Mineral Rights & Oil/Gas

Oil and Gas Activity Is Long-Standing in Duval County

Duval County has produced oil and gas since 1905, so mineral rights questions are common when buying land here.

Oil was first found in Duval County in 1905. Production grew through the 20th century and the county ranked third in the state for oil output in the late 1930s. If you buy land here, the mineral rights may already be severed — meaning someone else owns the oil and gas under your property.

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulates all oil and gas activity in the state. Duval County falls under RRC District 4, based in Corpus Christi. You can search well records and active permits on the RRC website. Before buying rural land, check whether mineral rights are included in the deed.

Source to confirm: Railroad Commission of Texas — Oil & Gas Counties and Districts

More Duval County notes

Property Tax

Who Sets Your Property Tax Bill in Duval County

Two separate offices handle property taxes in Duval County — one sets the value, and one collects the money.

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Homestead Exemption

The Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill

If your home in Duval County is your main residence, you may qualify for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value.

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Water & Wells

Duval County Has Its Own Groundwater District

If you plan to drill a water well in Duval County, you need to work with the Duval County Groundwater Conservation District.

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Hunting

Deer Hunting in Duval County Follows South Zone Rules

Duval County is in the Texas South Zone for deer hunting, which means longer seasons and a bag limit of five deer per year.

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