of birth of the subject.
- There may be a nominal copying fee for records retrieval.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available through public records requests to the Sheriff's Office, though digital online access to mugshot databases is not currently provided by Real County.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate information and jail roster inquiries can be made by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though Real County does not currently maintain an online inmate search system. For current booking information, citizens must contact the jail staff by phone. The City of Leakey does not maintain a separate municipal police department; law enforcement services throughout Real County are provided exclusively by the Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Arrest records in Real County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. The Sheriff's Office works cooperatively with the Texas Rangers, U.S. Border Patrol, and neighboring county law enforcement agencies given Real County's proximity to major drug trafficking corridors.
No tribal police agencies operate within Real County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Real County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Real County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, providing access to residents and legal professionals under the Texas Public Information Act. Background checks can be conducted through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which offers statewide criminal history information. The Texas Bureau of Investigation also provides resources and support for residents seeking full criminal background checks, making sure of access to accurate and up-to-date information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Real County are maintained by Real County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances and details of each arrest, including the charges filed, arresting officer, and date of arrest. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by submitting a formal request to the Sheriff's Office, in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act. Arrest records typically include personal information of the arrestee, charges, and court dates, providing a summary of the arrest incident.
Jail & Inmate Records
Real County Jail, located in Leakey, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Real County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to locate individuals currently held in custody. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require prior scheduling.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of individuals pending trial upon payment of a set amount or through a bail bond service.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Real County are taken and retained by Real County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals can request removal from third-party websites under certain circumstances. The Sheriff's Office may also provide access to mugshots through their official website or upon request, depending on privacy considerations and legal guidelines.
Courts & Case Records
Real County is served by the 38th Judicial District Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, major civil matters, family law cases including divorce and child custody, and juvenile proceedings. Real County Court holds sessions in Real County at Real County Courthouse, 101 E. Main Street, Leakey, TX 78873. Real County Clerk's office, reachable, maintains records for all district court proceedings.
- Real County has Justice of the Peace courts that handle small claims (up to $10,000), Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and conduct preliminary hearings and inquests.
- To search court records in Real County, interested parties must visit the District Clerk's office in person or submit written requests, as Real County does not currently offer online case search capabilities.
- Fees for court record searches and certified copies are set by Texas statute: $1.00 per page for uncertified copies and $5.00 for the first page plus $1.00 for each additional page for certified copies.
Real County also operates a County Court at Law presided over by the County Judge, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases with amounts in controversy below Real County court threshold. The Justice of the Peace office can be contacted through the main courthouse number. Under Texas Government Code Section 552.001 et seq, most court records are presumed to be public information unless specifically exempted by law.
Certain records such as sealed juvenile proceedings, adoption files, and cases under protective orders may be restricted. Real County Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays. Case file access is provided in a designated public area with staff assistance available for locating documents.
Property & Public Records
Real County Clerk, located at 101 E. Main Street, Leakey, TX 78873, phone, is the official recorder for land and property records. Real County Clerk maintains and provides access to warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, releases and satisfactions of liens, mechanic's and materialman's liens, federal tax liens, judgment liens, easement agreements, right-of-way documents, and subdivision plat maps.
- Real County does not currently offer online access to digitized land records; interested parties must visit the Clerk's office in person or submit mail requests for document copies.
- The recording fee structure follows Texas Local Government Code provisions, with current fees posted in the Clerk's office.
- Certified copies of recorded instruments cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
All documents affecting title to real property in Real County are recorded in this office according to the requirements of the Texas Property Code. For property tax information and valuations, Real County Appraisal District, 109 E. Main Street, Leakey, TX 78873, phone, maintains property tax records, ownership information, and assessed valuations.
Real County Tax Assessor-Collector's office handles tax collection and can provide tax payment history and delinquency status. While Real County does not offer a sophisticated online GIS mapping system, basic property information may be obtained by contacting the Appraisal District directly with the property address or owner name. The Appraisal District maintains property record cards showing improvements, exemptions, and valuation history.
All records are available for public inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Vital Records
Vital records for Real County, Texas, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records, are maintained by both local and state agencies. Real County Clerk's office at 101 E. Main Street, Leakey, TX 78873, phone, issues marriage licenses for couples planning to marry in Texas and maintains marriage records for ceremonies performed in Real County.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $82, which may be reduced to $22 if applicants complete a premarital education course.
- Fees are $23 for each certified copy of a birth or death certificate when ordered from the state.
- Processing times are typically 2-3 weeks for mail requests and 5-10 business days for online orders with expedited shipping available for additional fees.
Marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification, proof of age (18 years or older, or parental consent if 16-17), and Social Security numbers. There is a 72-hour waiting period after issuance before the license becomes valid, though this can be waived in certain circumstances. For certified copies of birth and death certificates, Texas law centralizes these records with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Section, P.O.
Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. Birth and death certificates can also be ordered online through the Texas.gov website or through VitChek. Applicants must provide valid identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 191.
