Mineral Rights & Oil Leases

Oil and Gas Activity in Sterling County

Oil was found in Sterling County in 1947 and the Texas Railroad Commission regulates all wells drilled there today.

Oil production began in Sterling County in 1947 and became a major part of the local economy. If you buy land here, check whether the mineral rights are included. In Texas, mineral rights and surface rights are often split. You may own the surface but not the oil below it.

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) regulates all oil and gas drilling and production in the state. You can search for well records and production history by county on the RRC website. The RRC also has a GIS viewer to see where wells are located on a map.

Source to confirm: Texas Railroad Commission — Oil and Gas Division

More Sterling County notes

Property Tax Basics

How Property Taxes Work in Sterling County

One office appraises your property and a separate office collects the tax bill in Sterling County.

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Homestead Exemption

Save on Taxes With a Homestead Exemption

If your Sterling County home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption to lower your tax bill.

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Groundwater & Wells

Drilling a Water Well in Sterling County

Sterling County has its own groundwater district that requires new wells to be registered before you drill.

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Hunting & Wildlife

Hunting in Sterling County

Most hunting in Sterling County is on private ranch land, but a Texas Parks and Wildlife annual permit opens public hunting statewide.

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