Oil Boom

Oil transformed Midland from a small ranching town into a regional city

Midland County's first major oil production came in 1945, and by the 1950s the city had become the corporate headquarters of the Permian Basin petroleum industry.

Midland County History & Culture

Oil strikes in neighboring counties in the 1920s brought attention to the region, but major production in Midland County did not begin until 1945. The Midland South Pool success in 1947 confirmed the area's wealth. The county's population jumped from about 8,000 in 1930 to nearly 83,000 by 1980.

Midland became the white-collar hub where oil companies kept their offices, while Odessa to the west handled more of the field work and refining. By 1991, Midland County wells had produced over 455 million barrels of oil. The Permian Basin continues to be one of the most active oil-producing regions in the world.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Midland County

More Midland County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property taxes in Midland County

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax office sends the bill and collects money — they are separate offices with different jobs.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill in Midland

If your home is your main residence, you can apply once for a homestead exemption that reduces your taxable value and caps annual value increases at 10 percent.

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Senior Tax Exemption

Homeowners 65 and older get extra tax relief in Midland County

Residents 65 or older can claim a larger homestead exemption that may also freeze their school district tax bill at its current level.

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Appraisal Protest

You can challenge your property appraisal in Midland County

Every property owner has the right to protest if they think the Midland Central Appraisal District valued their property too high.

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