About 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.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Starr County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Starr County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, managing Starr County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records.
Police Departments
Starr County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Starr County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Rio Grande City Police Department, Roma Police Department, and Escobares Police Department are the primary city law enforcement agencies. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Starr County Sheriff's Office, located at 401 N Britton Avenue in Rio Grande City, Texas 78582, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Starr County. Starr County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanants.
- 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.
Inmate lookup services are available by contacting the jail directly at or through the Sheriff's Office website, where booking information, charges, and bond amounts may be available. Municipal police departments operate within incorporated cities including the Rio Grande City Police Department, Roma Police Department, and La Grulla Police Department, each with jurisdiction within their respective city limits. Arrest records and incident reports in Starr County are public information subject to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which allows citizens to request records from law enforcement agencies.
Some booking information may be available through the jail's public information phone line. Texas law allows law enforcement agencies to withhold certain investigative information if release would interfere with ongoing investigations or compromise witness safety, but basic arrest records, charges, and booking data are generally accessible to the public upon request.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Starr County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Residents can request criminal records through the respective law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Starr County are maintained by Starr County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office, either in person or through written requests. The Texas Public Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information. A typical Starr County arrest record will include the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings related to the case.
Jail & Inmate Records
Starr County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Starr County. The booking process at the detention center involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, generally requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state guidelines, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Starr County are taken and retained by Starr County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, either online or by request. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites that aggregate public records. Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain legal circumstances, such as expungement or non-disclosure orders.
Courts & Case Records
Starr County's judicial system includes several courts with varying jurisdictions. The 229th Judicial District Court, located in Starr County Courthouse at 100 N FM 3167 in Rio Grande City, handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $200 in dispute, family law cases including divorce and child custody, and juvenile matters. Starr County Clerk's office maintains case records and provides public access to court documents.
- 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.
Starr County has four Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4) that handle small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors including traffic violations, and serve as magistrate courts for initial appearances and warrant issuance. Municipal courts in Rio Grande City, Roma, and other incorporated cities handle violations of city ordinances and fine-only offenses within their jurisdictions. Court records are accessible under Texas Government Code Section 552.108 and Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, which govern access to judicial records.
While Starr County does not currently offer a full online case search portal, basic case information may be obtained by contacting the District Clerk's office directly.
Property & Public Records
Starr County Clerk's office, located at 100 N FM 3167, Room 201, Rio Grande City, TX 78582, is the official recorder of deeds and maintains land records for Starr County. The office can be reached through the office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Available records include warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, federal tax liens, property easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, and plat maps.
- 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 processes property tax payments and maintains records of tax collections, delinquencies, and tax sales.
Starr County Clerk indexes all recorded documents by grantor, grantee, and legal description to help with public searches. While Starr County does not currently offer a full online database for searching recorded documents, citizens may visit the Clerk's office in person to conduct searches using public terminals and indices. Starr County Appraisal District, located at 401 E.
The Appraisal District website at starrcad.org provides a free online property search tool where users can search by owner name, property address, or account number to view current ownership, assessed values, property characteristics, and tax information. Abstract companies and title companies in Rio Grande City also maintain private indices of property records for title search purposes.
Vital Records
Vital records for Starr County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Starr County are filed with Starr County Clerk's office at 100 N FM 3167, Room 201, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 Birth certificates can be requested by eligible applicants including the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders.
- 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.
For certified copies of birth and death certificates from any Texas county, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the central repository and can be contacted at or through their website at dshs.texas.gov/vs. Marriage licenses are issued by Starr County Clerk's office and require both applicants to appear in person with valid identification, proof of age, and payment of the marriage license fee (approximately $82, reduced to $22 if applicants complete a premarital education course). There is a 72-hour waiting period after issuance before the license becomes valid, though this can be waived by court order.
Divorce records (decrees) are maintained by the District Clerk's office through the office are public record unless sealed by court order. Texas vital records law is codified in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, which establishes retention requirements, eligibility for certified copies, and confidentiality provisions for sensitive records.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Starr County are maintained by several agencies at Starr County and state levels. Starr County Clerk's office at 100 N FM 3167, Room 201, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 (phone: 956-487-2954) handles assumed name certificates (DBA - doing business as) and fictitious name registrations for businesses operating in Starr County under names other than their legal entity names. These filings are public record and can be searched by visiting the County Clerk's office during regular business hours. The filing fee for an assumed name certificate is approximately $27.
