About Wood County
Wood County is located in northeast Texas, approximately 100 miles east of Dallas and 65 miles west of Texarkana. Established in 1850 from portions of Van Zandt County, Wood County includes 695 square miles of rolling prairie and pine forest characteristic of the Piney Woods region. Wood County Seat is Quitman, situated along U.S. Highway 69 and State Highway 37. As of the 2020 Census, Wood County had a population of approximately 44,843 residents, showing steady growth over the past two decades. Wood County is named after George T. Wood, the second governor of Texas.
- Wood County Tax Assessor-Collector office processes property tax collections and vehicle registrations.
Major communities include Quitman, Mineola, Winnsboro, Hawkins, and Alba. Lake Fork Reservoir, created in 1980, has become one of Texas's premier bass fishing destinations and a significant economic driver for tourism. Lake Holbrook and Lake Winnsboro provide additional recreational opportunities.
Wood County Courthouse, a historic structure built in 1925, anchors the downtown Quitman square. Wood County Clerk's office is located at 100 South Main Street, Quitman, TX 75783, and maintains official county records. Wood County Appraisal District, located at 300 S.
Stephens Street in Quitman, handles property assessments and valuations. Wood County's economy traditionally relied on agriculture, timber, and oil production, but has diversified significantly with the growth of lake-related tourism and residential development as retirees and Dallas-area commuters have discovered Wood County's natural beauty and lower cost of living.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Wood County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Wood County. This office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, managing Wood County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach and crime prevention programs, aiming to foster a safe environment for all residents. Specialized divisions within the office may include a criminal investigations unit and a narcotics task force, focusing on specific areas of law enforcement.
Police Departments
In addition to Wood County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Wood County, including the Mineola Police Department, Winnsboro Police Department, and Hawkins Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crime, traffic enforcement, and community policing. Coordination between the Sheriff's Office and city police departments occurs for major crimes and regional law enforcement initiatives, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Wood County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Wood County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 216 Quitman Street in Quitman, Texas 75783, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Wood County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at woodcountysheriff.net where citizens can access information about services, crime prevention programs, and public safety notices. The Sheriff's Office operates Wood County Jail, a detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's website roster or by calling the jail directly for The online inmate roster typically includes name, booking date, charges, and bond information.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Booking photos and mugshots are typically available through the Sheriff's Office, though the agency may charge reasonable fees for copies as permitted under state law.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Quitman Police Department, Mineola Police Department, Winnsboro Police Department, and Hawkins Police Department, each serving their respective incorporated cities. The Mineola Police Department can be reached at and the Winnsboro Police Department for Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records are generally considered public information. Most recent booking photos are included in the online jail roster.
Response times for public information requests vary but agencies must respond within ten business days under Texas law, either providing the requested information, seeking an Attorney General opinion on whether the information may be withheld, or estimating costs for large requests.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Wood County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Wood County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, while the Texas Department of Public Safety provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the state’s online portal, which includes information on convictions and pending charges.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Wood County are maintained by Wood County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, often requiring a formal written request or completion of a specific form. The Texas Public Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to government documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
Wood County Jail, located in Quitman, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Wood County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Texas allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with bail amounts set according to the severity of the charges.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Wood County are taken and retained by Wood 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 submitting a formal request. Texas does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are acquitted. Third-party websites may also host mugshots, but these are not officially sanctioned by Wood County.
Courts & Case Records
Wood County's judicial system includes multiple courts with distinct jurisdictions. The 402nd Judicial District Court serves Wood County exclusively and handles felony criminal cases, divorces, civil matters over $200, juvenile matters, and appeals from lower courts. The court is located in Wood County Courthouse at 100 South Main Street, Quitman, TX 75783, and can be reached for Case information may be requested through the District Clerk's office at the same address.
- Wood County Court at Law handles Class A and B misdemeanors, civil cases between $200 and $250,000, appeals from justice and municipal courts, and probate matters.
- Copies of court documents typically cost $1 per page, and certified copies cost an additional fee.
- Criminal case records, civil case files, probate records, and judgment records are all generally available to the public upon request.
