Big Spring, Texas
Big Spring lies in Howard County on the southern edge of the Texas High Plains, about 39 miles northeast of Midland, where the flat plains break toward the rougher country of the Permian Basin. The city takes its name from a natural spring that once drew wildlife and travelers to the site, and it grew as a railroad and oil town in the heart of West Texas petroleum country. Big Spring State Park sits on Scenic Mountain just southwest of the city, offering long views over the surrounding plains.
Property here runs through the Howard 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 Howard County notes below cover the practical details, with the official county directory for the appraisal district and tax office.
Howard County notes
What to know around Big Spring
Property Tax Basics
Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Howard County
Howard County has two separate offices for property taxes. The appraisal district sets your value, and the tax assessor-collector sends your bill.
Property Tax Savings
Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Tax Bill in Big Spring
If you own and live in your home in Howard County, a homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value of your property.
Agricultural Appraisal
Farm and Ranch Land Can Be Taxed on Productivity, Not Market Value
In Howard County, agricultural land can qualify for a special lower tax valuation based on what the land produces, not what it would sell for.
Groundwater Rules
A Groundwater District Regulates Water Wells in Most of Howard County
Most of Howard County falls under the Permian Basin Underground Water Conservation District, which requires permits and spacing rules for new water wells.
Mineral Rights
Oil and Gas Activity Is Common in Howard County, So Know Who Owns the Minerals
Howard County sits in the Permian Basin, where active oil and gas drilling is common, and mineral rights are often owned separately from the surface land.
State Park
Big Spring State Park Is Inside City Limits and Free to Enter
Big Spring State Park is a 382-acre park within Big Spring city limits, open daily with no entrance fee and several miles of trails.
Nearby
Places near Big Spring
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Glasscock County
7 local notes · West Texas / Permian / Trans-Pecos
Martin County
5 local notes · West Texas / Permian / Trans-Pecos
Mitchell County
7 local notes · West Texas / Permian / Trans-Pecos
Borden County
8 local notes · West Texas / Permian / Trans-Pecos
Sterling County
5 local notes · West Texas / Permian / Trans-Pecos
Midland County
29 local notes · West Texas / Permian / Trans-Pecos
Next steps for Big Spring
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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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