Bolthole Index

Wilbarger County, Texas

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Wilbarger County, Texas

41Index Score / 100
#198 of 254 in Texas

Unincorporated Wilbarger County, Texas does not require a building permit or prior county approval before you start new residential construction12. Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance, so the county sets no zoning rule for RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings, or temporary camping on unincorporated land; only the City of Vernon zones inside its limits34. No local septic (on-site sewage facility) permitting agent was confirmed for the county, so the state default sends you to the TCEQ regional office56. A driveway onto a state highway still needs a TxDOT permit regardless7.

At a glance

Building permit / prior county approval
Not required for new residential construction1
County zoning
No county zoning ordinance in unincorporated areas; the City of Vernon zones inside its limits34
RV, tiny home or manufactured home on your land
No county zoning rule; septic and floodplain rules still apply3
Septic (OSSF) permit
Required statewide; default authority is the TCEQ regional office absent a local agent68
Septic 10-acre exemption
Available only if every TCEQ condition is met, including a 100-foot setback from the property line8
Driveway onto a state highway
Requires a TxDOT Form 1058 access driveway permit7
Floodplain development
Requires a permit under the county's flood damage prevention ordinance9
Owner-builder notice exception
Excuses missed Subchapter F notices only if the county adopted that subchapter (unconfirmed)1011
Private well
No state site permit to drill; a local ordinance or groundwater district may add one12

Who to call

Also useful

Wilbarger County Clerk

County recording, vital records, and subdivision plat filings; a first point of contact since Wilbarger County has no building or zoning department

(940) 552-5486

jkennon@co.wilbarger.tx.us

1700 Wilbarger Street, Room 15, Vernon, TX 76384

Also useful

Wilbarger County Judge

Presides over Commissioners Court, which runs county government and oversees the precinct commissioners who maintain county roads; the place to confirm floodplain administration and any Subchapter F residential-standards adoption

(940) 553-2300

1700 Wilbarger Street, Room 12, Vernon, TX 76384

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in Wilbarger County, Texas?

Unincorporated Wilbarger County does not require a building permit for a home, because Texas law says a county "may not... require prior approval by the county before the beginning of new residential construction"1. No Wilbarger County residential building-permit program was found to contradict that2. Separately, Texas lets a county adopt a fire-code permit for certain unincorporated commercial, public, and multifamily buildings, but only if the county has a population over 250,000 or is adjacent to one; Wilbarger County's population of about 12,500 is far short of that threshold1314. If Wilbarger County has adopted Local Government Code Subchapter F residential standards for new construction after September 1, 2009 (this review could not confirm either way), an owner who builds their own primary residence is excused from the penalty for missing required notices, though that exception does not remove any building-code or inspection standard that otherwise applies1011.

Who issues building permits and septic permits in Wilbarger County?

Wilbarger County has no building or zoning department for unincorporated land15; inside the City of Vernon, the city's Planning and Zoning division handles zoning and floodplain management, but septic permits and the state highway driveway rule do not move to the city4. The Wilbarger County Clerk handles recording, subdivision plats, and general county paperwork from the courthouse in Vernon16. The County Judge and Commissioners Court run county government and oversee the precinct commissioners who maintain county roads17. No local authorized agent for septic (OSSF) permitting was confirmed for Wilbarger County, so the default statewide rule points you to the TCEQ regional office6. A driveway or approach onto a state highway needs a TxDOT permit, separate from anything the county handles7.

Does Wilbarger County have zoning?

Unincorporated Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance, so the county sets no zoning rule on minimum dwelling size, lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height, accessory dwellings, RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy, or temporary camping3. The City of Vernon is different: its Planning and Zoning division interprets and amends the city's Zoning Ordinance inside city limits4. The county conclusion covers only county zoning: septic capacity, floodplain rules, TxDOT driveway rules, and any deed restrictions on your specific tract still apply and were not researched here. Confirm subdivision plat and deed-restriction status with a title company or the County Clerk before you buy16.

How do septic and well permits work in Wilbarger County?

A permit is required statewide to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an on-site sewage facility in Texas, and Wilbarger County has no confirmed local authorized agent, so the TCEQ regional office is the default permitting authority86. Only 12% of Wilbarger County's soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a site evaluation before you count on a standard system18. A 10-acre exemption from OSSF permitting exists, but only if every TCEQ condition is met, including a single-family dwelling on at least 10 acres and every part of the system at least 100 feet from the property line819. Whether Wilbarger County sits inside a groundwater conservation district, which changes how a private well is regulated, was not confirmed by this review, so ask before you drill; Texas requires no state site permit to drill a water well, but a local ordinance or groundwater conservation district may12.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Wilbarger County?

