About Upton County
Upton County is located in west-central Texas, covering approximately 1,242 square miles of the Permian Basin region. Upton County Seat is Rankin, a small town that is the administrative and commercial center for Upton County's population of approximately 3,300 residents as of recent census estimates. Established in 1887 and organized in 1910, Upton County was named after William F. And John C. Upton, brothers who fought in the Texas War of Independence. Upton County's economy has historically been dominated by oil and gas production, with ranching playing a supporting role.
The scene consists primarily of flfor rolling plains with mesquite, cactus, and short grasses characteristic of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem. Key government offices are located at Upton County Courthouse at 205 East 10th Street in Rankin, Texas 79778. Upton County Clerk maintains vital records, court documents, and land records.
Upton County Tax Assessor-Collector handles property tax assessments and collections. Upton County Recorder function is integrated within the County Clerk's office, which records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments affecting real property. Upton County is part of Texas's 112th Judicial District.
Major landmarks include the historic Rankin courthouse square and the surrounding ranch lands that have supported generations of ranching families. What makes Upton County unique is its small-town character combined with significant energy sector activity, creating a blend of traditional West Texas culture and modern petroleum industry infrastructure.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Upton County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order within Upton County. This office patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Upton County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is committed to community safety and often engages in programs meant to crime prevention and public education. The office also collaborates with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage and response to incidents across Upton County.
Police Departments
In addition to Upton County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Upton County is supported by municipal police departments. The Rankin Police Department and the McCamey Police Department are the primary city law enforcement agencies. These departments handle policing within their respective city limits, focusing on local crime prevention and community safety. The Sheriff's Office and city police departments coordinate on major crimes and incidents that require joint efforts, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Upton County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Upton County Sheriff's Office, located at 205 East 10th Street in Rankin, Texas 79778, is the primary law enforcement agency for Upton County. The Sheriff's Office provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates Upton County Jail. For general inquiries, the Sheriff's Office can be reached for Inmate information and jail roster searches are typically available by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though online inmate lookup systems may have limited availability due to Upton County's small size.
- Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records are generally public information and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office.
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are considered public records in Texas and may be obtained through a public information request to the Sheriff's Office, though response times may vary.
The City of Rankin, as the only incorporated county in Upton County, does not maintain a separate municipal police department; law enforcement services are provided by the Sheriff's Office through county-wide jurisdiction. Upton County does not have tribal police jurisdiction. For warrant information, criminal history inquiries, and accident reports, citizens should contact the Sheriff's Office directly.
The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains a presence in Upton County for highway patrol and specialized investigations. Detention facilities in Upton County house pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders, with felony convicts transferred to state facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Upton County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Upton County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. To run a background check in Texas, individuals can request records through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Texas Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for Upton County residents seeking full background checks or specific criminal record information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Upton County are maintained by Upton County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following procedures outlined under the Texas Public Information Act. An arrest record in Upton County typically includes the individual's personal information, arrest date, charges, and any bail conditions set by the court.
Jail & Inmate Records
Upton County Jail, located in Rankin, is the primary detention facility for Upton County. The jail handles the booking process for people arrested within Upton County, where they are processed and held until they can post bail or appear in court. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides details on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond process in Texas allows for the posting of bail through cash or surety bonds, enabling the release of detainees pending their court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Upton County are taken and retained by Upton 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 there is no specific online portal for mugshot searches, individuals can request access to these records in person or by mail. Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may seek removal through legal processes if applicable.
Courts & Case Records
Upton County is served by the 112th Judicial District Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, major civil matters, family law cases including divorce and child custody, and juvenile matters. Upton County Court sits at Upton County Courthouse, 205 East 10th Street, Rankin, TX 79778. Upton County Clerk maintains records for the District Court and can be reached for Upton County also operates a County Court at Law that handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases with amounts in controversy between $500 and $200,000.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a statutory fee, generally $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
Upton County Clerk is the clerk for County Court and can be contacted for Justice of the Peace Courts provide jurisdiction over small claims (up to $20,000), Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and serve as magistrate courts for initial appearances and warrant issuance. Under Texas Government Code Section 552.001 and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, court records are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law. Case searches may be conducted in person at the District Clerk's or County Clerk's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Due to Upton County's size, full online case lookup systems may be limited. Re-Search Texas (www.re-searchtexas.com) may provide some access to county records through a subscription service. For specific case information, contact the appropriate clerk's office directly with the case number or party names.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Upton County are maintained by the County Clerk's office, which serves the function of County Recorder, located at Upton County Courthouse, 205 East 10th Street, Rankin, TX 79778, phone. Upton County Clerk records and indexes all instruments affecting real property including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, mechanic's liens, tax liens, judgment liens, easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, mineral deeds, and subdivision plats.
- Official public records are available for inspection during regular business hours and copies can be obtained for statutory fees, typically $1.00 per page for standard copies and additional fees for certified copies.
- Upton County Appraisal District can be reached at and provides property tax assessments, exemption applications, and ownership records.
- For official searches and certified documents, in-person or mail requests to the County Clerk are most reliable.
Texas Property Code governs the recording of real property documents. Upton County Tax Assessor-Collector, also located at the courthouse, maintains property tax records, conducts property appraisals through Upton County Appraisal District, and collects property taxes. While full online property search systems may be limited in this small county, some property information may be available through third-party vendors or regional data services.
