About Texas County
Texas County is located in the Oklahoma Panhandle in the northwestern corner of Oklahoma, bordered by Kansas to the north and New Mexico to the west. The county seat is Guymon, the largest community in the Panhandle and the center of government operations. Texas County covers approximately 2,049 square miles, making it one of the larger counties by area in Oklahoma. According to recent census estimates, the county population is approximately 21,000 residents.
- Major landmarks include the Optima National Wildlife Refuge, which provides habitat for migratory birds and wildlife along the North Canadian River.
- The economy is heavily based on cattle feedlots, grain production, wind energy, and natural gas extraction.
- The Texas County Clerk's office phone number is 580-338-3003, serving as a primary contact point for public records requests and county information.
The county was organized in 1907 when Oklahoma achieved statehood, named 'Texas County' because of its proximity to the Texas state line to the south. The region is characterized by high plains topography, agricultural operations, and energy production. Texas County experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters typical of the high plains.
County government offices are centralized in Guymon at the Texas County Courthouse, located at 319 North Main Street, Guymon, OK 73942. The Texas County Clerk maintains vital records, court filings, and election administration. The Texas County Assessor's office handles property assessments and is located in the courthouse.
The Texas County Treasurer collects property taxes and other revenues.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Texas County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing and crime prevention initiatives. Notable programs include the D.A.R.E. program and a community outreach division that focuses on building relationships with residents to enhance public safety.
Police Departments
In addition to the Texas County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. The Guymon Police Department, Hooker Police Department, and Texhoma Police Department are the primary city law enforcement agencies. These departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits and coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and investigations that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Texas County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Texas County, headquartered at 319 North Main Street in Guymon, Oklahoma 73942. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at 580-338-3233 for non-emergency matters. The agency operates the Texas County Detention Center, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Jail roster information and inmate lookup services are typically available by calling the detention center directly or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written or verbal request to the Texas County Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency, though agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and research time.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally part of the public arrest record and can be requested through the same process.
- Oklahoma law enforcement agencies must respond to open records requests promptly, typically within a few business days unless the request is voluminous.
Some Oklahoma counties provide online inmate rosters, though availability varies. Within Texas County, the Guymon Police Department serves as the municipal law enforcement agency for the city of Guymon and can be contacted at 580-338-6533. Smaller communities like Hooker, Texhoma, and Goodwell may have local police departments or contract with the County Sheriff for law enforcement services.
Arrest records in Texas County are considered public records under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, Title 51 Oklahoma Statutes Section 24A.1 et seq. The Sheriff's Office maintains records of all bookings, arrests, warrants served, and incident reports within its jurisdiction. For traffic citations and municipal violations within Guymon, records are maintained by the Guymon Police Department.
No tribal police agencies operate within Texas County, as there are no federally recognized tribal jurisdictions in the Oklahoma Panhandle region.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Texas County encompasses felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Texas County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The OSBI offers services such as fingerprint-based checks and access to the state's sex offender registry, ensuring public safety and awareness.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Texas County are maintained by the Texas County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The Oklahoma Open Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and bond information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Texas County Detention Center, located in Guymon, is the primary facility for housing individuals who are arrested in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing the public to access information about current detainees. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond process in Oklahoma allows for the posting of bail through cash, bond, or property, and specific procedures can be obtained from the detention center.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Texas County are taken and retained by the Texas County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or third-party websites that compile such data. While Oklahoma does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may seek removal through legal channels if the mugshot is deemed inaccurate or misleading.
Courts & Case Records
Texas County court operations are conducted at the Texas County Courthouse located at 319 North Main Street, Guymon, Oklahoma 73942. The District Court of Texas County handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding small claims limits, divorce and family law matters, probate, guardianships, and juvenile proceedings. Texas County is part of Oklahoma's 1st Judicial District. The Court Clerk's office, which maintains all court records, can be reached at 580-338-3003.
- Oklahoma provides online court record access through the Oklahoma District Court Records system (ODCR) at www.oscn.net, where users can search Texas County cases by party name, case number, or attorney.
- Case dockets, judgments, and court minutes are generally available through this free online portal, though some confidential matters like sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain family law details are restricted.
- The Associate District Court in Texas County handles misdemeanor criminal cases, protective orders, small claims (up to $10,000), and preliminary hearings.
