Texas Porch

Oil & Gas / Mineral Rights

Oil and gas built Crane County — mineral rights still matter here

Crane County sits in the Permian Basin, and oil production has driven the local economy since 1926 — mineral rights can be worth real money and are often sold separately from surface land.

Crane County Money & Taxes

Oil was discovered in Crane County in 1926. The county is part of the Permian Basin, one of the most productive oil regions in the United States. When you buy land here, surface rights and mineral rights may be owned by different people. Always ask your title company or attorney whether minerals are included in a sale.

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulates oil and gas wells, pipelines, and production in the county. You can look up wells, permits, and production history for any property on the RRC website at rrc.texas.gov. Active wells near your land can affect noise, traffic, and water quality. Check the RRC's online records before you buy or build.

Source to confirm: Railroad Commission of Texas — Permian Basin

More Crane County notes

Property Tax

Two offices handle your property tax in Crane County

Crane County has a separate appraisal district and tax office — they do different jobs, and you may need to contact both.

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Water / Groundwater

Crane County has no local groundwater conservation district

Crane County has no local groundwater district to regulate private water wells — which means fewer rules, but also less protection.

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County History

Crane County went from near-empty to oil boomtown in one decade

Crane County had fewer than 100 residents in 1900, but oil discovered in 1926 brought thousands of workers almost overnight.

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Historic Sites

Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos River is a historic landmark in Crane County

Horsehead Crossing, on the Pecos River near the county's southern boundary, was a key ford used by cattle drives and travelers heading west in the 1800s.

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