Brewster County, Texas

8 local notes for Brewster County — practical, plain-English, and pointed at the official source to confirm. Big Bend / Far West.

Money & Taxes

Property tax

Texas homestead exemption cuts your school tax bill

If you own and live in your home in Brewster County, a homestead exemption removes $140,000 from the appraised value before your school district taxes are figured.

Home & Property

Water / Wells

Private wells in Brewster County fall under a local water district

The Brewster County Groundwater Conservation District manages well permits and water use. Four aquifers supply groundwater across the county.

Water / Drought

Drought is a recurring reality in Brewster County

Brewster County's dry climate means drought is a constant concern. It affects livestock, well water, and fire risk across this rural county.

Outdoors

National Park

Big Bend National Park occupies a large part of Brewster County

Big Bend National Park covers 801,163 acres entirely within Brewster County and protects the largest stretch of Chihuahuan Desert in the United States.

State Park

Big Bend Ranch State Park: Texas's largest state park straddles two counties

Big Bend Ranch State Park covers roughly 310,000 acres across southwestern Brewster County and southeastern Presidio County, with 238 miles of trails and International Dark Sky Park status.

Rules & Licenses

Ag / Wildlife tax valuation

Ranch land in Brewster County can qualify for ag tax rates through wildlife management

Texas lets landowners keep lower agricultural property tax rates by managing their land for native wildlife instead of traditional farming or ranching.

History & Culture

History / Mining

Terlingua's mercury mines drove Brewster County's early economy

The Chisos Mining Company at Terlingua was once a major U.S. mercury producer. When it collapsed, it left behind what is now called Terlingua Ghost Town.

History / Historic District

Alpine's downtown was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2026

Alpine's downtown was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in spring 2026. The district spans about 40 blocks and includes nearly 300 buildings and sites near the Union Pacific tracks.