Van Horn, Texas
Van Horn is a town in Culberson County in far West Texas, roughly 110 miles southeast of El Paso in high Chihuahuan Desert country ringed by mountains. It sits at the junction of Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 90 and has long served as a highway stop and ranching center in a remote stretch of the Trans-Pecos. Blue Origin operates a launch and test facility in the desert north of town.
Property here runs through the Culberson 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 Culberson County notes below cover the practical details, with the official county directory for the appraisal district and tax office.
Culberson County notes
What to know around Van Horn
Property Tax
Who handles property taxes in Culberson County
Culberson County property taxes involve the appraisal district, local taxing units, and county tax office, so it helps to know which question goes where.
Water Wells
Drilling a water well in Culberson County requires a permit
The Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District regulates new wells, so you need to contact them before drilling.
National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park sits partly in Culberson County
Guadalupe Mountains National Park protects the highest peaks in Texas and a vast ancient reef, with trails open to hikers and backpackers.
Mineral Rights
Oil and gas activity exists in Culberson County — know your mineral rights
Culberson County has active oil and gas wells regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission, so buyers should check whether mineral rights transfer with land.
Local History
Van Horn: how Culberson County's seat got its name
Culberson County was carved out of El Paso County in 1911, and its seat Van Horn traces its name to a Civil War-era Army officer stationed at a desert water source.
Nearby
Places near Van Horn
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Hudspeth County
6 local notes · Big Bend / Far West
Jeff Davis County
6 local notes · Big Bend / Far West
Reeves County
5 local notes · Big Bend / Far West
Presidio County
6 local notes · Big Bend / Far West
Loving County
6 local notes · West Texas / Permian / Trans-Pecos
El Paso County
44 local notes · Big Bend / Far West
Next steps for Van Horn
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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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