Howard County sits in the northeastern Midland Basin, where stacked Spraberry and Wolfcamp pay supports heavy horizontal drilling around Big Spring. Mineral rights here are valued on net mineral acres and whether the acreage is producing, with operator quality and stacked-pay inventory adding to value. ARB buys Howard County mineral rights directly, with no fees to sellers.
If you own mineral rights in Howard County, Texas, you own an interest in one of the most actively developed areas of the entire Permian Basin. Centered on Big Spring and the surrounding Midland Basin acreage, Howard County has seen sustained horizontal drilling for more than a decade. This guide explains what makes Howard County minerals distinctive and what owners should understand before selling.
Why Howard County Is a Permian Hotspot
Howard County lies in the northeastern part of the Midland Basin, where the Spraberry and Wolfcamp formations stack on top of one another — a configuration the industry often calls the "Wolfberry." Because multiple productive zones sit beneath the same surface acreage, a single section can support many horizontal wells across several formations, which is a major reason per-acre activity in the county has stayed strong.
Stacked pay is the key to Howard County: when several formations are productive under one tract, your net mineral acres can be developed multiple times over the life of the field.
Who Operates in Howard County
Howard County has attracted a mix of large and mid-sized operators over the years, with companies such as Occidental (Oxy), SM Energy, Surge Energy, Apache, and Diamondback among those active in the area at various times. The operator on your acreage matters: well-capitalized operators with deep drilling inventory tend to develop acreage efficiently, which is reflected in mineral valuations.
What Drives Howard County Mineral Rights Value
Like the rest of the Permian, Howard County mineral rights are valued primarily on net mineral acres (NMA) and whether the acreage is producing. Producing tracts are valued on a production multiple of recent royalty income; non-producing tracts are valued per NMA based on the likelihood and timing of future drilling.
- Net mineral acres (NMA): the foundation of any Howard County valuation.
- Producing vs. non-producing: existing wells versus undrilled future potential.
- Stacked-pay inventory: how many formations and laterals the acreage can support.
- Operator quality and recent permits or completions nearby.
- Oil prices and overall Permian market conditions.
Selling Howard County Mineral Rights
ARB is a direct buyer of Howard County mineral rights — there are no broker commissions and no fees to sellers. The process starts with a free valuation: share your county, legal description or well names, and any recent royalty statements, and our team researches the chain of title and prepares an offer, typically within five business days. If you accept, title work and closing generally follow over the next several weeks, with funds wired to you at closing.
Whether you decide to sell or hold is a personal decision that depends on your own circumstances and goals. The purpose of this guide is to help you understand how Howard County minerals are valued so you can make an informed choice.
Key Takeaways
- Howard County is in the Midland Basin with productive, stacked Spraberry and Wolfcamp formations.
- Stacked pay allows multiple horizontal wells under the same net mineral acres.
- Value is driven by NMA, producing status, operator quality, and drilling inventory.
- Major operators have included companies such as Oxy, SM Energy, Surge, Apache, and Diamondback.
- ARB buys Howard County minerals directly with no fees to sellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Howard County, Texas?
Howard County is in West Texas, centered on Big Spring, in the northeastern part of the Midland Basin within the larger Permian Basin.
What formations produce in Howard County?
The Spraberry and Wolfcamp formations (often called the Wolfberry) are the primary stacked producing zones in Howard County.
How are Howard County mineral rights valued?
Primarily on net mineral acres and whether the acreage is producing, with adjustments for operator quality, stacked-pay inventory, nearby activity, and oil prices.
Do I pay any fees to sell Howard County mineral rights to ARB?
No. ARB is a direct buyer, so there are no broker commissions and no fees to sellers.
How long does it take to sell?
ARB typically provides an offer within five business days, with title work and closing generally following over the next several weeks.
Disclaimer: American Royalty Buyers (ARB) is not a tax, legal, or investment advisor, and nothing in this article should be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. This information is general in nature and provided solely for your convenience and education. Every owner's situation is different — always consult a qualified CPA, tax professional, attorney, or financial advisor before making any decision regarding your mineral rights, taxes, or finances.