Runnels County, Texas

7 local notes for Runnels County — practical, plain-English, and pointed at the official source to confirm. West Texas / Permian / Trans-Pecos.

Money & Taxes

Property Tax Savings

Cut Your Property Tax Bill With a Homestead Exemption

If your home in Runnels County is your main residence, you may qualify for a homestead exemption that lowers your taxable value.

Tax System

Two Separate Offices Handle Property Taxes Here

In Runnels County the appraisal district sets your property value, but a separate tax assessor-collector office sends your bill and takes payment.

Home & Property

Water Wells

Drilling a Water Well? A Conservation District Regulates It

Runnels County falls within the Lipan-Kickapoo Water Conservation District, which means you need to register or permit a new water well before drilling.

Outdoors

Hunting

Hunting in Runnels County: Deer, Dove, and Turkey

Runnels County sits in solid hunting country for white-tailed deer, mourning dove, and wild turkey — but seasons and limits change yearly, so always check TPWD before you go.

Fishing

Winters-Elm Creek Reservoir: A Quiet Place to Fish

Winters-Elm Creek Reservoir is a 337-acre lake in Runnels County with largemouth bass, blue catfish, and white crappie — plus public access from a city park.

Rules & Licenses

Oil and Gas

Oil and Gas Activity Is Regulated by the Railroad Commission

Runnels County has had oil and gas production since 1927, and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) District 7C in San Angelo oversees permitting and regulation for the county.

History & Culture

County History

How Ballinger Became the County Seat

Runnels County was created in 1858 and named for a Mississippi governor, but Ballinger only became the county seat in 1888 when the railroad arrived and beat out the earlier county seat of Runnels City.