About Upshur County
Upshur County is located in the northeastern region of Texas, positioned within the Piney Woods area of the state. Established in 1846, Upshur County was named after Abel P. Upshur, who served as U.S. Secretary of State under President John Tyler. Upshur County Seat is Gilmer, a city that is the commercial and governmental hub for Upshur County. Upshur County includes approximately 593 square miles and has a population of around 41,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
Upshur County is known for its timber industry, agriculture, and its annual Yamboree festival in Gilmer, celebrating the sweet potato harvest. Major communities include Gilmer, Big Sandy, Ore City, and East Mountain. The scene features rolling hills, pine forests, and several lakes including Lake Gilmer and Lake O' the Pines on Upshur County's eastern border.
Upshur County Courthouse, located at 100 West Tyler Street in Gilmer, is a historic landmark built in 1957. Upshur County Clerk's office is housed in the courthouse and maintains vital records, court documents, and property records. Upshur County Tax Assessor-Collector, also located in the courthouse complex, handles property tax assessments and collections.
Upshur County's economy has historically been rooted in timber, agriculture (particularly sweet potatoes and cattle), and oil and gas production. Today, Upshur County balances its traditional industries with growing residential development as people seek affordable living options within commuting distance of larger East Texas cities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Upshur County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Upshur County. It manages Upshur County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing efforts and offers programs such as crime prevention and neighborhood watch. The Sheriff's Office is key to making sure of public safety and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies to address crime in Upshur County.
Police Departments
Upshur County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Upshur County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Gilmer, Ore City, and Big Sandy. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full law enforcement coverage throughout Upshur County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Upshur County Sheriff's Office, located at 405 Titus Street in Gilmer, Texas, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Upshur County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and operates Upshur County Jail, which houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions. Inmate information for Upshur County Jail can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at or by visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours.
- Requests for arrest records should include the individual's name, date of birth if known, and approximate date of arrest.
- Processing times for records requests vary but typically take 10-14 business days.
- The Sheriff's Office also maintains sex offender registry information in compliance with state and federal law, and this information is accessible to the public upon request.
The facility maintains current inmate rosters, though online lookup capabilities may be limited compared to larger Texas counties. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Gilmer Police Department (serving Upshur County Seat), the Big Sandy Police Department, and the Ore City Police Department, each with jurisdiction within their respective city limits. Arrest records in Upshur County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), and citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
Booking photos and mugshots are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, though some records may be withheld if they pertain to ongoing investigations or juvenile offenders.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Upshur County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Texas Department of Public Safety provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Texas DPS website, which includes information on arrests, convictions, and sex offender status.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Upshur County are maintained by Upshur County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following procedures outlined by the Texas Public Information Act. An arrest record in Upshur County typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details.
Jail & Inmate Records
Upshur County Jail, located in Gilmer, is the primary detention facility for people arrested in Upshur County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule in advance and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process in Texas allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific procedures outlined by Upshur County.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Upshur County are taken and retained by Upshur 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 website or by request. Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of records.
Courts & Case Records
Upshur County's judicial system includes the 115th District Court, which has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, family law cases, and juvenile matters. Upshur County Court is located in Upshur County Courthouse at 100 West Tyler Street in Gilmer and can be reached for Upshur County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases with amounts between $200 and $250,000.
- Upshur County has Justice of the Peace Courts in multiple precincts that handle small claims (up to $20,000), evictions, traffic violations, and conduct magistrate functions including warrant issuance and bail hearings.
- Online case lookup may be available through the Texas Judicial Branch website's case search portal, though not all Texas counties provide full online access.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, typically $1 per page plus a certification fee.
- Document retrieval fees and copy costs are established by Texas Local Government Code Section 118.011.
- Requesters should provide case numbers when available to expedite searches.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Upshur County are maintained by the County Clerk's office, located at 100 West Tyler Street, Room 106, Gilmer, Texas 75644. The office can be reached for Upshur County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds, maintaining documents including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and plat maps. These records are public information under Texas Government Code Chapter 552 and Texas Property Code provisions.
- Upshur County Appraisal District, located at 405 FM 2088 in Gilmer (phone: 903-843-5522), maintains property tax assessment records, property ownership information, and appraisal data.
- Upshur County Tax Assessor-Collector, located in the courthouse, handles tax collections and provides tax payment history.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the County Clerk for statutory fees: typically $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page of a certified document.
- Document recording fees are $25 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.
Vital Records
Vital records for Upshur County are managed by Upshur County Clerk's office at 100 West Tyler Street, Gilmer, Texas 75644, phone. Birth and death certificates from recent years may be available through the County Clerk, but certified copies of vital records are primarily issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin. Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, while death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy.
- Processing time for mail requests is typically 8-10 weeks, though expedited service is available for additional fees.
- Online ordering is available through the Texas.gov VitChek Express service at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs, which offers faster processing (approximately 2-3 weeks) for additional convenience fees.
