Stratford, Texas
Stratford is the seat of Sherman County, sitting on the level wheat plains of the far northern Texas Panhandle about 78 miles northwest of Amarillo. Wheat, corn, cattle, and grain handling drive the local economy, and the flat, irrigated farmland stretches to the horizon around the town. Grain elevators along the rail line mark it as a shipping point for the surrounding High Plains agriculture.
Property here runs through the Sherman 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 Sherman County notes below cover the practical details, with the official county directory for the appraisal district and tax office.
Sherman County notes
What to know around Stratford
Property Tax
Who handles property taxes in Sherman County
Two separate offices handle property taxes here. One sets values, the other collects the bill.
Homestead Exemption
How the homestead exemption works in Sherman County
If your home in Sherman County is your main residence, you may qualify for a Texas homestead exemption that lowers your taxable value.
Agricultural Valuation
Ag valuation can cut your property tax bill on rural land
Sherman County farm and ranch land may qualify for Texas ag appraisal, which uses productive value instead of market value.
Groundwater / Water Wells
Water wells here tap the Ogallala Aquifer — and need a permit
Nearly all water in Sherman County comes from the Ogallala Aquifer, and the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District regulates who can drill a well and how much water they can use.
Local History
Stratford became the county seat under Texas Ranger guard
Sherman County's government moved from Coldwater to Stratford in 1901 in a contentious midnight transfer — and Texas Rangers had to keep the peace.
Local Economy & History
Sherman County's economy: wheat, cattle, and natural gas
Sherman County built its economy on cattle ranching, then wheat farming, then irrigation and feedyards — with natural gas playing a surprising role in local school funding.
Nearby
Places near Stratford
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Dallam County
6 local notes · Panhandle / High Plains
Moore County
3 local notes · Panhandle / High Plains
Hansford County
5 local notes · Panhandle / High Plains
Hartley County
4 local notes · Panhandle / High Plains
Hutchinson County
7 local notes · Panhandle / High Plains
Potter County
23 local notes · Panhandle / High Plains
Next steps for Stratford
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Model school and local rates, the homestead exemption, and the appraisal cap.
Open estimator ->Sherman County notes
Property tax, land, outdoors, vehicles, rules, and history for the county.
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