Armstrong County, TX Property Records

    Armstrong County is in the southern Texas Panhandle, about 30 miles east of Amarillo. Its population at the 2020 U.S. Census was 1,848, with 2024 estimates near 1,809 and declining slightly. The county seat and only significant city is Claude, with a population of approximately 1,186. The county was created in 1876 and organized in 1890. It is named for one of several Texas pioneer families named Armstrong. Armstrong County is included in the Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area.

    When Armstrong County was organized in 1890, Claude and Washburn competed to become the county seat. The tie-breaking vote for Claude was cast by Charles Goodnight, the legendary cattleman and former co-owner of the nearby JA Ranch. Goodnight was one of the most significant figures in Texas Panhandle ranching history; the JA Ranch, which he founded with Irish investor John George Adair in 1877, remains a working ranch today. Palo Duro Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of Texas," lies just south of Claude along Texas State Highway 207, providing significant recreation and tourism.

    The economy is based on agriculture, ranching, and services. The median household income is approximately $68,462, and median home values are approximately $130,000–$175,000 (estimated). The Armstrong County Tax Assessor-Collector does not collect property taxes. Contact the Armstrong County Appraisal District before submitting any tax payment.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    The Armstrong County Clerk maintains all official land records in Armstrong County. The office is at the Armstrong County Courthouse in Claude, Texas.

    What County Property Records Include

    The County Clerk maintains all instruments affecting the ownership and encumbrance of real property. Recorded documents include:

    • Deeds: Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, special warranty deeds, trustee deeds, and correction deeds.

    • Deeds of Trust: The primary mortgage instrument in Texas conveys a security interest to a trustee on behalf of a lender.

    • Releases and Reconveyances: Discharge instruments releasing liens or deeds of trust once obligations are satisfied.

    • Oil and Gas Leases: Mineral leases, assignments, ratifications, and releases.

    • Easements and Rights-of-Way: Pipeline easements, utility easements, and access rights.

    • Mechanic's and Materialman's Liens: Filed under Chapter 53, Texas Property Code.

    • Powers of Attorney: Including durable and real-property-specific instruments.

    • Assignments: Including assignments of leases, rents, and mineral interests.

    • Lis Pendens: Notices of pending litigation affecting title.

    • Subdivision Plats: Plat maps of subdivisions within the county.

    How to Access Armstrong County Property Records

    You can access Armstrong County property records online, in person, by phone, and by mail. The process depends on the type of record you need.

    Online Access (Free)

    Armstrong County property records are available online through TexasFile, a statewide records portal. Select Armstrong County from the county list and search by grantor or grantee name, instrument number, document type, or recording date. Most deed, deed of trust, release, and lien instruments recorded in recent decades are indexed and available as scanned images.

    Property ownership, valuation, and exemption data are available through the Armstrong County Appraisal District at armstrongcad.org. The portal allows searches by owner name, property address, and legal description. This is the appropriate resource for assessed values, exemption status, and current ownership; it does not replace the County Clerk's deed records for title research.

    In Person

    While online portals are often the most convenient option, you can visit the relevant offices directly for certified copies, recording, or research assistance

    By Phone

    You can make inquiries, request general information, and ask about copy fees by phone

    By Mail/Overnight

    You can submit documents for recording or request copies of recorded instruments by mail. Before mailing a document for recording, ensure it is properly titled, acknowledged before a notary, includes the grantee's mailing address, and contains a complete legal description. Standard recording fees apply: $26.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page. Texas does not impose a realty transfer tax.

    To request copies of recorded documents, send a written request with sufficient identifying information (grantor/grantee name, approximate date, and document type) to

    You may also request property record data from the Armstrong County Appraisal District by mail to 114 Trice St., Claude, TX 79019. Include a clear description of the property or information requested.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Armstrong County supports e-recording of property documents through authorized third-party providers. E-recording is primarily used by title companies, lenders, and legal professionals. Contact the County Clerk's office at (806) 226-2081 for information on approved e-recording services and submission requirements.

    What's Not at the County Clerk's Office

    • Property Appraisal: Armstrong County Appraisal District (Chief Appraiser: Marissa Clement), 114 Trice St., P.O. Box 149, Claude, TX 79019. Phone: (806) 331-9479. Email: armstrongcad@armstrongcad.org.

    • Property Taxes: Tax Assessor-Collector Jamie Craig, 100 S. Trice St., P.O. Box 835, Claude, TX 79019. Phone: (806) 553-2860. Does NOT collect property taxes. Contact the CAD.

    • Texas RRC

    Step-by-Step: How to Pull a Deed Online

    To research a property deed using online resources:

    • Search TexasFile: Go to Texasfile and select the county. Search by grantor/grantee name, document type, and date range.

    • Identify the instrument: Note the volume and page number or instrument number and recording date.

