Baylor County, TX Property Records

    Baylor County is in north Texas, on the Rolling Plains between Wichita Falls and Abilene. Its population at the 2020 U.S. Census was 3,465, with 2025 estimates placing it near 3,472 and essentially flat. The county seat and only significant incorporated city is Seymour. The county was created in 1858 and organized in 1879. It is named for Henry Weidner Baylor, a surgeon in the Texas Rangers during the Mexican–American War.

    Baylor County has a scientific distinction. The Permian period vertebrate fossils found in the Texas Red Beds preserved Permian-era shale exposures along the Brazos River and its tributaries were first described by paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope during his 1877 survey of the region. The Red Beds continue to yield significant Permian fossil discoveries, making Baylor County a site of paleontological importance. This has no bearing on property records but is worth knowing when researching land with Red Bed exposures.

    The economy is based on agriculture, ranching, and services. The housing market is slow and affordable. The median home value is approximately $51,000–$78,000. The median household income is approximately $61,179. Days on market range from 20 to 449 days. Monthly sales are typically one to four transactions.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    All official land records in Baylor County are maintained by the Baylor County Clerk / District Clerk. County Clerk Chris Jakubicek. The County Clerk and District Clerk functions are combined. The office is located at the Baylor County Courthouse in Seymour, 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 Baylor County Property Records

    Online Access

    Search Texasfile and select Baylor County.

    In Person

    Visit the Baylor County Courthouse at 109 N. Washington St., Seymour, TX 76380.

    By Phone or Fax

    • Phone: (940) 889-3553. Fax: (940) 889-8856.

    By Mail

    Mail requests to Baylor County Clerk, 109 N. Washington St., Seymour, TX 76380. Include instrument details, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

    What's Not at the County Clerk's Office

    • Property Appraisal: Baylor County Appraisal District (Chief Appraiser: Paula Kinsinger), 211 N. Washington St., Seymour, TX 76380. Phone: (940) 888-5636.

    • Property Taxes: Baylor County Tax Assessor-Collector (Jeanette Holub), 101 S. Washington St., Seymour, TX 76380. Phone: (940) 889-3169. Website.

    • Texas RRC: RRC for oil and gas activity.

    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 (940) 889-3553 or mail a request to 109 N. Washington St., Seymour, TX 76380.

    • Verify appraisal data: Cross-reference the parcel at the county appraisal district 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 County Tax Assessor-Collector.

    Cities & Towns in Baylor County

    • Seymour: County seat and only significant incorporated city. Population approximately 2,575. Located on the Brazos River, 52 miles southwest of Wichita Falls.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    • Baylor County Appraisal District (Paula Kinsinger): 211 N. Washington St., Seymour, TX 76380. Phone: (940) 888-5636.

    • Baylor County Tax Assessor-Collector (Jeanette Holub): 101 S. Washington St., Seymour, TX 76380. Phone: (940) 889-3169.

    • Texas Comptroller

    County-Specific Nuances

    • Permian Red Bed fossils potential research easements: The Texas Red Beds along the Brazos River in Baylor County are a significant paleontological site. Permian vertebrate fossils were first described from this region in 1877 by Edward Drinker Cope. Research easements or fossil collection agreements for scientific study of Red Bed exposures may occasionally appear as recorded instruments. Researchers dealing with properties containing Red Bed outcrops should include a search for these instruments.

    • Named county clerk with online presence: Clerk Chris Jakubicek maintains an active county web presence at co.baylor.tx.us. Researchers can confirm current procedures and hours before visiting.

    • 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 conveying or encumbering 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 a Baylor County Property Record

    • Deeds:

      • Grantor and grantee names

      • Full legal description

      • Consideration

      • Warranty covenants

      • Acknowledgment

      • Recording volume

    • Deeds of Trust:

      • Borrower

      • Lender and trustee names

      • Loan amount

      • Legal description

      • Power of sale clause.

    • Agricultural Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee names

      • Description of leased premises

      • Term

      • Permitted use

      • Annual payment.

    • Oil and Gas Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee names

      • Leased premises

      • Primary term

      • Royalty rate

      • Bonus consideration.

    • Releases:

      • Reference to the original deed of trust

      • Statement of satisfaction

      • Lender signature.

    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 Baylor County, TX

    Baylor County comprises 1 incorporated city and several unincorporated communities.

    • Cities: Seymour - Which is the county seat and largest city.

    • Unincorporated Communities and Census-Designated Places: Bomarton, Fulda, Lively, Mabelle, Ogden, Red Springs, Round Timber, and Westover.

    Baylor County also has several unincorporated communities that do not have separate municipal governments. (Wikipedia).

    Appendix B - Key Contacts & Portals