Howard County Mineral Rights | What Are They Worth?
Howard County, on the eastern side of the Midland Basin, has become a major oil producer with strong owner demand.
Howard County, centered on Big Spring, sits on the eastern flank of the Midland Basin. Once considered a fringe area, it has become a strong oil producer as operators improved their drilling and completion techniques. That shift has lifted mineral values across the county.
Owners in Howard County may hold producing interests or undeveloped acreage that operators are still targeting. Understanding your value first puts you in a stronger position whether you plan to keep your minerals or consider selling.
Producing formations in Howard County
Operators active in the area
Operators in and around Howard County have included the companies below. The operator on your tract affects how quickly your acreage is developed and the offers you may receive.
- SM Energy
- Diamondback Energy
- Apache
- Surge Energy
What drives value in Howard County
Improved well results have turned Howard County into a core oil area, and stacked targets give operators multiple drilling opportunities across the same acreage.
Rising activity has increased buyer competition. Your specific location within the county and your net interest drive where your value lands.
Looking at the bigger picture for the state? See our full Texas mineral rights guide for basins, legal notes, and tax notes.
Helpful reading
Howard County mineral rights FAQ
Has Howard County become more valuable for owners?
Yes. As operators improved their techniques, Howard County turned from a fringe area into a strong oil producer. That has lifted both royalty income and sale values for many mineral owners in the county.
Which operators are active in Howard County?
Operators in the area have included SM Energy, Diamondback Energy, Apache, and Surge Energy, among others. The operator on your acreage affects development timing and value.