Irion County, TX Property Records

    Irion County is on the Edwards Plateau in West Texas, adjacent to Tom Green County and the city of San Angelo. Its population is approximately 1,409 (2024), declining from 1,599 at the 2020 U.S. Census. The county seat and only incorporated city is Mertzon, with a population of approximately 800. The county was created in 1889 and organized in 1936. It is named for Robert Anderson Irion, who served as Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas.

    The economy is based on ranching, oil and gas production, and proximity to San Angelo. The Concho River area ranch market generates significant land transaction activity. The median household income is approximately $70,357, and median home values in the county are approximately $140,000–$200,000 (estimated, reflecting the thin market and ranch land influence).

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    The Irion County Clerk maintains all official land records in Irion County. The office is at the Irion County Courthouse in Mertzon, 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 Irion County Property Records

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

    Online Access (Free)

    Irion County property records are available online through TexasFile, a statewide records portal. Select Irion 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 Irion County Appraisal District. 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:

    The Irion County Clerk remains open through lunch Monday–Thursday, a departure from many rural county offices.

    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 Irion County Appraisal District by mail to Mertzon, TX 76941. Include a clear description of the property or information requested.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Irion 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 (325) 835-2421 for information on approved e-recording services and submission requirements.

    What's Not at the County Clerk's Office

    • Property Appraisal: Irion County Appraisal District, P.O. Box 859, Mertzon, TX 76941.

    • Property Taxes: Irion County Tax Assessor-Collector, P.O. Box 980, Mertzon, TX 76941. Contact through the courthouse at (325) 835-2421.

    • 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 (325) 835-2421 or mail a request to P.O. Box 736, Mertzon, TX 76941.

    • Verify appraisal data: Cross-reference the parcel in Irion County, Texas, 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 Irion County

    • Mertzon: County seat and only incorporated city. Named for J. T. Mertz, who donated land for the county seat. Located 26 miles southwest of San Angelo on US 67.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    • Irion County Appraisal District

    • Irion County Tax Assessor-Collector: Contact through the courthouse at (325) 835-2421.

    • Texas Comptroller

    County-Specific Nuances

    • Extended office hours open through lunch: Unlike many small county clerk offices that close midday, the Irion County Clerk remains open during lunch Monday through Thursday, and closes at 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. Confirm current hours before traveling.

    • Named for a Republic of Texas Secretary of State: Robert Anderson Irion served as Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas from 1837 to 1838. He was also the brother-in-law of Sam Houston.

    • Adjacent to San Angelo and Tom Green County: Mertzon is 26 miles southwest of San Angelo. Properties in western Irion County are subject to San Angelo-area market influences, lending relationships, and title company coverage. Some Tom Green County institutions serve Irion County buyers and sellers.

    • 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 Irion County Property Record

    • Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Releases:

      • Standard conveyance

      • Lien instruments.

    • Ranch and Hunting Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee names

      • Leased premises

      • Term

      • Permitted use

      • Annual payment.

    • Oil and Gas Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee

      • Leased premises

      • Primary term

      • Royalty rate

      • Bonus consideration.

    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 Irion County

    Irion County has 1 incorporated city and several unincorporated communities and historic sites.

    • County Seat and Largest City: Mertzon (current county seat since 1939; railroad town established with the Kansas City, Mexico & Orient Railway).

    • Historic Communities and Railroad Towns: Sherwood (original county seat, 1889–1939; home to the 1901 Irion County Courthouse, now a community center), Arden, Barnhart, Monument (also known as Noelke or Monument Switch), Suggs, Hughes, Old Burk Place, Old Freitag Place, and Edwards Plateau rangeland.

    Full list at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irion_County,_Texas.

    Appendix B: Key Contacts & Portals

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

      • Main Office: 209 North Park View, Mertzon, TX 76941 (Courthouse).

      • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 270, Mertzon, TX 76941.

      • Phone: (325) 835-2421

      • Fax: (325) 835-7941

      • District Clerk: Shirley Graham.

      • Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Open during lunch).

      • Email: irioncountyclerk@gmail.com

      • Website: co.irion.tx.us/page/irion.County.Clerk

    • Online Deed Search:

    • Irion County Appraisal District (Tax Maps, Property Values, & Assessment):

      • Street Address: 209 North Parkview, Mertzon, TX 76941-9998.

      • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 980, Mertzon, TX 76941-0980.

      • Phone: (325) 835-3551

      • Fax: (325) 835-2018

      • Email: irioncad@gmail.com

      • Website: irioncad.org

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

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

      • Street Address: 209 North Parkview Street, Mertzon, Texas 76941.

      • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 859, Mertzon, Texas 76941-0859.

      • Phone: (325) 835-7771

      • Fax: (325) 835-2195

      • Email: tacajg@outlook.com

      • Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Open during lunch).

      • Website: irioncountytax.org

      • Online Tax Payment: Visit texas.gov/propertytaxes or contact the §office directly.

    • Sherwood Historic Site (Former County Seat, 1889–1939):

      • The historic 1901 Irion County Courthouse now functions as a community center.

      • Information: Contact Irion County at (325) 835-2421.

    • Texas Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED):

    • Irion County Official Website:

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