Jeff Davis County, Texas

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

Money & Taxes

Property Tax Basics

Who handles property taxes in Jeff Davis County

Two offices handle property taxes here: one appraises your land, and a separate office collects what you owe.

Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption can lower your tax bill

If you own and live in your home in Jeff Davis County, you may qualify for a homestead exemption that lowers your tax bill.

Agricultural Appraisal

Ranch land can be taxed on productivity, not market value

Landowners using property for ranching or farming can apply for agricultural appraisal, which can significantly reduce their property tax.

Home & Property

Water Wells

A local district regulates groundwater wells

Jeff Davis County has its own underground water conservation district. You may need a permit before drilling a well.

Cars & Driving

Vehicle Registration

No emissions test required to register your vehicle here

Jeff Davis County is not in one of Texas's 17 emissions testing counties, so you only need a safety inspection to register your vehicle.

Outdoors

State Park

Davis Mountains State Park offers hiking, camping, and stargazing

Davis Mountains State Park sits at high elevation in Fort Davis and offers outdoor activities year-round, including a historic lodge and some of the darkest night skies in Texas.

History & Culture

National Historic Site

Fort Davis National Historic Site preserves a frontier Army post

Fort Davis National Historic Site in the town of Fort Davis preserves one of the best-surviving frontier military posts in the Southwest, known especially for the Buffalo Soldiers who served there.

County History

Jeff Davis County was carved from Presidio County in 1887

Jeff Davis County was created in 1887 from Presidio County. The Southern Pacific Railroad bypassed Fort Davis, which shaped the county's economy for generations.