- Marriage certificates can be obtained from the County Clerk for $10 per certified copy.
- Vital records requesters should contact the County Clerk for current procedures, required forms, and fee schedules, as these may be updated periodically.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate eligibility to receive the record under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 and 192, which restrict access to immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with direct tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by Upshur County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person at the courthouse, pay a fee of $82 (reducible to $22 if applicants complete a premarital education course), provide identification, and observe a 72-hour waiting period unless waived. Divorce records (final divorce decrees) are maintained by the District Clerk in the courthouse and are public records unless sealed by court order.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Upshur County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of record sought. Upshur County Clerk's office handles assumed name certificates (Doing Business As or DBA filings) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name, as required by Texas Business and Commerce Code Chapter 71. These filings are public records and can be searched at the County Clerk's office at 100 West Tyler Street, Gilmer, by providing the business name or owner's name.
- Filing fees for assumed name certificates are approximately $16 for sole proprietors and partnerships.
- This online system provides free searches by entity name or filing number, showing status, registered agent, formation date, and filing history.
- The Gilmer Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 207 North Tyler Street in Gilmer (www.gilmertexas.com), provides business resources, economic development information, and networking opportunities for local businesses.
For full business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and registered agents, the Texas Secretary of State maintains the statewide SOSDirect database accessible at www.sos.state.tx.us. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be verified through the Comptroller's website. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are regulated by state licensing boards rather than county offices.
Building permits, development permits, and zoning compliance are handled by county offices in unincorporated areas and by municipal building departments within city limits; Upshur County development office can be contacted through Upshur County courthouse for permit information. Business personal property renditions for tax purposes must be filed annually with Upshur County Appraisal District.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Upshur County are administered by Upshur County Elections Administrator, operating under the authority of the County Clerk's office located in Upshur County Courthouse at 100 West Tyler Street, Gilmer, Texas 75644. The elections office can be reached for Voter registration in Texas is handled through a centralized system; residents may register to vote by completing a voter registration application available from the County Clerk, public libraries, or downloadable from the Texas Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.tx.us.
- Voter turnout in Upshur County for the November 2024 general election was approximately 58-62% of registered voters, consistent with typical Texas rural county participation rates in presidential election years.
Applications may also be submitted online through the state's online voter registration portal if the applicant has a Texas driver's license or state ID. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election. Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling location by using the "Am I Registered?" tool on the Texas Secretary of State website or by contacting Upshur County Elections office directly.
Early voting locations and hours are published prior to each election through Upshur County's official notices and local media. Election records that are public information under Texas Election Code include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted), election results by precinct, candidate filings, and campaign finance reports for local candidates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Texas statewide offices including Governor and other executive positions, state legislative seats, and various local offices. Mail-in (absentee) ballots in Texas are available only to voters who meet specific criteria: those 65 years or older, those who will be absent from Upshur County during the entire early voting period and on election day, those confined in jail but otherwise eligible, or those with a disability or illness that prevents voting in person.
Mail ballot applications must be submitted to Upshur County Early Voting Clerk and received no later than the close of business on the 11th day before election day. Transparency in elections is supported by Texas Election Code provisions requiring public access to election records, posting of election results, and availability of precinct-level voting data, making sure of citizens can verify the integrity of the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Upshur County's economy is diversified across several key sectors including agriculture, timber, oil and gas, manufacturing, and retail trade. Historically, Upshur County has been known for sweet potato production, earning Gilmer the nickname "Yamboree Capital of the World" after the annual festival that began in 1935. Agriculture remains significant with cattle ranching, poultry production, hay cultivation, and timber operations contributing substantially to the local economy.
- The median household income in Upshur County is estimated at approximately $48,000-$52,000, somewhat below the Texas state average but reflecting Upshur County's rural character and lower cost of living.
- Manufacturing operations include food processing, metal fabrication, and wood products.
The timber industry has long been a key part of economic activity given Upshur County's location in the East Texas Piney Woods, with several sawmills and wood product manufacturers operating in Upshur County. Oil and gas extraction continues as an important sector, with Upshur County lying within productive East Texas geological formations. Major employers include the Gilmer Independent School District, Big Sandy Independent School District, East Texas Medical Center Gilmer, retail operations, and various manufacturing facilities.
Upshur County has benefited from its location along U.S. Highway 271 and State Highway 155, providing transportation access to larger markets in Longview, Tyler, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Unemployment rates in Upshur County typically track slightly above state averages, ranging between 4-6% depending on economic conditions.
Economic development efforts focus on attracting light manufacturing, distribution operations, and supporting existing industries while preserving Upshur County's agricultural heritage and quality of life.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Primarily | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Portal | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Accessible | Overall Score: 6/10, Upshur County provides moderate public records access with property records searchable online through the Appraisal District, but many services require in-person or phone contact.