Wood County has four Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4) that handle small claims up to $20,000, evictions, traffic violations, Class C misdemeanors, inquests, and perform magistrate duties including setting bail. Each precinct maintains its own office in different areas of Wood County. Municipal courts in Quitman, Mineola, Winnsboro, Hawkins, and other incorporated cities handle traffic citations and municipal ordinance violations within their city limits.
Under Texas Government Code Section 552.108 and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, most court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statute. Wood County Clerk maintains an online case inquiry system and in-person research is available during business hours. Online access to some case information may be available through Wood County's website or the Texas Judicial Branch's public access system, though remote access may be limited compared to in-person research.
Property & Public Records
Wood County Clerk's office, located at 100 South Main Street, Quitman, TX 75783, is the official recorder of land and property records for Wood County. The office can be reached at and maintains records including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage releases, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, lis pendens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and property plat maps. Wood County Clerk's office has digitized many records dating back to Wood County's founding, and online searching is available through Wood County's website.
- Stephens Street, Quitman, TX 75783 (phone: 903-763-5836), maintains property tax records, ownership information, appraisal values, exemption records, and property characteristics.
- Regular copies are generally $1 per page.
- Recording fees for new documents vary by document type and page count, with standard deeds typically costing around $30 for the first page and $4 for additional pages.
Some records may also be accessible through third-party subscription services. Wood County Appraisal District, located at 300 S. The Appraisal District provides a free online property search tool on its website where users can search by owner name, property address, or account number to view current and historical appraisal values, ownership history, property descriptions, and exemption status.
Wood County Tax Assessor-Collector office handles property tax collection and maintains payment records. To obtain certified copies of recorded documents from the County Clerk, requesters must provide the volume and page number or legal description of the property, and pay applicable fees, typically $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page for certified copies. Wood County maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) that includes parcel maps, aerial photography, flood zones, and other spatial data layers, accessible through the Appraisal District's website.
Vital Records
Vital records for Wood County, Texas, are maintained by both county and state agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Wood County are registered with the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit, the state's central repository for vital records. Birth certificates can be ordered from the Texas Vital Statistics office at P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040, or online through the state's official vendor at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs.
- The fee for a certified birth certificate is $23, with additional copies ordered at the same time costing $22 each.
- Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail orders and 10-15 business days for online orders, with expedited service available for additional fees.
- Death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for additional copies ordered simultaneously.
- Wood County Clerk's office at 100 South Main Street, Quitman, TX 75783 (phone: 903-763-2716) issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records.
- Couples must apply in person at the County Clerk's office, provide valid identification, and pay the marriage license fee of approximately $81 (or $21 with completion of a premarital education course).
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Texas Health and Safety Code Section 191.0045. There is a 72-hour waiting period after issuance before the license is valid, though this may be waived in certain circumstances. Divorce decrees are maintained by the District Clerk's office at the same courthouse address.
Informal marriage (common law marriage) records are also filed with the County Clerk. Online ordering of vital records through the state's authorized vendor provides the most convenient option for birth and death certificates, while marriage licenses must be obtained in person at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Wood County, Texas, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the business type and registration requirements. Wood County Clerk's office at 100 South Main Street, Quitman, TX 75783 (903-763-2716) maintains Assumed Name Certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations operating under a name other than their legal name. Filing an Assumed Name Certificate costs approximately $27 and must be renewed every ten years. These records are public and can be searched at the County Clerk's office.
- The SOSDirect system at www.sos.state.tx.us provides free online searching of registered business entities, allowing users to search by business name, registered agent, or file number.
- This database shows entity status, formation date, registered agent information, and principal office address.
For formal business entity formation and registration, the Texas Secretary of State is the primary agency. The Secretary of State's Business Organizations Division maintains records for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business structures. Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be researched through the Comptroller's website.
Professional licenses (medical, legal, cosmetology, contracting, etc.) are maintained by the respective state licensing boards, not at Wood County level. Building permits and certificates of occupancy are issued by Wood County Development Department for unincorporated areas, while municipalities issue their own permits within city limits. The Appraisal District maintains commercial property records.
