Oil and gas history

Chambers County Has Over a Century of Oil Production

The Barbers Hill oilfield, developed after 1918, helped shape modern Chambers County — and cumulative county oil production had passed 907 million barrels by 2004.

Chambers County History & Culture

Oil development began in Chambers County around 1916. The Barbers Hill oilfield, developed after 1918, grew quickly and peaked at about 8 million barrels in 1933. The Anahuac and Turtle Bay oilfields followed in 1935, bringing another wave of workers and revenue. By 2004, total county production since 1916 had reached 907 million barrels.

Oil money helped the county through the Great Depression relatively well compared to much of Texas. The population grew from a small rural base to over 7,500 by 1940, largely because of oilfield jobs.

Mineral rights and active wells still exist throughout the county. If you are buying land in Chambers County, check whether mineral rights are included in the sale. The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) tracks active oil and gas wells by county — you can search the RRC GIS viewer for wells near any property.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook — Chambers County

More Chambers County notes

Property tax

Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Tax Bill

Texas law requires school districts to subtract $140,000 from the appraised value of your primary home before figuring school taxes — but you must apply at the Chambers County Appraisal District to claim it.

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Property tax system

Two Offices Handle Property Tax in Chambers County

Chambers County has two separate offices for property taxes: the Appraisal District sets your property's value, and the Tax Assessor-Collector sends the bill and collects payment.

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Coastal windstorm insurance

Most Chambers County Homes Need Windstorm Coverage

Chambers County is one of 14 Texas coastal counties where private insurers often will not write windstorm coverage, leaving the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) as the backup option.

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Flood risk

Much of Chambers County Sits in High-Risk Flood Zones

Chambers County is low and flat along the Gulf Coast. Many properties fall in FEMA high-risk flood zones, which can require flood insurance and affect what you can build.

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