Winkler County, Texas

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

Money & Taxes

Property Tax

Two Offices Handle Your Property Taxes in Winkler County

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax office collects the bill — and they are two different offices in Kermit.

Home & Property

Geologic Hazard

Two Large Sinkholes Near Wink Are Still Growing

Two giant sinkholes — Wink Sink 1 and Wink Sink 2 — formed near Wink in 1980 and 2002, and researchers say the ground around them is still sinking.

Mineral Rights

Surface and Mineral Rights Are Often Owned Separately Here

In Winkler County's oil country, the person who owns the land surface may not own the oil and gas underneath it — and Texas law gives mineral owners the upper hand.

Water Wells

Winkler County Has No Groundwater Conservation District

Unlike many Texas counties, Winkler County is not inside a groundwater conservation district, so there is no local agency overseeing well permits or pumping limits.

Rules & Licenses

Hunting & Fishing

You Need a Texas Hunting License on Private Land Here Too

You need a Texas hunting license to hunt any animal in the state — even on private land you own — and you must buy it before you go out.

History & Culture

Local History

One Oil Well in 1926 Changed Everything in Winkler County

Before oil was discovered on July 16, 1926, Winkler County was nearly empty; after it, the region became one of Texas's leading petroleum producers.