Potter County, Texas
25 local notes for Potter County — practical, plain-English, and pointed at the official source to confirm. Panhandle / High Plains.
Money & Taxes
Property Tax
Who Appraises Your Property in Potter County
The Potter County Appraisal District sets the value on your property, and that value determines what you owe in taxes.
Property Tax
Homestead Exemption Can Cut Your Tax Bill
If your home in Potter County is your primary residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption and lower your taxable value.
Property Tax
Farming or Ranching? Ag Valuation Can Save You Money
Land used for farming, ranching, or wildlife management in Potter County may qualify for a lower tax appraisal based on what the land produces, not what it sells for.
County Services
The County Tax Office Handles More Than Taxes
The Potter County Tax Office in Amarillo collects property taxes and processes vehicle registrations for county residents.
Home & Property
Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Rights Work Differently From Surface Rights
In Potter County, buying land does not always mean you own the oil and gas beneath it — mineral rights are often held separately.
Mineral Rights
Look Up Oil and Gas Wells on Your Land
You can search for oil and gas wells, permits, and production data near any property in Potter County using the Railroad Commission's free online tools.
Water
Part of Potter County Has a Groundwater Conservation District
Part of Potter County falls within the Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District, which oversees well permits and water use from the Ogallala Aquifer.
Septic / Water
Septic Systems Outside City Limits Need a Permit
If you build or repair a septic system on rural property in Potter County, you need a permit from the local permitting authority or the TCEQ.
Weather Hazards
Hail and Severe Thunderstorms Are Common in Potter County
The Texas Panhandle sees frequent severe thunderstorms with large hail, which can damage roofs, vehicles, and crops in Potter County.
Cars & Driving
Outdoors
Recreation
Lake Meredith Offers Boating, Fishing, and Camping Near Amarillo
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area sits on the Canadian River northwest of Amarillo and provides free boating, fishing, camping, and hiking in the Texas Panhandle.
National Monument
Alibates Flint Quarries: Ancient Stone Tools, Guided Tours Only
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, north of Amarillo, preserves flint quarry sites used by people for at least 13,000 years and requires a guided tour to visit.
Hunting
An Annual Permit Opens Hunting on TPWD Public Lands
Texas Parks and Wildlife offers an Annual Public Hunting Permit that lets you hunt on over 180 TPWD-managed areas across the state, including areas near Potter County.
State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park Is a Short Drive from Amarillo
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located in Randall and Armstrong counties just south of Amarillo, is one of the most visited natural areas in the Texas Panhandle.
Geography
The Canadian River Cuts Through Northern Potter County
The Canadian River flows east across the northern part of Potter County and created the canyon landscape that now holds Lake Meredith.
Rules & Licenses
Weather Safety
Tornadoes Are a Real Risk in the Panhandle
Potter County lies in an area where tornadoes occur, and knowing what to do before a warning saves lives.
Weather Safety
Wildfire Is a Serious Hazard in the Panhandle
Potter County's dry grasslands and strong winds create dangerous wildfire conditions, especially during drought periods.
Fishing
You Need a Texas Fishing License to Fish in Potter County
Anyone fishing in Potter County waters, including Lake Meredith, must have a valid Texas fishing license unless exempt by age.
History & Culture
County History
Potter County Was Carved Out of the Panhandle Frontier in 1876
Potter County was established by the Texas legislature in 1876 and organized in 1887 when Amarillo was chosen as the county seat.
City History
Amarillo Grew as a Cattle and Railroad Hub
Amarillo was founded in 1887 when the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway arrived and quickly became a major cattle-shipping point for the Texas Panhandle.
Industrial History
Amarillo Was Once the Helium Capital of the World
A major natural gas field was discovered northwest of Amarillo in 1918, and the high helium content of the Cliffside field led to a federal helium plant opening in 1928.
Courthouse
The Potter County Courthouse Reflects 1930s Art Deco Style
The Potter County Courthouse in Amarillo was built in the 1930s in the Art Deco style that was popular across Texas during that era.
Archaeology
People Have Quarried Flint Near Amarillo for Thousands of Years
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument preserves more than 700 quarry sites along the Canadian River where people have mined colorful flint for tools since the Ice Age.
Roads and Culture
Route 66 Ran Through Amarillo and Still Draws Visitors
Historic U.S. Route 66 passed through Amarillo, making Potter County a stop on one of the country's most famous roads.
Economy
Amarillo Is a Regional Hub With a Diverse Economy
Amarillo is the economic and commercial center of the Texas Panhandle, with major industries in gas, petroleum, agriculture, cattle, and food processing.