Climate & Water Supply
Crane County gets about 13 inches of rain a year — water is scarce
With roughly 13 inches of annual rainfall and high summer heat, Crane County is one of the drier parts of Texas — water supply and drought planning matter for any property here.
The Handbook of Texas records average annual rainfall in Crane County at about 12.97 inches. July highs average 96°F. This is a hot, dry climate with limited surface water. During the 1920s oil boom, water was so scarce that it sold for $1 to $2.25 per barrel. Today, the city of Crane runs a municipal water system, but rural properties may rely on wells or hauled water.
Drought is a recurring condition across West Texas. The Texas Water Development Board (twdb.texas.gov) tracks groundwater levels and drought conditions statewide. If you are buying rural land, ask specifically about water source, well depth, water quality test results, and any history of running dry. The county has a Water District listed as a taxing unit, which provides municipal supply inside city limits.
Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook of Texas — Crane County