For certified copies of court documents, requests must be made to the Texas County Court Clerk's office, which charges statutory fees set by Oklahoma law—typically $1.00 per page for copies plus certification fees. Municipal courts operate in Guymon and other incorporated towns within Texas County, handling traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and other municipal matters. Public access to court records in Oklahoma is governed by Title 12 Oklahoma Statutes Section 32.1 and Title 51 Section 24A.1 (Open Records Act), which presume that court records are open to the public unless specifically exempted by law or court order.
The District Court Clerk's office maintains archives of historical case files, marriage licenses, and probated estates dating back to statehood.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Texas County are maintained by the Texas County Clerk's Office at the courthouse, 319 North Main Street, Guymon, OK 73942, phone 580-338-3003. The County Clerk serves as the recorder of deeds and maintains all documents affecting real property title, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage instruments, releases, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, oil and gas leases, rights-of-way, and plat maps.
- Recording fees are established by state statute and typically include a base fee plus per-page charges.
- The Texas County Clerk's office provides a grantor-grantee index system allowing researchers to trace property ownership chains.
- While some Oklahoma counties offer online document search and imaging systems, researchers should contact the Texas County Clerk directly to determine current online availability.
- Property owners can request information about their assessed value, protest assessments through the County Board of Equalization, and obtain certified copies of assessment records.
- The Texas County GIS mapping system may be available online or through the Assessor's office, providing visual parcel identification and basic property data.
Oklahoma law requires real property conveyances to be recorded to provide constructive notice under Title 16 Oklahoma Statutes. Many counties in Oklahoma have partnered with private vendors to provide subscription or pay-per-document online access to recorded instruments. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by the Texas County Assessor's Office, also located in the courthouse.
The Assessor maintains property descriptions, ownership information, assessed valuations, exemptions, and parcel maps. Tax payment records and current tax amounts due are handled by the Texas County Treasurer. Oklahoma property records are public under the Open Records Act, though personal identifying information like social security numbers is redacted.
Certified copies of recorded documents require payment of statutory fees and are stamped by the County Clerk.
Vital Records
Vital records for Texas County, Oklahoma, including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage records, are maintained at both the county and state levels. The Texas County Court Clerk's office at 319 North Main Street, Guymon, OK 73942 (phone 580-338-3003) issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for ceremonies performed in Texas County. Applicants for marriage licenses must appear in person with valid identification and pay the required fee, currently $50 in Oklahoma. There is no waiting period or blood test required.
- Certified copies of Oklahoma birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and death certificates cost $15 each.
- Applicants must complete the appropriate application form, provide valid government-issued photo identification, demonstrate their relationship or legal interest, and pay the fee.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail or immediate if requested in person at the state office in Oklahoma City.
- VitalChek, a private vendor, offers expedited online ordering at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees.
Birth and death certificates are filed with the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Vital Records Service, 123 Robert S. Kerr Avenue, Suite 1102, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Under Title 63 Oklahoma Statutes Section 1-301 et seq., birth and death records are not released to the general public but are restricted to the registrant (if of age), immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest.
The Texas County Court Clerk may have historical marriage and divorce records available for genealogical research. Divorce decrees are court records maintained by the District Court Clerk in Texas County and are generally public except for portions sealed by court order. For births and deaths occurring recently in Texas County, certified copies can be obtained from the state vital records office with proper identification and documentation of eligibility.
Older records may require additional research time.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Texas County operates through multiple jurisdictions depending on the business type. The Texas County Court Clerk's office maintains records of trade names, fictitious names, and Doing Business As (DBA) registrations filed at the county level. Business owners wishing to operate under a name other than their legal name must file a Trade Name Report with the County Clerk and pay the statutory filing fee. These records are public and can be searched at the Court Clerk's office at 319 North Main Street, Guymon, OK 73942.
- For formal business entity formation—corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other registered entities—filings must be made with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State maintains the Oklahoma Business Entity Search at www.sos.ok.gov, a free online database where anyone can look up registered business entities, view filing dates, registered agents, status (active, dissolved, revoked), and principal addresses. Professional licenses such as contractors, cosmetologists, accountants, and healthcare providers are regulated by state licensing boards, not the county. Sales tax permits are issued by the Oklahoma Tax Commission for businesses collecting sales tax.