Unincorporated Wilbarger County has adopted no zoning ordinance, so county zoning places no restriction on living in an RV, a tiny home, or a manufactured home on your own land3. Inside Vernon city limits, check the city's zoning first4. That does not remove other requirements: you still need a legal way to handle sewage, which means an OSSF permit or a confirmed exemption, and a driveway onto a state highway still needs a TxDOT permit67. If any part of your land sits in the mapped floodplain, placement of a manufactured home or RV there can trigger the county's flood damage prevention rules9.

How do you build a home in Wilbarger County, step by step?

  1. Get a soil site evaluation early; only 12% of the county's soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field18.
  2. Apply for your septic (OSSF) permit; with no confirmed local agent, start with the TCEQ regional office6.
  3. If your tract is at least 10 acres, review whether it qualifies for the OSSF 10-acre exemption, including the 100-foot setback from the property line8.
  4. Start construction: Wilbarger County requires no building permit or prior approval, but confirm with the County Clerk whether Subchapter F residential standards have been adopted, since that could add post-construction notice duties116.
  5. If your driveway connects to a state highway, submit TxDOT Form 1058 and give 24-hour notice before starting work on the right of way20.
  6. If any part of the parcel is in the mapped floodplain, get a permit under the county's flood damage prevention ordinance before you build9.
  7. Confirm any open items, including floodplain administration and permit fees, with the County Judge or Commissioners Court, since neither was published for this review17.

What should you check before buying land in Wilbarger County?

Water and septic: only 12% of the county's soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so a site evaluation matters before you count on a standard system18. Terrain: 91.3% of the county's land sits at 15% slope or less and only 1.7% is wooded, so this is open, workable, mostly treeless ground2122. Climate: Wilbarger County averages 27.4 inches of precipitation a year but has seen severe drought in about 45.3% of years, with an average annual temperature of 63.7°F and roughly 64 projected days a year at or above 100°F by mid-century23242526. Access: the county sits about 43 miles from the nearest metro area with a population density of 12.9 people per square mile2728. Taxes and insurance: the effective property tax rate is about 1.5%, the median property tax bill is about $1,456 a year, and a typical home insurance premium runs about $2,966 a year293031. Flood risk: Wilbarger County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, so check FEMA flood maps for the parcel before you buy32.

Watch-outs

  • The no-county-zoning conclusion covers only unincorporated land (Vernon zones inside its limits), and septic capacity, floodplain rules, TxDOT driveway rules, and deed restrictions still apply and were not all confirmed here3.
  • Whether Wilbarger County adopted Local Government Code Subchapter F residential standards is unconfirmed; if it has, post-2009 construction may carry notice or inspection duties even though no prior-approval permit is required11.
  • No local OSSF (septic) authorized agent was confirmed for Wilbarger County; verify current authority before you apply, since the state default is the TCEQ regional office6.
  • Severe drought hit about 45.3% of years historically and heat is projected to climb further, so plan water storage and shade accordingly2426.

Sources

  1. Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 233—Residential Building Code Standards, quoted and re-checked
  2. Texas Local Government Code Ch. 233 (county authority over unincorporated construction) (2026 county census)
  3. Texas law on county zoning and building authority
  4. Planning and Zoning | Vernon, TX - Official Website, quoted and re-checked
  5. TCEQ On-Site Sewage Facilities (Septic Systems) (2026 county census)
  6. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  7. Use of Right of Way by Others Manual: Access Driveways, quoted and re-checked
  8. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Wilbarger County Hazard Mitigation Action Plan, quoted and re-checked
  10. Exemptions to Electrician Licensing (2026 county census)
  11. Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 233—Owner-Builder Penalty Exception, quoted and re-checked
  12. Water Well Drillers & Pump Installers at a Glance, quoted and re-checked
  13. County population: Bolthole Index county data
  14. Local Government Code Chapter 233, County Regulation of Housing and Other Structures (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 (municipal zoning authority) (2026 county census)
  16. Wilbarger County Clerk (co.wilbarger.tx.us)
  17. Wilbarger County Judge (co.wilbarger.tx.us)
  18. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  19. Getting a Permit for an OSSF - Such as a Septic System, quoted and re-checked
  20. Section 4: Driveway Permits, Design, and Materials (Texas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Average annual temperature: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Projected mid-century days at or above 100°F: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Wilbarger County Hazard Mitigation Action Plan, quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Wilbarger County has no countywide zoning.

