Texas Porch

Mineral Rights

Mineral Rights Are a Separate Property in Wichita County

Wichita County has a long oil-producing history, and the mineral rights beneath a property may be owned separately from the surface land.

Wichita County Home & Property

Commercial oil production in Wichita County dates to 1911 near Electra. A second major boom began in 1918 at Burkburnett. By 2004, the county had produced over 827 million barrels of oil cumulatively. Active wells still operate today. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulates oil and gas production and tracks well records in the county under RRC District 9.

When you buy land here, surface rights and mineral rights can be sold separately. If the previous owner retained the minerals, someone else may have the legal right to drill on your land. Always ask your title company or attorney to check for mineral reservations before you close. The RRC's online system at rrc.texas.gov shows well locations and operator data. The county clerk's office holds mineral deed records.

Source to confirm: Texas State Historical Association – Wichita County Regular Field

More Wichita County notes

Property Tax Basics

How Property Tax Works in Wichita County

The Wichita Appraisal District sets your property value each year, and a separate tax office collects your bill.

Read note ->

Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill

If you own and live in your home in Wichita County, you can apply for a homestead exemption to reduce what you pay in school taxes.

Read note ->

Ag Valuation

Agricultural Valuation Lowers Taxes on Farm and Ranch Land

Land used for farming, ranching, or wildlife in Wichita County may be taxed on its productive value rather than its market value.

Read note ->

Tax Protest

You Can Protest Your Property Value in Wichita County

If your property's appraised value seems too high, you have the right to challenge it each year before the Appraisal Review Board.

Read note ->