Water and Climate

Drought Is a Persistent Condition in Howard County

Howard County averages less than 16 inches of rain a year, and drought affects agriculture, water supplies, and wildfire risk on a regular basis.

Howard County The Great Outdoors

Annual rainfall in Howard County averages about 15.88 inches. That is well below the Texas average. Drought is a recurring condition in this part of West Texas, not just an occasional event. Cotton, wheat, and sorghum farming — the backbone of the local farm economy — depends on both rainfall and irrigation.

Drought Monitor data shows Howard County regularly experiences drought conditions that affect tens of thousands of residents and hundreds of thousands of acres of cropland. If you own rural land, water supply planning matters. You can check current drought conditions for Howard County at drought.gov.

Source to confirm: U.S. Drought Monitor — Howard County, Texas

More Howard County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Howard County

Howard County has two separate offices for property taxes — the appraisal district sets your value, and the tax assessor-collector sends your bill.

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Property Tax Savings

Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill in Big Spring

If you own and live in your home in Howard County, a homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value of your property.

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Agricultural Appraisal

Farm and Ranch Land Can Be Taxed on Productivity, Not Market Value

In Howard County, agricultural land can qualify for a special lower tax valuation based on what the land produces, not what it would sell for.

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Groundwater Rules

A Groundwater District Regulates Water Wells in Most of Howard County

Most of Howard County falls under the Permian Basin Underground Water Conservation District, which requires permits and spacing rules for new water wells.

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