Sell Mineral Rights in Texas | What Are They Worth?
Texas produces more oil and gas than any other state, which means owners here often hold valuable rights, even small acreage positions.
If you own mineral rights in Texas, you own a piece of the most active oil and gas market in the country. From the Permian Basin in West Texas to the Eagle Ford in the south and the Haynesville and Barnett in the east and north, operators are drilling, producing, and competing for acreage every day. That competition is good news for owners, because it tends to support strong values.
Many Texas owners inherited their rights and have never seen the land. That is completely normal. You do not need to live in Texas, and you do not need to understand every detail of the geology to find out what you have. The goal of this page is to explain what drives value in Texas and to help you get a clear, honest estimate before you decide anything.
There is no rush. Texas minerals are not going anywhere, and a fair buyer or a fair royalty stream will still be fair next month. Take the time to understand your position first.
Active basins and plays in Texas
Permian Basin
The Permian, covering the Midland and Delaware sub-basins in West Texas, is the busiest oil play in the United States. Counties like Reeves, Midland, Loving, Martin, and Howard see heavy horizontal drilling, and mineral values here are among the highest anywhere.
Eagle Ford Shale
Stretching across South Texas, the Eagle Ford produces both oil and gas. Activity rises and falls with prices, but the play remains a core target for operators, and owners with producing acreage can see steady royalty income.
Haynesville Shale
In East Texas near the Louisiana line, the Haynesville is a major natural gas play. Values here move with natural gas prices and pipeline demand, and the play has seen renewed interest as gas demand grows.
Barnett Shale
Around Fort Worth, the Barnett was one of the first big shale gas plays. It is more mature today, but many owners still receive royalty checks, and the area remains relevant for natural gas.
Texas counties we cover
Value varies by county. Explore a county guide to see the operators and formations driving value there.
What drives mineral value in Texas
Whether your acreage is producing
Rights that already pay monthly royalty checks are usually worth more and easier to value than rights that have never been drilled.
Your county and the active operators
A few acres in a core Permian county can be worth more than a large position in a quiet area. Location does most of the heavy lifting in Texas.
Net mineral acres and your decimal interest
Value scales with how much you actually own. Old family interests are often split many ways, so your true share may be smaller (or larger) than you expect.
Lease terms and current oil and gas prices
Your royalty rate and current commodity prices shape both your monthly income and what a buyer would pay for the future stream.
Legal notes for Texas
Texas recognizes a clear split between surface rights and mineral rights, so it is common to own the minerals under land you do not live on or farm. Mineral ownership is recorded at the county level, usually in the county clerk's real property records.
If you inherited Texas minerals, ownership often needs to be confirmed through probate or an affidavit of heirship before a sale or a new lease can close. This is routine, but it is worth sorting out early so you are ready if you decide to act.
Tax notes for Texas
Texas has no state income tax, so royalty income is not taxed at the state level, though it is still federal income. Producing minerals are also subject to county ad valorem (property) tax based on the appraised value of the producing interest.
When you sell minerals you have owned for more than a year, the profit is generally treated as a long-term capital gain for federal taxes. A tax professional can help you understand your cost basis, which for inherited minerals is often the value on the date you inherited them.
These notes are general education, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary and change over time, so please confirm details with a qualified professional about your specific situation.
Helpful reading
Texas mineral rights FAQ
How much are mineral rights worth per acre in Texas?
It varies widely. Non-producing acreage in a quiet county might be worth a few hundred dollars per net mineral acre, while producing acreage in a core Permian county can be worth many thousands per acre. The only way to know your number is to look at your specific tract, your decimal interest, and current activity nearby.
Do I have to live in Texas to own or sell mineral rights there?
No. Many Texas mineral owners live in other states or even other countries. You can own, lease, and sell Texas minerals from anywhere. The paperwork is handled through the county records where the minerals are located.
I inherited Texas minerals but have no documents. What do I do?
Start by gathering any old leases, royalty check stubs, or deeds, then check the county clerk's records where you think the minerals are. An affidavit of heirship or probate may be needed to confirm ownership. You can still request a free estimate while you sort this out.
Is it better to keep my Texas royalties or sell?
That depends on your goals. Keeping gives you ongoing income that can rise or fall with production and prices. Selling gives you a lump sum today and removes the uncertainty. Neither is automatically right. Understanding your value first puts you in a stronger position either way.