Texas Porch

Military / Economy

Laughlin Air Force Base Is a Major Presence in Del Rio

Laughlin Air Force Base, located seven miles east of Del Rio, is one of the largest employers and economic drivers in Val Verde County.

Val Verde County History & Culture

Laughlin AFB opened in 1942 to train pilots during World War II. It closed in October 1945 when the war ended, then reopened in May 1952 to train jet fighter pilots. The base is seven miles east of Del Rio in Val Verde County. It is part of Air Education and Training Command. Its main job today is training military pilots. In a county with few large employers, the base is one of the biggest.

If you are buying or renting near Del Rio, the base shapes the local economy and housing market. Training flights create noise in neighborhoods under the flight paths. If you are moving here for military service or a civilian job on base, check Laughlin's official site. It has details on housing, schools, and services on base.

Source to confirm: Laughlin Air Force Base — About Us

More Val Verde County notes

Property Tax

Who Handles Property Taxes in Val Verde County

Two separate offices handle property taxes here: one appraises your property, and a different one collects what you owe.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill

If your home is your primary residence in Val Verde County, you may qualify for a homestead exemption that reduces your taxable property value.

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Agricultural Appraisal

Ag Valuation Can Sharply Cut Taxes on Ranch Land

Ranch land used for sheep, goats, or cattle may qualify for a special lower tax value based on what the land produces, not what it would sell for.

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Water Rights

Val Verde County Has No Groundwater Conservation District

Unlike many Texas counties, Val Verde County does not have a groundwater conservation district, which affects what rights you have over water under your land.

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