RuleWilbarger CountyHardeman CountyWichita CountyFoard CountyBaylor CountyArcher CountyKnox County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsTCEQNot publishedWichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health DistrictTX Commission on Env. QualityBaylor CountyArcher CountyTCEQ

County locator

Wilbarger County in Texas

41
County map
Wilbarger County highlighted among the Texas counties · colored by Index score

How Wilbarger County scores

Seclusion78100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1396% ev.
Admin Boringness87100% ev.
Durability32100% ev.
Property Autonomy71100% ev.
Carry Cost8096% ev.

Evidence strength: 99%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$107kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$2,155Land / acre
27.4"Annual rain
45.3% of yrsSevere drought
63.8 / yr (+32.8)Mid-century 100°F days
27.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.88" (+4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.34×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,966Home insurance / yr
0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
361,070People within 2 hr
11,594Radius comparison (15 mi)
12.9People / sq mi
0%Federal land
91.3%Land at 15% slope or less
12%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
73,006 acWorkable land screen
1.7%Wooded land
1.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
63.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Wilbarger County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Answers from the rulebook for Wilbarger County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Wilbarger County rules

  • Zoning districts · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Minimum dwelling size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Minimum lot size · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Setbacks · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Lot coverage · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Building height · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Living in an RV · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Camping on your land · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Tiny homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Manufactured homes · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Accessory dwellings · by state lawNo county rule

    Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

    • Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits.
    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New and substantially developed construction in special flood hazard areas within Wilbarger County's NFIP jurisdiction.

    • Wilbarger County is an NFIP participating jurisdiction and is guided by its local Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
    • Local permitting, inspection, and record-keeping requirements apply to new and substantially developed construction.
    • The local floodplain ordinance establishes minimum requirements for development in special flood hazard areas.
    • The source also states that vulnerable uses must be protected against flood damage at initial construction and that filling, grading, dredging, and other development that may increase flood damage are controlled.
    “Both of the NFIP participating jurisdictions in the Plan are guided by their local Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. These communities will continue to comply with NFIP requirements through their local permitting, inspection, and record-keeping requirements for new and substantially developed construction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development in flood-prone areas within Wilbarger County's participating NFIP jurisdiction, including county areas outside the City of Vernon
      “Wilbarger County and the City of Vernon are currently participating in the NFIP and are in good standing. Both participating jurisdictions currently have in place minimum NFIP standards for new construction and substantial improvements of structures.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Wilbarger County fees for beer and wine permits and related alcoholic-beverage license processing by the County Tax Assessor-Collector as a TABC authorized agent.

    • The county page states that application fees shown are State of Texas fees only and that county fees and a state surcharge also apply.
    • A $2.00 renewal fee applies 'when appropriate.'
    • Beer licenses cannot be renewed earlier than 30 days before the renewal date.
    • A $100.00 late fee applies if renewal is sought between the first and 10th day after the renewal date; after more than 10 days, the licensee must cease selling beer and re-file with TABC.
    • For liquor-license renewals, the county fee is one-half of the state fee.

    renewal fee: 2 USD (when appropriate) · late fee: 100 USD (if renewal is sought between the first and 10th day after the renewal date) · liquor license renewal county fee: one-half of the state fee

    “The fees shown on the application are State of Texas fees only. You will also have to pay Wilbarger County fees, a state surcharge fee and, when appropriate, a renewal fee of $2.00.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Texas counties generally have no zoning authority in unincorporated areas absent a specific legislative grant, and none was found for Wilbarger County.

    Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 (municipal zoning authority) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Texas rules that apply here

  • Building permitNot required

    Prior county approval for new residential construction of a single-family house or duplex in an unincorporated area, including Wilbarger County if Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F applies.

