Cochran County, TX Property Records

    Cochran County is a South Plains county in northwest Texas, on the New Mexico border. Its population is approximately 2,583 (2024). The county seat is Morton; Whiteface is a smaller incorporated community. The county was created in 1876 and organized in 1924. It is named for Robert Cochran, a soldier who died at the Battle of the Alamo.

    The economy is based on cotton, grain sorghum, and some wind energy development, all dependent on the Ogallala Aquifer for irrigation. The county borders New Mexico and is part of the broader South Plains agricultural economy. The median household income is approximately $53,000–$58,000 (estimated), and median home values are approximately $75,000–$100,000. According to Federal Reserve Economic Data, an estimated 26–30% of households are cost-burdened.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    The Cochran County Clerk maintains all official land records in Cochran County. Clerk Lisa Smith. The office is at 100 N. Main, Room 102, Morton, TX 79346.

    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 Cochran County Property Records

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

    Online Access (Free)

    Cochran County property records are available online through TexasFile, a statewide records portal. Select Cochran 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 Cochran County Appraisal District at cochrancad.com. 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 Cochran County Appraisal District by mail to 109 S.E. First St., Morton, TX 79346. Include a clear description of the property or information requested.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Cochran 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) 266-5450 for information on approved e-recording services and submission requirements.

    What's Not at the County Clerk's Office

    • Property Appraisal: Cochran County Appraisal District (Greg Kelley, Interim), 109 S.E. First St., Morton, TX 79346. Phone: (806) 266-5584.

    • Property Taxes: Tax Assessor-Collector Dixie Mendoza, 100 N. Main St., Rm. 101, Morton, TX 79346. Phone: (806) 266-5171. Cochran County Tax A/C collects property taxes.

    • Texas RRC: www.rrc.texas.gov

    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) 266-5450 or mail a request to 100 N. Main, Room 102, Morton, TX 79346.

    • Verify appraisal data: Cross-reference the parcel at cochrancad.com 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 Cochran County

    • Morton: County seat. Location of the county courthouse and county services.

    • Whiteface: Small incorporated community.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    • Cochran County Appraisal District

    • Tax Assessor-Collector (Dixie Mendoza).

    • Texas Comptroller.

    County-Specific Nuances

    • Ogallala Aquifer dependency: Cotton and grain agriculture in Cochran County depend on Ogallala Aquifer irrigation. Water rights instruments and High Plains Underground Water Conservation District regulations are significant for long-term agricultural land use and value. Search for these instruments for any agricultural parcel.

    • Named for Robert Cochran, Alamo defender: The county is named for Robert Cochran, one of the defenders who died at the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

    • 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 a Cochran County Property Record

    • Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Releases

      • Standard conveyance

      • Lien instruments.

    • Agricultural Leases

      • Lessor and lessee

      • Leased premises

      • Permitted use

      • Term

      • Annual payment.

    • Irrigation Easements

      • Parties

      • Description of water source and easement corridor

      • Permitted use

      • Term.

    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 Cochran County

    Cochran County has three cities and several unincorporated communities.

    • Cities: Morton, Bledsoe, and Whiteface.

    • Unincorporated Communities: Famuliner, Griffith, Lehman, and other rural communities scattered throughout the county.

    Census-designated places and unincorporated communities are populated places that do not have their own government (Wikipedia).

    Appendix B: Key Contacts & Portals