Flooding

Playa Lakes Create Flood Risk in Ector County

Shallow seasonal lakes called playa lakes dot Ector County; properties near them are more likely to flood after heavy rain.

Ector County Home & Property

Ector County gets only about 13–14 inches of rain per year on average, but when storms hit, flat terrain and shallow depressions called playa lakes (also known as buffalo wallows) concentrate runoff quickly. Properties near these areas face higher flood risk.

The City of Odessa has a Floodplain Information page that identifies affected areas. For any specific address, use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov to check the official flood zone designation. If a property is in a high-risk flood zone and has a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required.

Source to confirm: FEMA Flood Map Service Center

More Ector County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Ector County

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax assessor-collector handles payments — they are two separate offices.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Tax Bill

Texas law gives homeowners a $140,000 exemption from the school district portion of their property tax if the home is their primary residence.

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Senior & Disabled Exemption

Extra Tax Break for Homeowners 65 or Older

Homeowners who are 65 or older or who are disabled get an additional $60,000 school district exemption and may qualify for a tax freeze.

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Ag Valuation

Agricultural Land Can Be Taxed on Productivity, Not Market Value

Landowners who use their Ector County property for farming or ranching can apply to have it taxed on what it produces, not what it would sell for.

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