Local business operations may require city licenses or permits from the City of Guymon or other municipalities within Texas County; contact the city clerk's office for municipal licensing requirements. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated areas are handled by Texas County Planning and Zoning or the County Commissioners' office. The Guymon Chamber of Commerce, located in Guymon, serves as a business resource and economic development contact; their website is www.guymonchamber.com.
New businesses should check requirements at county, municipal, and state levels to ensure full compliance with all licensing, permitting, and registration obligations.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Texas County is managed by the Texas County Election Board, operating under the jurisdiction of the County Clerk's office at 319 North Main Street, Guymon, OK 73942. For election-specific questions, contact the Texas County Election Board at 580-338-8605. Voter registration in Oklahoma is handled through the Oklahoma State Election Board, with applications processed locally by the county election board.
- Oklahoma does not offer Election Day registration; residents must be registered by the deadline to participate.
- Registered voters in Texas County can verify their registration status, find their polling place, view sample ballots, and check their precinct assignment using the Oklahoma Voter Portal at www.okvoter.gov.
Eligible residents can register to vote online at the Oklahoma Voter Portal (www.okvoter.gov), in person at the County Election Board office, by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form, or at the Oklahoma Department of Motor Vehicles during license transactions. The voter registration deadline in Oklahoma is 25 days prior to any election. Polling locations in Texas County are established by the County Election Board and vary by precinct; voters must vote at their assigned precinct on Election Day.
Absentee voting is available for voters who will be absent from the county on Election Day, are physically incapacitated, are confined due to illness or disability, are 65 years or older, or work election-related duties. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the Oklahoma Voter Portal, in person, or by mail to the County Election Board; the application deadline is 5:00 PM on the Wednesday preceding the election. In-person absentee voting is available at the County Election Board office during the week before the election.
Election records in Texas County that are public under Oklahoma law include voter registration lists (excluding dates of birth and social security numbers), election results by precinct, candidate filing records, and campaign finance reports for local candidates. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission oversees campaign finance reporting for state-level races. Typical voter turnout in Texas County for general presidential elections ranges from 50-60%, while midterm and local elections see lower participation rates around 30-40%.
In the 2024 general election, Texas County, like most Oklahoma Panhandle counties, demonstrated strong voter engagement in both federal and state races. The next major election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives elections, one U.S.
Senate seat, Oklahoma state offices including Governor (if scheduled), state legislative seats, county offices, and judicial retention. Transparency in Texas County elections is maintained through public observation of ballot counting, publicly posted results by precinct, and open records access to non-confidential voter information under Title 26 Oklahoma Statutes and the Open Records Act.
Economy & Demographics
Texas County's economy is predominantly based on agriculture, with cattle feedlots and grain production forming the backbone of the local economy. The county is one of the largest cattle feeding regions in the United States, with several major feedlot operations that contribute significantly to employment and tax revenue. Seaboard Foods operates a large pork processing facility in Guymon, employing over 2,000 workers and serving as one of the county's largest private employers.
- Agriculture-related industries including grain elevators, veterinary services, equipment dealers, and feed suppliers support the livestock sector.
- The median household income in Texas County is estimated at approximately $52,000, slightly below the Oklahoma state median, with cost of living considerably lower than urban areas.
- Major economic sectors include agriculture, food processing, energy, retail trade, healthcare, and education services.
- The Hispanic and Latino population represents a significant demographic component, many employed in food processing and agricultural operations.
The energy industry also plays an important role, with natural gas production, pipeline infrastructure, and increasingly, wind energy development. Texas County's high plains location and consistent wind resources have attracted wind farm investments that generate renewable energy and property tax revenue. The unemployment rate in Texas County typically tracks close to or slightly above the state average, fluctuating with agricultural commodity cycles and seasonal employment patterns.
Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell contributes to the local economy through employment and student spending. Economic development initiatives focus on workforce training, infrastructure improvements, and diversification beyond traditional agriculture. Retail and service businesses in Guymon serve the broader Panhandle region, drawing customers from neighboring Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico communities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (OSCN) | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online Access | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Online (State) | Elections: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10 — Texas County provides access to court records via the state system, but many local records require in-person or phone requests. Property and jail records have limited online availability.
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