Big Spring, Texas
Big Spring lies in Howard County on the southern edge of the Texas High Plains, about 39 miles northeast of Midland, where the flat plains break toward the rougher country of the Permian Basin. The city takes its name from a natural spring that once drew wildlife and travelers to the site, and it grew as a railroad and oil town in the heart of West Texas petroleum country. Big Spring State Park sits on Scenic Mountain just southwest of the city, offering long views over the surrounding plains.
Place essentials
Official Census snapshot- Census place type
- City
- July 2025 population
- 22,290
- Change from 2020 base
- -15.3%
- Land area
- 19.1 sq. mi.
- County footprint
- Howard County
Place type, county footprint, and land area use the Census Bureau's January 1, 2025 geography. Population uses Vintage 2025 estimates through July 1, 2025; change compares that estimate with the April 1, 2020 estimates base. Geography file | Population file
Property here runs through the appraisal district and tax office for Howard County. The homestead exemption, appraisal cap, protests, and any MUD, PID, or special districts all sit at the parcel level.
Official routes
Use the office for the parcel address; a mailing city is not always the governing city.
County context
What to know around Big Spring
County lines carry much of the property, land, water, and outdoors context around Big Spring.
County History
Big Spring Grew From a Water Hole to a Railroad Town to an Oil Boom City
Big Spring and Howard County went through three waves of growth: a natural spring drew travelers, then a railroad brought settlers, then oil brought a boom.
Property Tax Basics
Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Howard County
Howard County has two separate offices for property taxes. The appraisal district sets your value, and the tax assessor-collector sends your bill.
Historic Structure
A Depression-Era CCC Pavilion Still Stands in Big Spring State Park
Civilian Conservation Corps workers built stone structures in Big Spring State Park in 1934-35 that are still in use today.
Nearby
Places near Big Spring
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Next steps for Big Spring
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