Schleicher County, TX Property Records

    Schleicher County is on the Edwards Plateau in west-central Texas. Its population at the 2020 U.S. Census was 2,451, with 2025 estimates near 2,245 and declining. The county seat and only city is Eldorado, with a population of approximately 1,574. The county was created in 1887 and organized in 1901. It is named for Gustav Schleicher, a German immigrant who became a surveyor and then a Texas politician.

    The economy is based on ranching, hunting, and some oil production. Schleicher County gained national attention between 2004 and 2012 as the location of the Yearning for Zion (YFZ) Ranch, a compound built by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) led by Warren Jeffs. A 2008 Texas state raid of the compound resulted in the removal of over 400 children; most were eventually returned. The compound is no longer in FLDS operation.

    The median household income is approximately $53,000 (estimated), and median home values in Eldorado are approximately $91,000–$133,000. According to Federal Reserve Economic Data, an estimated 26–30% of households are cost-burdened.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

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

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

    Online Access (Free)

    Schleicher County property records are available online through TexasFile, a statewide records portal. Select Schleicher 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 Schleicher 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

    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).

    You may also request property record data from the Schleicher County Appraisal District by mail to 1 W. Warner Ave., Eldorado, TX 76936. Include a clear description of the property or information requested.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Schleicher 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) 853-2766 for information on approved e-recording services and submission requirements.

    What's Not at the County Clerk's Office

    • Property Appraisal: Schleicher County Appraisal District (Anna Buitron), 1 W. Warner Ave., P.O. Box 936, Eldorado, TX 76936. Phone: (325) 853-2617.

    • Property Taxes: Tax Assessor-Collector Vanessa Covarrubiaz, 2 S. Divide St., P.O. Box 658, Eldorado, TX 76936. Phone: (325) 853-3066. Schleicher County Tax A/C collects property taxes.

    • 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) 853-2766 or mail a request to P.O. Box 536, Eldorado, TX 76936.

    • Verify appraisal data: Cross-reference the parcel with the Schleicher 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 Tax Assessor-Collector or appraisal district.

    Cities & Towns in Schleicher County

    • Eldorado: County seat and only incorporated city. Located on U.S. 277. The only commercial center in the county.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    • Schleicher County Appraisal District (Anna Buitron): (325) 853-2617.

    • Tax Assessor-Collector (Vanessa Covarrubiaz): (325) 853-3066. Collects property taxes.

    • Texas Comptroller.

    County-Specific Nuances

    • Former FLDS YFZ Ranch compound: The Yearning for Zion Ranch, built in 2004 by the FLDS church in eastern Schleicher County, was raided by Texas state authorities in 2008. Over 400 children were temporarily removed. The compound is no longer in FLDS operation. Recorded instruments relating to the ranch and its subsequent disposition may appear in county records for properties in that area.

    • Named for a German immigrant surveyor: Gustav Schleicher immigrated from Germany and became a surveyor before entering Texas politics. He served in both the Texas Legislature and the U.S. Congress.

    • 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 Schleicher County Property Record

    • Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Releases:

      • Standard conveyance

      • Lien instruments.

    • Ranch and Hunting Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee

      • Description of leased premises

      • Term

      • Permitted use

      • Annual payment.

    • Oil and 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 www.rrc.texas.gov 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 Schleicher County

    Schleicher County, TX, has 1 incorporated city and is comprised primarily of open Edwards Plateau rangeland and unincorporated rural communities.

    • City: Eldorado (County Seat, largest city).

    • Unincorporated Communities and Rural Areas: Wide-open ranchland, Edwards Plateau landscape, prairie areas, and scattered ranch properties throughout the county. Schleicher County consists primarily of sparsely populated rangeland and open prairie.

    Schleicher County also has several unincorporated communities and ranch areas. However, unlike urban counties with defined neighborhoods, Schleicher County consists primarily of unincorporated rangeland with no government or official boundaries separate from the county. (Wikipedia)

    Appendix B: Key Contacts & Portals