    • Subchapter F applies only to a county that adopted a resolution or order requiring its application and is either within 50 miles of an international border or has a population of more than 100.
    • “New residential construction” includes a single-family house or duplex on a vacant lot and an addition increasing the existing single-family house or duplex square footage or value by more than 50 percent.
    • The definition excludes structures constructed under Occupations Code Chapter 1201 and modular homes constructed under Chapter 1202.
    • The standards apply only to construction beginning after September 1, 2009.
    • A municipal building code adopted in the municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction controls there.
    • County subdivision and land-development requirements under Local Government Code Chapter 232, Subchapter B or G remain applicable; in a conflict, those provisions control.
    • A county may not charge a fee to defray enforcement costs under this subchapter.
    • This does not establish whether Wilbarger County adopted the required Subchapter F resolution or order, nor does it eliminate separate septic, floodplain, subdivision, utility, or municipal requirements.
    “This subchapter may not be construed to: (1) require prior approval by the county before the beginning of new residential construction;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Industrialized housing or buildings installed in Texas, including purchasers or lessees acquiring a unit for their own or their company’s use.
      “A person who is a retailer of industrialized housing or buildings, or who is responsible for the assembly, connection, and on-site construction and erection of an industrialized house or building for persons other than themselves, must be registered as an industrialized builder. Subcontractors do not require the registration unless required by other applicable state laws. For example, electricians, HVAC contractors, and plumbers must be licensed in accordance with the applicable state law. If you are purchasing or leasing an industrialized house or building for your own use, or your company's use, you may file for an installation permit in lieu of registering as an industrialized builder.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner performing electrical, plumbing, or air-conditioning and refrigeration work on the owner's own residence or homestead in Texas.

    • Electrical work is exempt from state electrician licensing when performed on a dwelling the person owns and resides in.
    • Plumbing is exempt from state plumbing licensing when performed by the property owner in the property owner's homestead.
    • Air-conditioning and refrigeration contracting is exempt from the applicable state registration requirements when performed in a building owned solely by the person as the person's home.
    • These exemptions do not establish a blanket exemption for every construction trade or contractor-regulated activity.
    “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed as electricians.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — An individual building new residential construction or acting as the individual's own contractor under Local Government Code Chapter 233, Subchapter F, including a qualifying project in Wilbarger County if that subchapter applies there.
      “An individual who fails to provide proper notice in accordance with Sections 233.154(b) and (c) is not subject to a penalty under this subsection if: (1) the new residential construction is built by the individual or the individual acts as the individual's own contractor; and (2) the individual intends to use the residence as the individual's primary residence.”
    • Conditional — Electrical work on a dwelling owned and occupied by the property owner in Texas.
      “A person who perform electrical work on a dwelling that they own and reside in is not required by the state to be licensed”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components governed by the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.

    • The mandatory state code adoption applies to industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components, not all construction statewide.
    • The effective date is July 1, 2024.
    • The International Existing Building Code applies to alterations of portable industrialized buildings.
    • Manufacturers already certified for Texas must have design-package documents reviewed and approved to the new editions with an approval date on or after July 1, 2024, unless the manufacturer elected to transition before the effective date under Department rule 70.70(a)(5)(B).
    • Construction begun on or after July 1, 2024 must comply with the new code editions and approved design packages.
    • Construction begun before July 1, 2024, or before a manufacturer's effective transition date, must meet the stated completion, inspection, and labeling deadline to remain eligible for a Texas decal.

    effective date: 2024-07-01 · International Building Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices C, F, and K) · International Residential Code: 2021 Edition (including appendices AG, AH, AK, AP, AQ, and AT) · International Fuel Gas Code: 2021 Edition · International Mechanical Code: 2021 Edition · International Plumbing Code: 2021 Edition · International Energy Conservation Code: 2015 Edition · National Electrical Code: 2020 Edition · International Existing Building Code: 2021 Edition (for alterations of portable industrialized buildings)

    “July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components built for Texas under the Industrialized Housing and Buildings program.
      “Effective July 1, 2024, all industrialized housing and buildings, modules, and modular components shall comply with the following codes, as amended in §70.101 of the IHB Rules:”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    OSSF permitting, inspection, and administration throughout Texas.

    • TCEQ administers the program in areas where no local jurisdiction has been authorized.
    • A local governmental entity may administer the program only after an order, ordinance, or resolution is approved by TCEQ.
    • The authorized agent administers the program within its approved area of jurisdiction.
    • Local programs may adopt requirements more stringent than state minimums.
    “The authorized agent is responsible for the proper implementation of Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 366, 30 TAC Chapter 285, including reviewing OSSF permit applications, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and more.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — OSSF permitting and administration in Texas locations where no local jurisdiction has been authorized, including potentially applicable locations in Wilbarger County
      “Applications and planning materials must be submitted to the permitting authority. To find your permitting authority, search by the county the OSSF is to be located. The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.”
    • Mixed — On-site sewage facilities, including septic systems, throughout Texas
      “TCEQ is not often the OSSF permitting authority. [...] The TCEQ regional office will be the permitting authority in locations where a local jurisdiction has not been authorized.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, and operation of OSSFs in Texas, subject to stated exemptions and local requirements.

