Texas Porch

Mineral Rights / Oil & Gas

Oil and gas activity in Garza County — what landowners should know

Garza County has had active oil production since 1926, so many properties here come with split mineral rights — meaning someone else may own what's underground.

Garza County Home & Property

Oil was first produced in Garza County in 1926. Production grew steadily through the mid-1900s. By 2004, more than 334 million barrels of oil had been pulled from county lands. Active wells and pipelines are still common across the county.

When you buy land here, the mineral rights (oil, gas, and other underground resources) may or may not be included. If they were sold or reserved by a previous owner, a drilling company could legally operate on your surface even if you don't own the minerals. Before you buy, ask a title company to check the mineral ownership history. The Railroad Commission of Texas regulates drilling and production here. You can look up wells on your property or nearby land using the RRC's free online GIS viewer.

Source to confirm: Texas State Historical Association — Garza County

More Garza County notes

Property Tax

Who handles property taxes in Garza County

Two separate offices handle property taxes in Garza County — one sets your value, and a different one collects the bill.

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Homestead Exemption

How to get the homestead exemption in Garza County

If this is your main home, you likely qualify for a homestead exemption that lowers what you owe in property taxes.

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Hunting

Deer hunting rules for Garza County

Garza County is in the North Zone for white-tailed deer and also has a mule deer season, so the rules are different depending on which deer you are hunting.

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Water / Wells

Groundwater and water wells in Garza County

Garza County has its own Underground Water Conservation District that oversees well drilling and groundwater use in this dry West Texas region.

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