Shackelford County, TX Property Records

    Shackelford County is in the Rolling Plains of northwest Texas. Its population at the 2020 U.S. Census was 3,105, with 2025 estimates near 3,175. County seat and only significant city: Albany. Created in 1858, organized in 1874. Named for Dr. Jack Shackelford, who equipped soldiers at his own expense to fight in the Texas Revolution.

    Albany is the "Home of the Hereford." The county contains Fort Griffin State Historic Site (1867–1881 frontier post, now with a longhorn herd). Albany hosts the Fort Griffin Fandangle, an outdoor Western musical pageant performed the last two weekends of June, produced entirely by county residents since 1938. The Old Jail Art Center (1877–1878 jail) maintains a significant art collection. Median home value $173,600; median income $73,047.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    All official land records in Shackelford County are maintained by the Shackelford County Clerk District Clerk (combined office). The office is at 225 S. Main St., P.O. Box 2797, Albany, TX 76430.

    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 Shackelford County Property Records

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

    Online Access (Free)

    Shackelford County property records are available online through TexasFile, a statewide records portal. Select Shackelford 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 Shackelford County Appraisal District at shackelfordcounty.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

    The office is closed for lunch Monday–Thursday from noon to 1:00 p.m. Plan visits accordingly.

    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 Shackelford County Appraisal District by mail to Albany, TX 76430. Include a clear description of the property or information requested.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Shackelford 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) 762-9400 for information on approved e-recording services and submission requirements.

    What's Not at the County Clerk's Office

    • Property Appraisal: Shackelford County Appraisal District.

    • Property Taxes: Shackelford County Tax Assessor-Collector. Contact through the courthouse at (325) 762-9400.

    • 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) 762-9400 or mail a request to P.O. Box 2797, Albany, TX 76430.

    • Verify appraisal data: Cross-reference the parcel at Shackelford 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 Shackelford County

    • Albany: County seat. "Home of the Hereford." Fort Griffin Fandangle, Old Jail Art Center, NR Courthouse Historic District.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    • Shackelford County Appraisal District

    • Shackelford County Tax Assessor-Collector: Contact through the courthouse at (325) 762-9400.

    • Texas Comptroller

    County-Specific Nuances

    • Split-day hours closed noon to 1:00 p.m. weekdays: Plan in-person visits to arrive before 11:30 a.m. or after 1:00 p.m. Confirm Friday hours before traveling.

    • Fort Griffin Fandangle: Annual outdoor Western musical pageant, last two weekends of June, performed since 1938 by county residents. No bearing on property records.

    • NR Courthouse Historic District: The courthouse and Old Jail Art Center (1877–1878) are within the NR Courthouse Historic District. Adjacent properties may be subject to historic preservation guidelines.

    • 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 Shackelford County Property Record

    • Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Releases:

      • Standard conveyance

      • Lien instruments.

    • Oil and Gas Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee

      • Leased premises

      • primary term

      • Royalty rate

      • Bonus consideration.

    • Ranch and Hunting Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee

      • Description of leased premises

      • Term

      • Permitted use

      • 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 Shackelford County

    Shackelford County, TX, has 3 incorporated cities and is comprised primarily of open rangeland and unincorporated rural communities.

    • Cities: Albany (County Seat, largest city), Lueders, and Moran.

    • Unincorporated Communities and Historic Areas: Acampo, Berryhill, Eureka, Fort Griffin (historic fort and state historic site), Sedwick, Brazos River area, prairie landscape, and scattered ranch properties throughout the county. Shackelford County consists primarily of sparsely populated rangeland and open prairie. The total county population is 3,105 as of the 2020 census.

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

    Appendix B: Key Contacts & Portals