The Appraisal District maintains property tax account information and may offer limited online access through their website or the Texas Comptroller's property tax database. GIS mapping and parcel viewer systems may be available through regional planning organizations or commercial providers.
Vital Records
Vital records for Upton County, Texas are managed through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are maintained by Upton County Clerk's office at 205 East 10th Street, Rankin, TX 79778, phone, for events occurring within Upton County. However, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the statewide repository and is often the most reliable source for certified copies. Birth certificates cost $23.00 for the first copy and $22.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost the same.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, though expedited service may be available for additional fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Upton County Clerk, and certified copies of marriage records can be obtained from the same office for a fee of approximately $10.00.
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required for in-person requests, and notarized application forms are required for mail requests.
Online ordering is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services website at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs or through VitalChek, an authorized vendor. Divorce records (decrees of dissolution) are maintained by the District Clerk as part of court records. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, vital records are protected with access restricted to eligible applicants including the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a direct and tangible interest.
Birth certificates are typically available for events 75 years old or newer, with older records available through the Texas State Library and Archives.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Upton County are available through multiple governmental levels. Upton County Clerk, located at 205 East 10th Street, Rankin, TX 79778, phone, maintains assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) filings for businesses operating under names 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 in person at the County Clerk's office.
- This database includes entity names, registration status, registered agents, formation dates, and filing history.
For full business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State Business & Public Filings Division provides a free online searchable database at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml (SOSDirect). Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be verified through their website. Professional licenses (medical, legal, cosmetology, contractors, etc.) are regulated by respective state licensing boards rather than county offices.
Building permits, construction permits, and land use zoning inquiries should be directed to Upton County Judge's office or the County Commissioners Court for The Rankin Economic Development Corporation and the Rankin Chamber of Commerce provide business development support and networking opportunities for existing and prospective businesses in Upton County. County-level business licensing requirements are minimal in rural Texas counties, with most regulatory authority residing at the state level. However, specific activities such as selling alcohol, operating certain facilities, or conducting business within Rankin city limits may require local permits or licenses.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Upton County are administered by Upton County Elections Administrator or County Clerk, located at Upton County Courthouse, 205 East 10th Street, Rankin, TX 79778, phone. Voter registration in Texas is handled through county voter registrars, and residents can register online through the Texas Secretary of State website at www.votetexas.gov or submit paper applications available at the County Clerk's office, public libraries, and state agencies. The voter registration deadline in Texas is 30 days prior to any election.
To be eligible, applicants must be United States citizens, Texas residents, at least 17 years and 10 months old (18 to vote), and not finally convicted of a felony or, if convicted, have completed their sentence including parole or probation. Polling place locations for Upton County voters can be found on the County Elections office website, by calling the office directly, or through the Texas Secretary of State voter portal. Early voting is available at designated locations typically for two weeks prior to Election Day.
Public election records in Texas include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), precinct-by-precinct election results, candidate filings, and campaign finance reports as required under Texas Election Code. Upton County typically experiences voter turnout rates of 55-70% in presidential election years and 35-50% in midterm elections, generally tracking with rural West Texas patterns. In the November 2024 general election, Upton County voters participated in presidential, congressional, state legislative, and local races.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives elections, Texas statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and various state legislative seats. Absentee voting by mail in Texas is limited to voters who meet specific criteria: those 65 years or older, disabled, confined in jail but eligible to vote, or out of Upton County during the early voting period and Election Day.
Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Upton County Early Voting Clerk and received by the 11th day before Election Day. Texas Election Code Chapter 552 and the Public Information Act govern transparency of election records, allowing citizens to request voter lists, precinct results, and other election documents, though some restrictions apply to protect voter privacy.
Economy & Demographics
Upton County's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas extraction, which has been the dominant industry since major discoveries in the 1920s. Upton County sits within the prolific Permian Basin, one of the most productive petroleum-producing regions in the United States. Major operators include large independent producers and integrated oil companies with drilling, production, and service operations throughout Upton County. Median household income in Upton County is estimated at approximately $68,000 to $75,000, significantly influenced by high-paying energy sector jobs.
- Government employment, including county offices, school district, and road maintenance, provides stable jobs.
Ranching and agriculture provide secondary economic support, with cattle ranching being the primary agricultural activity suited to the semi-arid climate. Upton County's small population of approximately 3,300 residents results in limited retail and service sector development concentrated in Rankin. Unemployment rates in Upton County tend to fluctuate with oil prices and drilling activity, ranging from 2% to 6% in recent years.
The energy boom of the 2010s brought renewed drilling activity, infrastructure investment, and population growth, though Upton County remains sparsely populated. Challenges include limited economic diversification, water scarcity, aging infrastructure, and distance from major markets. The Rankin Independent School District is among the largest employers in Upton County.
There are no major manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters, and retail options are limited, with residents often traveling to Midland or other regional centers for shopping and services. Property tax revenues from oil and gas properties provide substantial funding for county government and schools, though volatility in energy markets creates budgetary challenges.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Website | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Overall Score: 5/10, Upton County's small size limits digital infrastructure; most records require direct contact with county offices, though state-level systems provide some online access.