Alpine, Texas
Alpine occupies a high valley in the foothills of the Davis Mountains in Brewster County, sitting above 4,000 feet in the Big Bend country of far West Texas. About 128 miles southwest of Odessa, it serves as the largest town and commercial hub for a vast, sparsely populated region and is a common staging point for travelers heading to Big Bend National Park. The town is home to Sul Ross State University, and ranching and the university have long shaped its economy.
Property here runs through the Brewster Central Appraisal District and the county tax office — the homestead exemption, the appraisal cap, protests, and any MUD, PID, or special districts all sit at the parcel level. The Brewster County notes below cover the practical details, with the official county directory for the appraisal district and tax office.
Brewster County notes
What to know around Alpine
Property tax
Texas homestead exemption cuts your school tax bill
A qualifying Brewster County homeowner can use the Texas residence homestead exemption to lower the value taxed by a school district.
Water / Wells
Private wells in Brewster County fall under a local water district
The Brewster County Groundwater Conservation District manages well permits and water use. Four aquifers supply groundwater across the county.
National Park
Big Bend National Park occupies a large part of Brewster County
Big Bend National Park covers 801,163 acres entirely within Brewster County and protects the largest stretch of Chihuahuan Desert in the United States.
State Park
Big Bend Ranch State Park: Texas's largest state park straddles two counties
Big Bend Ranch State Park covers roughly 310,000 acres across southwestern Brewster County and southeastern Presidio County, with 238 miles of trails and International Dark Sky Park status.
Ag / Wildlife tax valuation
Ranch land in Brewster County can qualify for ag tax rates through wildlife management
Texas lets some landowners keep open-space appraisal by managing land for native wildlife instead of livestock or crops.
History / Mining
Terlingua's mercury mines drove Brewster County's early economy
The Chisos Mining Company at Terlingua was once a major U.S. mercury producer. When it collapsed, it left behind what is now called Terlingua Ghost Town.
Nearby
Places near Alpine
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Jeff Davis County
6 local notes · Big Bend / Far West
Presidio County
6 local notes · Big Bend / Far West
Pecos County
5 local notes · Big Bend / Far West
Reeves County
5 local notes · Big Bend / Far West
Ward County
5 local notes · West Texas / Permian / Trans-Pecos
Culberson County
5 local notes · Big Bend / Far West
Next steps for Alpine
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Model school and local rates, the homestead exemption, and the appraisal cap.
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Property tax, land, outdoors, vehicles, rules, and history for the county.
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