- This system provides access to certificates of formation, annual reports, registered agent information, and entity status.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the SOSDirect database at direct.sos.state.tx.us where users can search by entity name, registered agent, or file number free of charge. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be searched through the Comptroller's website. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are regulated by state licensing boards rather than county offices.
Building permits, construction permits, and zoning information are handled by Starr County Planning and Development Department and by municipal building departments in incorporated cities such as Rio Grande City and Roma. For commercial development inquiries, Starr County Industrial Foundation promotes economic development initiatives, though specific contact information should be verified through county offices. Business owners should also be aware of local occupational licensing requirements that may exist at the municipal level in cities within Starr County.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I register to vote in Starr County, Texas?
How do I look up property records in Starr County, Texas?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Starr County, Texas?
How do I find business license records in Starr County, Texas?
Cities & Towns in Starr County
Explore public records for 15 cities and communities in Starr County, Texas.
Economy & Demographics
Starr County's economy is characterized by its position as one of the most economically challenged counties in Texas, with a median household income of approximately $27,000, well below the state and national averages. Starr County consistently reports one of the highest poverty rates in the United States, with over 35% of residents living below the poverty line. Despite these challenges, the economy is anchored by several key sectors.
Agriculture and ranching remain important, with cattle operations, hay production, and vegetable farming contributing to the local economy, though water scarcity limits agricultural expansion. The government sector, including schools, county offices, and federal agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection, represents one of the largest employment sectors.
Education is provided by several independent school districts including Roma ISD, Rio Grande City CISD, and La Grulla ISD, which collectively employ hundreds of teachers and staff. Healthcare services, including Starr County Memorial Hospital in Rio Grande City and various clinics, provide essential employment. Retail and service businesses concentrated in Rio Grande City and Roma cater to local residents and cross-border shoppers from Mexico.
The energy sector has grown with oil and gas exploration in the Eagle Ford Shale formation extending into northern Starr County, bringing royalty payments to landowners and some employment opportunities. International trade and border commerce represent economic potential, with the Roma-Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge helping with cross-border movement. Economic development efforts focus on improving infrastructure, attracting manufacturing and distribution operations, and using Starr County's strategic location along major transportation corridors including U.S.
Highway 83. Unemployment rates in Starr County typically exceed state averages, often ranging between 8-12% depending on seasonal factors. Starr County Industrial Foundation and regional economic development organizations work to attract investment and create employment opportunities for residents.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Starr County are administered by Starr County Elections Administrator, located at 100 N FM 3167 in Starr County Courthouse, Rio Grande City, TX 78582. The Elections office can be reached through the office provides information about voter registration, polling locations, early voting, and election results. Voter registration in Starr County is handled through Starr County Elections office and applications can be submitted by mail, in person, or online through the Texas Secretary of State's online voter registration system at texas.gov.
The registration deadline in Texas is 30 days prior to any election. Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by visiting the Texas Secretary of State's voter information portal at teamrv.sos.state.tx.us or by contacting Starr County Elections office directly. Early voting for county, state, and federal elections typically occurs at Starr County Courthouse and designated early voting locations in Roma and other communities, with dates and times published prior to each election.
Election Day polling places are assigned by precinct, and voters must cast ballots at their designated precinct location. Public election records maintained by Starr County include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted per Texas Election Code Section 18.066), candidate filing documents, campaign finance reports for county-level candidates, precinct-by-precinct election results, and election canvass records.
Texas offers absentee voting by mail for voters who meet specific eligibility criteria: voters 65 years or older, voters with disabilities or illnesses that prevent in-person voting, voters who will be absent from Starr County during the early voting period and on Election Day, or voters confined in jail but eligible to vote.
Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Starr County Early Voting Clerk and are governed by Texas Election Code Chapter 84. The Elections office maintains transparency by making election results available promptly after canvassing, though full online databases of historical results may require in-person research or formal public information requests under the Texas Public Information Act.