Immediate family members, legal representatives, and parties with court orders are generally entitled to receive certified copies. Local informational copies of recent death certificates may be available through Real County Clerk's office. Divorce decrees are maintained by the District Clerk's office in Real County where the divorce was granted.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Real County are maintained by several offices depending on the type of business activity and registration. Real County Clerk's office, located at 101 E. Main Street, Leakey, TX 78873, phone, handles assumed name certificates (DBAs or 'Doing Business As' filings) for people and entities conducting business under a name other than their legal name. These filings are required under Chapter 71 of the Texas Business & Commerce Code and must be filed in each county where business is conducted.
- The filing fee is approximately $16 and records are available for public inspection.
- The Secretary of State's online database allows free searches of registered business entities, assumed names filed at the state level, trademark registrations, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings.
For full business entity information, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the statewide business registry accessible through SOSDirect at www.sos.state.tx.us. Local business licenses and permits are generally not required by Real County for most business operations, as Texas law limits county regulatory authority over businesses. However, specific activities such as food service establishments, on-site sewage facilities, and certain construction activities may require permits from county health or development offices.
Building permits for construction projects are issued through Real County's planning or development office and require compliance with applicable building codes. Real County Appraisal District maintains records of business personal property renditions filed annually for tax purposes. Real County Economic Development Corporation and the Leakey and Real County Chamber of Commerce, which can provide information about starting and operating businesses in Real County, do not maintain official licensing records but serve as resources for business owners.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Real County, Texas are administered by Real County Elections Administrator, operating under the authority of the County Clerk's office at 101 E. Main Street, Leakey, TX 78873, phone. Voter registration in Real County is handled through Real County Voter Registrar, with applications available at the County Clerk's office, online through the Texas Secretary of State at www.votetexas.gov, or at various state agencies including the Department of Public Safety. Texas requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election in order to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Residents must be United States citizens, at least 18 years old on election day, and residents of Real County to register.
- Real County's voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 62-68% of registered voters, consistent with rural Texas counties where civic participation rates tend to be moderate to high.
Online voter registration applications can be completed at the state website, though a signed application must be submitted by mail or in person. To find polling locations in Real County, registered voters can contact the County Clerk's office or visit the Texas Secretary of State's voter information website which provides polling place lookup by entering your address. Real County typically operates a limited number of polling locations due to its small population, with most voters casting ballots at Real County Courthouse or designated community centers.
Public election records in Real County include voter registration lists (available with certain personal information redacted under Texas Election Code Section 18.066), candidate filings and applications, campaign finance reports for local candidates, election results by precinct, and early voting and election day poll lists. These records are available for inspection under the Texas Public Information Act. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests, Texas statewide offices including Governor and other executive positions, Texas Legislature seats, and local county offices. Early voting for Texas elections typically begins 17 days before election day and ends four days before election day.
Mail-in ballots (absentee voting) in Texas are restricted to specific categories: voters 65 years or older, voters who will be absent from Real County during the early voting period and on election day, voters who are sick or disabled, and voters confined in jail. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Real County Early Voting Clerk and are available through the County Clerk's office or the Texas Secretary of State website. Election transparency in Real County is governed by the Texas Election Code and Public Information Act, allowing citizens to request and inspect most election related records including voted ballots (though individual voter choices remain secret), poll worker assignments, voting equipment testing reports, and tabulation results.
Real County Clerk can provide information about obtaining these records.
Economy & Demographics
Real County's economy is characterized by its rural agricultural base, outdoor recreation tourism, and small-scale service industries supporting the local population. With a population of approximately 3,300 residents spread across 700 square miles, Real County has one of the lowest population densities in Texas. Ranching remains the dominant agricultural activity, with cattle operations, sheep and goat production, and exotic game ranching providing significant economic activity.
- The median household income in Real County is estimated at approximately $45,000 to $50,000, notably below the Texas state median, reflecting the rural character and limited industrial development.
Hunting lease income represents a substantial revenue source for many landowners, particularly during deer season when hunters from across Texas visit Real County. Tourism related to Garner State Park, Lost Maples State Natural Area, and Frio River recreation contributes significantly to the local economy, supporting lodging facilities, restaurants, outfitters, and retail establishments. Major employers include Real County government, Leakey Independent School District, healthcare providers, and hospitality businesses serving tourists.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department operates as a significant employer through Garner State Park operations. Unemployment rates in Real County typically track slightly above the Texas state average due to seasonal employment patterns and limited employment diversity. Real County has minimal commercial or industrial development, with no major manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters.
Economic development challenges include limited infrastructure, distance from major metropolitan markets, restricted broadband internet access, and a small workforce. Real County's natural beauty and recreational amenities represent its primary economic asset, with ongoing efforts to promote ecotourism and heritage tourism while preserving Real County's rural character and environmental quality.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Only | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone Request Only | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Website | Business: Yes: State Online Database | Elections: Limited: Online Access | Overall Score: 4/10, Real County's small size and limited resources result in minimal digital access to public records, requiring most requests be made in person or by phone at the courthouse.