Texas Mineral Rights by County: Which Areas Are Worth the Most in 2026?

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Not all Texas mineral rights are created equal. The value of mineral rights in Texas varies dramatically by county, driven by the underlying geology, current drilling activity, and proximity to producing formations. If you own mineral rights in Texas — or have inherited them — knowing your county’s market position is essential to understanding what you have.

Here’s a county-by-county breakdown of the major mineral rights markets in Texas for 2026.

Permian Basin: The Highest-Value Mineral Rights in Texas

The Permian Basin covers much of West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, and it is by far the most active and valuable mineral rights market in the state. The basin produces more oil than any other region in the United States, and mineral rights here consistently trade at the highest prices.

Midland County

This page does not establish a current per-acre value. Obtain a property-specific assessment using verified ownership, lease terms, production records, development prospects and current market evidence. Automated valuations on this website are currently unavailable.

Reeves County

This page does not establish a current per-acre value. Obtain a property-specific assessment using verified ownership, lease terms, production records, development prospects and current market evidence. Automated valuations on this website are currently unavailable.

Martin County

This page does not establish a current per-acre value. Obtain a property-specific assessment using verified ownership, lease terms, production records, development prospects and current market evidence. Automated valuations on this website are currently unavailable.

Howard County

This page does not establish a current per-acre value. Obtain a property-specific assessment using verified ownership, lease terms, production records, development prospects and current market evidence. Automated valuations on this website are currently unavailable.

Lea and Eddy County (New Mexico Permian)

This page does not establish a current per-acre value. Obtain a property-specific assessment using verified ownership, lease terms, production records, development prospects and current market evidence. Automated valuations on this website are currently unavailable.

Eagle Ford Shale: South Texas’ Most Active Play

The Eagle Ford Shale stretches across South Texas in a band from the Mexican border northeast through the San Antonio area. While it was the hottest play in the country from 2010 to 2015, activity has moderated but remains steady in the best counties.

LaSalle County

This page does not establish a current per-acre value. Obtain a property-specific assessment using verified ownership, lease terms, production records, development prospects and current market evidence. Automated valuations on this website are currently unavailable.

Webb County

This page does not establish a current per-acre value. Obtain a property-specific assessment using verified ownership, lease terms, production records, development prospects and current market evidence. Automated valuations on this website are currently unavailable.

Karnes County

This page does not establish a current per-acre value. Obtain a property-specific assessment using verified ownership, lease terms, production records, development prospects and current market evidence. Automated valuations on this website are currently unavailable.

Review your mineral-rights details. Automated valuations are currently unavailable.

Review My Mineral Rights Details →

Barnett Shale: North Texas’ Legacy Play

The Barnett Shale in the Fort Worth Basin was the first major shale gas play developed in the US. Activity has slowed significantly as operators have shifted capital to oilier plays, but there are still active areas — particularly where natural gas prices are favorable.

Tarrant and Johnson County

This page does not establish a current per-acre value. Obtain a property-specific assessment using verified ownership, lease terms, production records, development prospects and current market evidence. Automated valuations on this website are currently unavailable.

How to Find Out What Your County’s Mineral Rights Are Worth

County-level benchmarks give you a starting point, but every mineral rights position is unique. Your specific location within a county, whether you have a producing well, your royalty rate, and current market conditions all affect what a buyer will pay.

This website does not calculate a current value or provide an appraisal. A qualified independent professional can assess the specific interest using ownership, lease, production and current market evidence. You may use the information tool to organize your county, acreage and lease details.

Review your mineral-rights details. Automated valuations are currently unavailable.

Review My Mineral Rights Details →

If your minerals are in one of the high-value counties above, getting an accurate valuation before you take any action is especially important. Mineral rights buyers in these areas are aggressive and sophisticated — you need to be informed to negotiate effectively.

County-by-County Value Guides

Want the detailed picture for your specific county? These guides discuss county context and questions to investigate. They do not establish current per-acre values:

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