    • A permit and approved plan are required for construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of an OSSF.
    • A permit is generally required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF.
    • A local permitting authority must be checked because local programs may be more stringent than state minimums.
    • The 10-acre exemption requires compliance with 30 TAC Chapter 285 planning, construction, and installation standards; a site evaluation by a TCEQ-licensed site evaluator or professional engineer; service to a single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres; no nuisance or groundwater pollution; all OSSF parts at least 100 feet from the property line; on-site effluent disposal; and the single-family dwelling must be the only dwelling on the tract.
    • Emergency repairs listed by TCEQ do not require a permit but must be reported to the permitting authority in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.
    • Grandfathered systems may be exempt if installed before the local program was authorized or before September 1, 1989, whichever is earlier, and if they are not creating a nuisance, are not in need of repair, and have had no significant increase in use or other alteration.
    • The permitting authority must approve or deny planning materials and the permit application within 30 days of receipt.

    minimum tract size for 10-acre exemption: >= 10 acres (single-family dwelling and all other stated conditions must be met) · minimum OSSF setback under 10-acre exemption: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the OSSF) · emergency repair reporting deadline: <= 72 hours (after repairs have begun) · permit application decision deadline: <= 30 days (from receipt by permitting authority)

    “A permit and approved plan are required to construct, alter, repair, extend, and operate an OSSF.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an on-site sewage facility, including a septic system, in Wilbarger County, Texas.
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. Always check with your local permitting authority . Local permitting programs can be more stringent than State minimums.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF, including septic systems and holding tanks, in Texas and therefore Wilbarger County unless an applicable exemption applies.
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. Always check with your local permitting authority. Local permitting programs can be more stringent than State minimums.”
    • Required — Construction, installation, alteration, extension, or repair of an OSSF in Texas
      “A permit is required to construct, install, alter, extend, or repair an OSSF. [...] An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    OSSF installation and, where applicable, maintenance inspections in Texas

    • Authorized agents or their designated representatives inspect system installation.
    • Some permitting authorities impose more stringent requirements.
    • Maintenance-provider inspection and reporting requirements apply to systems and circumstances governed by 30 TAC §285.91(4).
    • Electronic monitoring may reduce reporting to every six months where the stated monitoring conditions apply.

    reduced maintenance reporting interval with qualifying electronic monitoring: 6 months (only where the system uses the specified electronic monitoring, automatic notification, and disinfection monitoring)

    “Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation. [...] If the system uses an electronic monitor, automatic radio or telephone to notify the maintenance provider of system or component failure and to monitor the amount of disinfection in the system, reporting may be reduced to every six months.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — OSSF system-installation inspections performed by the applicable TCEQ authorized agent or permitting authority in Wilbarger County
      “Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation.”
    • Limited — Inspection of OSSF installations by the applicable permitting authority or its designated representative in Texas, including Wilbarger County when the statewide program applies.
      “Many times, the AA has a "designated representative" (DR) to assist them with their responsibilities, which include reviewing plans for constructing, altering, extending or repairing each OSSF; issuing permits; and inspecting system installation.”
    • Limited — OSSFs using secondary treatment or drip irrigation in Texas.
      “A system using secondary treatment or drip irrigation must be inspected by a valid maintenance company once every four months, or be maintained by the single family homeowner, where allowed.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid wastewater sanitation through an OSSF in Texas.

    • An OSSF generally requires a permit and approved plan before construction, installation, alteration, extension, repair, or operation.
    • A qualifying single-family dwelling on a tract of at least 10 acres may use the 10-acre permitting exemption only if every stated site-evaluation, setback, nuisance, groundwater, on-site disposal, and single-dwelling condition is met.
    • Local permitting authorities may impose requirements more stringent than state minimums.
    • Emergency repairs are exempt from permitting only for the listed repair types and must be reported in writing within 72 hours after repairs begin.

