Hemphill County, TX Property Records

    Hemphill County is in the eastern Texas Panhandle, along the Canadian River. Its population at the 2020 U.S. Census was 3,382, with 2025 estimates near 3,083 and declining. County seat and only incorporated community: Canadian. Created in 1876, organized in 1887. Named for John Hemphill, Texas judge and Confederate congressman. Hemphill County holds the distinction of being the most recent Texas county to permit alcohol sales, having done so only in 2021.

    In 2020, the Tom Hanks film Cast Away was filmed in and around Canada. In February 2024, the Smokehouse Creek Fire burned 1,058,482 acres across the Texas Panhandle, with the fire's path coming through Hemphill County and the edges of Canadian. No fatalities were reported within the city. The economy is based on agriculture, oil, and natural gas production. Median property value $205,700; median income $61,563.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    The Hemphill County Clerk maintains all official land records in Hemphill County. The office is at 400 Main St., Canadian, TX 79014.

    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 Hemphill County Property Records

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

    Online Access (Free)

    Hemphill County property records are available online through TexasFile, a statewide records portal. Select Hemphill 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 Hemphill County Appraisal District at hemphillcad.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 Hemphill County Appraisal District by mail to 102 N. 5th St., Canadian, TX 79014. Include a clear description of the property or information requested.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Hemphill 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) 323-5521 for information on approved e-recording services and submission requirements.

    What's Not at the County Clerk's Office

    • Property Appraisal: Hemphill County Appraisal District (Pam Scates), 102 N. 5th St., Canadian, TX 79014. Phone: (806) 323-8022.

    • Property Taxes: Tax Assessor-Collector Chris Jackson, 400 Main St. #204, Canadian, TX 79014. Phone: (806) 323-6661. Collects property taxes for Hemphill County.

    • 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) 323-5521 or mail a request to P.O. Box 959, Canadian, TX 79014.

    • Verify appraisal data: Cross-reference the parcel at Hemphill County Appraisal District Taxing Entities 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 Hemphill County

    • Canadian: County seat. Named for the Canadian River. Location of Cast Away (2000) filming. Suffered brush fire proximity in the February 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    • Hemphill County Appraisal District (Pam Scates): (806) 323-8022.

    • Tax Assessor-Collector (Chris Jackson): (806) 323-6661. Collects property taxes.

    • Texas Comptroller

    County-Specific Nuances

    • Most recent Texas county to permit alcohol sales (2021): Historical commercial leases may reflect the county's long dry-county status in permitted use provisions.

    • Smokehouse Creek Fire (February 2024): Properties affected by the fire may have insurance-related liens, government easements for recovery operations, or changed appraisal values. Research post-fire recorded instruments for any affected parcels.

    • Panhandle natural gas field: Gas lease instruments, assignments, and pipeline easements are a meaningful portion of recorded instruments. Any rural title search should include a comprehensive mineral search.

    • 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 Hemphill County Property Record

    • Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Releases:

      • Standard conveyance

      • Lien instruments.

    • Oil and Gas / Natural Gas Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee

      • Leased premises

      • Primary term

      • Royalty rate

      • Bonus consideration.

    • Pipeline Easements:

      • Grantor and grantee

      • Easement corridor

      • Pipe specifications

      • Compensation

      • Term.

    • Agricultural Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee;

      • Leased premises

      • permitted use

      • Term

      • Annual payment.

    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 Hemphill County

    • City: Canadian (County Seat, 2020 census population 2,097; home to Hemphill County Courthouse and Canadian Downtown Historic District).

    • Unincorporated Communities: Glazier, Clear Creek, Dreyfoos, Gem, Mendota, and scattered ranch communities across rolling plains and rugged terrain broken by the Canadian River and Washita River valleys.

    • Historic Sites and Geographic Features: Hemphill County Museum (exhibits on pioneer life, ranching, and local heritage), Battle of Lyman's Wagon Train site, Battle of Buffalo Wallow site, Canadian River valley, Washita River valley, and High Plains rangeland.

    Complete municipality and community list at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemphill_County,_Texas.

    Appendix B: Key Contacts & Portals

    • Hemphill County Clerk and District Clerk (Division of Records & Recording Services):

    • Online Deed Search (County Clerk Records):

    • Hemphill County Appraisal District (Property Valuations & Assessment):

      • Street Address: 102 North 5th Street, Canadian, TX 79014-2228.

      • Phone: (806) 323-8022

      • Fax: (806) 323-8430

      • Chief Appraiser: Pam Scates.

      • Email: hemphillcad@sbcglobal.net

      • Hours: Monday–Friday (contact office for specific hours).

      • Website: hemphillcad.org

    • Hemphill County Tax Assessor-Collector (Property Tax Collection & Vehicle Registration):

      • Street Address: 400 Main Street, Suite 204, Canadian, Texas 79014-2250.

      • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 959, Canadian, Texas 79014-0959.

      • Tax Assessor-Collector: Chris Jackson.

      • Phone: (806) 323-6661

      • Fax: (806) 323-9745

      • Email: chris@hemphillco.com

      • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

      • Website: co.hemphill.tx.us/page/hemphill.County.Assessor.Collector

      • Collects taxes for: Hemphill County, Hemphill County Road & Bridge, Canadian ISD, City of Canadian, Hemphill County Hospital, and Hemphill County Underground Water District.

    • Hemphill County Official Website:

    • Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (Tax Rates & Finance Data):