About Wichita County
Wichita County is located in the north-central region of Texas, situated along the Red River on the border with Oklahoma. Wichita County Seat is Wichita Falls, which is the primary population and commercial center. Established in 1858 and organized in 1882, Wichita County includes approximately 633 square miles and has a population of approximately 129,000 residents according to recent estimates. Wichita County is named after Wichita Native American tribe that once inhabited Wichita County.
- Wichita County River runs through Wichita County, and Lake Wichita County provides recreational opportunities.
Major landmarks include Sheppard Air Force Base, one of the largest training bases in the United States Air Force, which has been a key part of the local economy since 1941. Wichita County is characterized by rolling plains terrain typical of North Texas. Wichita County Clerk's office, located at 900 7th Street, Suite 240, Wichita County Falls, TX 76301, maintains various public records including court documents and vital records.
Wichita County Tax Assessor-Collector office handles property tax assessments and collections. Wichita County Appraisal District, located at 2008 Elmwood Avenue, Wichita County Falls, TX 76308, maintains property assessment records. What makes Wichita County unique is its blend of military heritage, oil and gas industry prominence, and agricultural traditions, combined with its strategic location along the Texas-Oklahoma border.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Wichita County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Wichita County. It oversees the operation of Wichita County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is dedicated to public safety and community engagement, offering programs such as neighborhood watch and crime prevention workshops.
Police Departments
Wichita County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Wichita County Sheriff's Office and city police departments such as the Wichita Falls Police Department, Burkburnett Police Department, and Iowa Park Police Department. Each agency has jurisdiction over its respective area, with the sheriff's office covering unincorporated regions. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, sharing resources and information to effectively address criminal activity across Wichita County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Wichita County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 900 7th Street in Wichita Falls, TX 76301, provides law enforcement services throughout Wichita County's unincorporated areas and operates Wichita County Detention Center. Inmate searches for Wichita County jail can be conducted through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the detention center directly for The inmate roster typically includes booking date, charges, bond amount, and expected release information.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or respective police department, though some information may be withheld if part of an ongoing investigation.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail's online inmate search system or by submitting a public information request.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from 10 to 30 days depending on the volume and complexity of the request.
- Requesters should be prepared to pay copying fees as permitted under Texas law.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Wichita County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. Background checks can be conducted through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides full criminal history information. The Texas Department of Public Safety also supports Wichita County by offering additional resources and databases for law enforcement and public inquiries.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Wichita County are maintained by Wichita County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring identification and a processing fee. A Wichita County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and court dates. The process is governed by the Texas Public Information Act, which ensures transparency and access to public records while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Wichita County Detention Center is the main jail facility in Wichita County. It handles the booking process for people arrested in Wichita County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. The facility provides an inmate lookup service online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and requirements for visitors. The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of inmates upon payment of bail, which can be arranged through Wichita County's approved bail bond companies.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Wichita County are taken and retained by Wichita 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 website or by request. Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain conditions, such as expungement or non-disclosure orders. Mugshots are often used with arrest records for identification and legal proceedings.
Courts & Case Records
Wichita County courts are located primarily at Wichita County Courthouse, 900 7th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. The 30th District Court and 89th District Court handle felony criminal cases, civil matters over $200, divorce and family law cases, and appeals from lower courts. District court information can be accessed for Wichita County has four County Courts at Law that handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, probate matters, and appeals from Justice of the Peace courts.
- Justice of the Peace Courts operate in multiple precincts throughout Wichita County, handling small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and eviction cases.
- Research fees are typically $5 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, while certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $5 certification fee.
Wichita County Clerk's office, reachable, maintains records for both district and county courts. Municipal Courts in Wichita Falls area Falls, Burkburnett, Electra, and Iowa Park handle city ordinance violations and traffic citations within their respective city limits. Court records may be searched in person at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours.
Online case lookup is available through Wichita County website at www.co.Wichita Falls area.tx.us/departments/district-clerk. Access to court records is governed by Texas Government Code Chapter 552 (Public Information Act) and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration. Some records, including those involving minors or sealed cases, are not publicly accessible.
Online records access is available for recent filings, though historical records may require in-person research.
Property & Public Records
Wichita County Clerk's office at 900 7th Street, Suite 240, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, phone, is the official recorder of land records including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mechanic's liens, releases, easements, rights-of-way, and plat maps. These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays. Online property record searches are available through Wichita County's official website and third-party subscription services.
- Their online database at www.wichitacad.org provides free access to property search tools, including parcel maps, ownership history, and certified appraisal rolls.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the County Clerk for $5 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5 certification fee.
- Document recording fees vary based on the number of pages and type of instrument.
Wichita County Appraisal District at 2008 Elmwood Avenue, Wichita County Falls, TX 76308, phone, maintains property tax records, ownership information, legal descriptions, appraised values, and exemption data. The GIS mapping system allows users to search by owner name, property address, or account number. The Tax Assessor-Collector office, located at 900 7th Street, handles property tax collections, vehicle registration, and title transfers.
Historical land records dating to Wichita County's organization in 1882 are maintained on-site, with some digitization projects underway for improved public access.