    • Retrieve a copy: Download images if available. If not, contact the County Clerk at (806) 226-2081 or mail a request to P.O. Box 835, Claude, TX 79019.

    • Verify appraisal data: Cross-reference the parcel at armstrongcad.org for assessed value, ownership, and exemption status.

    • Check mineral interests: Search the Texas RRC for well locations and production data.

    • Confirm tax status: Verify current tax payment history with the Tax Assessor-Collector or appraisal district.

    Cities & Towns in Armstrong County

    • Claude: County seat. Named for Claude Ayers, engineer of the first Fort Worth and Denver Railway train through the area. 30 miles east of Amarillo. Gateway to Palo Duro Canyon.

    • Washburn: A small community in the north. Competed with Claude for the county seat in 1890.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    • Armstrong County Appraisal District

    • Tax Assessor-Collector (does NOT collect property taxes)

    • Texas Comptroller

    County-Specific Nuances

    • Tax Assessor-Collector does NOT collect property taxes: Confirm the correct tax payment point with the Armstrong County Appraisal District at (806) 331-9479 before submitting any property tax payment.

    • Charles Goodnight and the JA Ranch: Armstrong County's history is closely tied to Charles Goodnight, who cast the tie-breaking vote for Claude as the county seat. The JA Ranch, which he co-founded in 1877, historically covered much of the Palo Duro Canyon area. Deep title searches in the eastern part of the county may encounter JA Ranch land grant and subdivision instruments.

    • Palo Duro Canyon State Park: The "Grand Canyon of Texas" lies south of Claude along Texas State Highway 207. Properties near the park boundary may be subject to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department easements or access agreements.

    • Part of the Amarillo MSA: Armstrong County is included in the Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area, which affects how federal statistical agencies categorize local housing and economic data and may affect mortgage underwriting for Amarillo-area lenders.

    • Texas uses a County Clerk, not a Recorder of Deeds: The County Clerk is the statutory custodian of all recorded land instruments under the Texas Local Government Code.

    • Texas uses deeds of trust, not traditional mortgages: Search for "deed of trust" rather than "mortgage" when examining encumbrances.

    • Severed mineral estates are common: A deed to the surface does not convey mineral rights unless explicitly stated. Mineral ownership must be traced through a separate chain of instruments.

    • Texas homestead rights: Both spouses must sign a deed or deed of trust to convey or encumber the homestead.

    • Community property state: Property acquired during marriage is generally owned equally by both spouses.

    • Agricultural land exemptions: Land qualifying for ag appraisal is valued on productive capacity rather than market value. Assessed values may be substantially lower than market value.

    Typical Contents of an Armstrong County Property Record

    • Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Releases:

      • Standard conveyance

      • Lien instruments.

    • Agricultural and Ranch Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee names,

      • Leased premises

      • Permitted use

      • Term

      • Annual payment.

    • Wind Energy and Natural Gas Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee

      • Leased premises

      • Primary term

      • Royalty rate.

    Recording Changes to Property Titles

    All instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the County Clerk in person, by mail, or through an approved e-recording service.

    Documents must satisfy the following requirements:

    • Acknowledgment: Must be acknowledged before a notary public; dated on or after execution.

    • Legal Description: Complete legal description referencing the appropriate survey, abstract number, and block/lot designations.

    • Legibility: 8.5 x 11 inches, clearly printed, with a 3-inch top margin on the first page.

    • Grantor/Grantee Names: All parties identified by full legal name.

    Practical Research Flow (Checklist)

    • Identify the parcel: Obtain the legal description from the deed, tax records, or the county appraisal district.

    • Search the grantor/grantee index: Use TexasFile or the County Clerk's in-office index.

    • Retrieve deed documents: Trace all deeds in the chain of title. Review for legal description accuracy, warranty covenants, and reservations.

    • Search for encumbrances: Search for deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, lis pendens, and other recorded encumbrances.

    • Review oil and gas instruments: Search for mineral-related instruments. Determine whether the mineral estate has been severed from the surface estate.

    • Check Texas RRC records: Visit RRC for active wells, operators, and production data.

    • Verify appraisal and tax status: Confirm assessed value, exemption status, and tax payment history.

    • Confirm homestead status: Determine whether the property carries a homestead exemption.

    • Review plat records: For subdivided properties, confirm plat recording.

    • Obtain certified copies: Confirm the current fee schedule with the Clerk before mailing payment.

    Appendix A: Municipalities in Armstrong County

    Armstrong County has two incorporated cities and several unincorporated communities.

    • Cities: Claude and Washburn.

    • Unincorporated Communities: Goodnight, Wayside Fairview, Malden, and Paloduro. Census-designated places and unincorporated communities are populated places that do not have their own government (Wikipedia).

    Appendix B: Key Contacts & Portals