Zoning and land use regulations for unincorporated Wood County are handled by the County Commissioners Court. Wood County Chamber of Commerce, with offices in Quitman and Mineola, promotes local business development and maintains a directory of member businesses at www.woodcountychamber.org, though this is not an official public records repository.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Wood County, Texas, are administered by Wood County Elections Administrator, with offices located at 100 South Main Street, Suite 102, Quitman, TX 75783. The Elections office can be reached for Voter registration in Texas is handled at Wood County level through the County Voter Registrar. Texas residents can register to vote by completing a voter registration application available at the Elections office, most government offices, or online at www.votetexas.gov, though online applications must be printed, signed, and mailed.
- Wood County Elections office maintains historical election results and provides precinct-by-precinct data upon request.
- Wood County provides strong election transparency, with results posted online on election night and detailed precinct data available through public information requests under the Texas Public Information Act.
Applications must be postmarked or delivered at least 30 days before an election for the applicant to be eligible to vote in that election. Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by visiting the Texas Secretary of State's website at www.votetexas.gov or by contacting Wood County Elections office directly. Early voting locations for county residents are established before each election and typically include the main office in Quitman and branch locations in Mineola and Winnsboro for major elections.
Election records that are public under Texas law include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate filings, campaign finance reports filed with Wood County, and adopted redistricting maps. In the November 2024 general election, Wood County, like most rural Northeast Texas counties, saw voter turnout of approximately 58-62% of registered voters, consistent with typical presidential election participation in rural Texas counties. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races (Wood County is currently in Congressional District 5), statewide races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other state offices, Texas State Senate and House districts, and various county and local offices. Early voting for the 2026 general election will begin in October 2026. Texas voters may request mail-in (absentee) ballots only if they meet specific criteria: being 65 years or older, having a disability, being out of Wood County during the election period including early voting, or being confined in jail but otherwise eligible.
Applications for mail ballots must be received by the Elections office (not simply postmarked) by the close of business 11 days before Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Wood County's economy has evolved from traditional agricultural and resource extraction roots into a more diversified base heavily influenced by recreational tourism and residential growth. Lake Fork Reservoir, completed in 1980 and covering approximately 27,690 acres, has become world-renowned for trophy largemouth bass fishing and generates significant economic activity through fishing tournaments, guide services, marina operations, lodging, and related tourism. The lake attracts an estimated 500,000+ visitors annually.
- The median household income in Wood County is approximately $55,000, somewhat below the Texas state average, while the cost of living remains notably lower than major metropolitan areas.
- Highway 69 provides reasonable access to Dallas-Fort Worth employment centers, enabling some commuter residential development.
- Manufacturing operations include metal fabrication, wood products, and food processing facilities.
Agriculture remains important, with cattle ranching, hay production, and timber operations contributing to the local economy. Wood County has productive oil and gas resources, with ongoing petroleum production providing royalty income and supporting related service industries. Major employers include Christus Mother Frances Hospital-Mineola, the Mineola Independent School District and other school districts, Brookshire's Food Stores distribution center in Mineola, and various manufacturing operations.
Retirement-age residents constitute a growing demographic segment attracted by the lakes, lower property taxes compared to urban areas, and quality of life factors. Wood County's proximity to Interstate 20 and U.S. Unemployment rates typically track slightly above state averages but remain moderate.
Retail trade concentrates along highway corridors in Quitman, Mineola, and Winnsboro. Wood County Industrial Commission works to attract new employers and support existing businesses. Recent economic development efforts have focused on expanding broadband internet access to support remote workers and small businesses, capitalizing on the migration of urban residents seeking more affordable rural and small-town living options while maintaining connectivity.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Inquiry Available | Property: Yes: Free Online Search (Appraisal District) | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Agency/In-Person for Marriage | Business: Yes: Online (State & County) | Elections: Yes: Results Online, Records Upon Request | Overall Score: 8/10, Wood County provides good digital access to most public records with online property searches, jail rosters, and court case inquiry systems, though some records require in-person requests.