Starr County

Starr County is located in the southernmost region of Texas along the Rio Grande, directly bordering the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Starr County seat is Rio Grande City, which is the administrative and commercial center for this predominantly rural county. Starr County covers approximately 1,229 square miles and has a population of roughly 65,809 residents, making it one of the smaller counties in Texas by population. Starr County was established in 1848 and named after James Harper Starr, a Secretary of the Treasury for the Republic of Texas. Starr County is characterized by semi-arid climate, brush country terrain, and a rich bicultural heritage reflecting its position on the U.S.-Mexico border. Major communities include Rio Grande City, Roma, La Grulla, and Escobares. Starr County Courthouse, a historic landmark built in 1886, stands prominently in Rio Grande City at 100 N FM 3167 (Britton Avenue). Starr County Clerk maintains vital records, court documents, and business filings from offices in the courthouse. Starr County Tax Assessor-Collector, also located in the courthouse complex, handles property tax assessments and collections. Starr County Appraisal District at 401 E. Cantu Street in Rio Grande City manages property valuations and maintains public records for property owners. What makes Starr County unique is its predominantly Hispanic culture, with over 95% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, one of the highest percentages in the nation. The economy traditionally centered on agriculture, ranching, and border trade, though energy production and international commerce have grown in importance.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Requests should be submitted in writing to the custodian of records at the respective agency, and responses are generally required within 10 business days.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically maintained by the Sheriff's Office as part of jail intake procedures and can be requested through public information requests.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Texas state guidelines, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial under certain conditions.

• Starr County Court at Law presides over Class A and B misdemeanors, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, appeals from Justice Court, and probate matters.
• Starr 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 are available for a fee of $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
• Marriage license records are also maintained by the County Clerk's office and can be searched for a nominal research fee.

• Copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies require an additional $5.00 certification fee per document.
• Cantu Street in Rio Grande City (phone: 956-487-2881), maintains property tax records, ownership information, property valuations, exemption data, and tax payment history.
• Starr County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, reachable, processes property tax payments and maintains records of tax collections, delinquencies, and tax sales.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Requests require completion of an application form, valid photo identification, proof of relationship, and payment of a $23 fee for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and immediate for walk-in requests if the record is readily accessible.
• Death certificates follow similar requirements with the same fee structure.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at texas.gov/birthdeathcertificates with additional processing fees.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The county court system provides access to certificates of formation, annual reports, registered agent information, and entity status.