Vital Records
Vital records for Wichita County, Texas are managed by multiple agencies depending on the type and date of the record. Birth and death certificates that occurred within Wichita County may be requested through Wichita County Clerk's office at 900 7th Street, Suite 240, Wichita Falls, TX 76301 However, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin is the central repository for all Texas vital records and can be reached at or through their website at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs.
- Birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy and $22 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, while death certificates cost $21 each.
- Processing times typically range from 3 to 6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- The marriage license fee is $81, or $21 if the couple completes a premarital education course.
- Online ordering of certified vital records is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or tangible interest as required by Texas Family Code Section 191.0045. Marriage licenses are issued by Wichita County Clerk's office and require both applicants to appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk's office at the same courthouse location.
Genealogical researchers can access older records subject to privacy restrictions outlined in Texas statutes. Birth records are restricted for 75 years and death records for 25 years under Texas Government Code Chapter 552.
Business & Licensing
Business records in Wichita County are maintained by several agencies depending on the type of business activity. Wichita County Clerk's office at 900 7th Street, Suite 240, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, phone, records assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) and fictitious name filings for businesses operating in Wichita County. These records cost $16 to file and are public information available for inspection during regular business hours.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Texas Secretary of State maintains an online database at www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml called SOSDirect, which is free to search and provides information on business formation dates, registered agents, and current status. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, and medical professionals are regulated by their respective state boards rather than at Wichita County level. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts handles sales tax permits and franchise tax accounts, accessible at www.comptroller.texas.gov.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are issued by Wichita Falls Development Services Department and respective municipal building departments in Burkburnett, Electra, and Iowa Park for properties within city limits. Wichita County Planning and Zoning office handles permits for unincorporated areas. Wichita County Falls Chamber of Commerce, located at 900 8th Street, Suite 218, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, phone, website www.Wichita Countyfallschamber.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and economic development information for Wichita County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Wichita County are administered by Wichita County Elections Administration office, located at 900 7th Street, Room 130, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and maintains a website at www.co.Wichita County.tx.us/departments/elections with full voter information. Voter registration in Texas must be completed at least 30 days before an election. Texas residents can register to vote online at www.votetexas.gov or by submitting a paper application to Wichita County Elections office or any Texas Department of Public Safety office. Applicants must be U.S.
- In the November 2024 general election, Wichita County experienced voter turnout of approximately 58% of registered voters, consistent with typical turnout for presidential election years in North Texas counties.
- Citizens may request additional records including voted ballot images (with privacy protections), poll book data, and voting equipment testing documentation under state public information laws.
Citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of Wichita County. To find your polling place in Wichita County, voters can use the polling location lookup tool on Wichita County elections website or call the elections office directly. During early voting periods, multiple locations throughout Wichita County are available, typically including Wichita County Courthouse Annex and satellite locations in Burkburnett, Electra, and Iowa Park.
Public election records in Wichita County include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted under Texas Election Code Section 13.004), precinct-level election results, candidate filing documents, campaign finance reports for local candidates, and election night reporting data. These records are accessible under the Texas Public Information Act. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include U.S.
House of Representatives races for Texas Congressional District 13, potential U.S. Senate races if applicable, Texas gubernatorial and statewide executive office elections, Texas State Senate and House races, and various county and local offices. Mail-in ballot applications (absentee voting) in Texas are restricted to specific categories: voters 65 or older, voters with disabilities or illnesses, voters confined in jail but eligible to vote, and voters who will be out of Wichita County during the entire early voting period and on election day.
Applications must be submitted to Wichita County Elections office and received by the close of business 11 days before election day. Texas does not offer no-excuse absentee voting. Transparency in Wichita County elections includes public access to election result summaries, provisional ballot statistics, and after-action reports.
Economy & Demographics
Wichita County's economy is diverse, anchored by several key sectors that provide stability and employment opportunities.The base conducts pilot training and technical training for multiple branches of the U.S. Military and allied nations. The healthcare sector is another major employer, with United Regional Health Care System and North Texas State Hospital providing thousands of jobs. Manufacturing has a strong presence, with companies in aerospace, oil and gas equipment, and industrial machinery.
- The median household income in Wichita County is approximately $54,000, slightly below the Texas state average.
The oil and gas industry remains significant, with Wichita County located in the Permian Basin periphery, supporting drilling, production, and service companies. Agriculture continues to help with the rural areas, with cattle ranching, wheat, and cotton farming. Retail trade and hospitality services support the local economy, particularly in Wichita Falls.
The unemployment rate typically hovers near the state average, ranging from 3% to 5% in recent years. Economic development initiatives focus on diversifying beyond traditional energy and military sectors, with efforts to attract technology companies, logistics operations, and manufacturing facilities. Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation works to recruit new businesses through incentives and workforce development programs.
Notable recent projects include expansions at the industrial park and continued development around the Kickapoo Downtown Airport.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8/10, Wichita County provides strong digital access to most public records with online portals for court cases, property searches, and inmate information, though vital records require traditional request methods.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Wichita County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Wichita County, Texas.