    10-acre exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (all TCEQ conditions must be satisfied) · 10-acre exemption OSSF setback: >= 100 feet from property line (all parts of the OSSF)

    “An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Off-grid domestic sewage treatment through an OSSF in Wilbarger County
      “An OSSF may be exempt from permitting if it complies with all other requirements, including planning, construction, and installation standards of 30 TAC 285 AND meets the “10 acre rule”:”
    • Limited — Composting toilets used as on-site sewage facility treatment systems in Texas.
      “Composting toilets will be approved by the executive director provided the system has been tested and certified under NSF International Standard 41 (1999) or under any other standards approved by the executive director.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Drilling, equipping, operating, or completing a water well, or substantially altering a well or well pump, where the well is within a groundwater conservation district in Texas.

    • A groundwater conservation district must require a permit except as provided by Texas Water Code §36.117.
    • A district may not require a permit or permit amendment for maintenance or repair that does not increase production capability above the authorized or permitted production rate.
    • Permit applications must be in writing and sworn.
    • Whether a particular private well is exempt or subject to additional district requirements depends on the applicable groundwater conservation district's rules.

    permit application form: in writing and sworn

    “Except as provided by Section 36.117, a district shall require a permit for the drilling, equipping, operating, or completing of wells or for substantially altering the size of wells or well pumps.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private water-well drilling in Wilbarger County and Texas generally.
      “No site permits are required at the state level to drill a water well; however, permits or well registrations may be required by local ordinances or groundwater conservation districts.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    A tract outside municipal limits in Wilbarger County divided into two or more parts where the land is primarily used for qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production purposes.

    • The owner must not lay out a part of the tract described by Local Government Code Section 232.001(a)(3).
    • The land must be used primarily for agricultural use as defined by Section 1-d, Article VIII, Texas Constitution, or for farm, ranch, wildlife management, or timber production use within the meaning of Section 1-d-1, Article VIII, Texas Constitution.
    • If the tract ceases to be used primarily for a qualifying agricultural, farm, ranch, wildlife-management, or timber-production use, the platting requirements of the subchapter apply.
    • This is an exemption from the county plat requirement; it does not eliminate other applicable state, county, municipal, septic, floodplain, or health requirements.
    “A county may not require [...] a plat of the subdivision prepared”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New or modified access driveways serving property abutting state highways in Wilbarger County

    • A completed TxDOT Permit Form 1058 is necessary whenever a new access driveway is constructed or an existing access driveway is modified.
    • The driveway must be constructed under a fully executed permit and in accordance with applicable regulations.
    • The permitting process may be transferred to an eligible county or municipality only at its request and with TxDOT approval.
    • Construction and maintenance must follow TxDOT's Access Management Manual; additional design, drainage, accessibility, environmental, and state or federal requirements may apply.

    private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (measured at right angles to the centerline of the driveway, except as increased by permissible radii) · private residential driveway minimum radius: >= 15 feet · driveway angle from highway pavement: 75 to 90 degrees (one-way 45 to 90 degree angle driveways are permitted for connections to one-way frontage roads or lane divided highways)

    “A completed Permit Form 1058 is necessary whenever new access driveways are constructed or existing access driveways are modified.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New or modified driveway access from parcels in Wilbarger County onto a highway on the Texas State Highway System.
      “A completed Permit Form 1058 is necessary whenever new access driveways are constructed or existing access driveways are modified.”
    • Required — New or modified access driveways connecting property to a Texas state highway right of way.
      “A driveway must be constructed in accordance with a fully executed driveway permit”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Constructing a new driveway or revising an existing driveway on the right of way of a Texas state highway.

    • The applicant should contact the local District TxDOT office.
    • The applicant must submit Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way.
    • The application must be for the bona fide purpose of securing or changing access to the owner's property, not parking or servicing vehicles on state highway rights of way.
    • No construction may begin on the right of way until a fully executed driveway permit is received and the applicant gives TxDOT 24-hour notification.
    • The driveway must comply with the executed permit and applicable regulations; TxDOT inspection must find construction satisfactory.
    • Where a local public agency has permitting authority, drainage impacts on the state highway system still require TxDOT approval before local approval.
    • Driveway geometrics, utilities, environmental requirements, wetlands considerations, ADAAG, TAS, and other applicable state and federal laws must be considered.

    required form: Form 1058, Permit to Construct Access Driveway Facilities on Highway Right of Way · advance notification: 24 hours (Notification to TxDOT is required before construction on the right of way.) · private residential driveway maximum width: <= 24 feet (Except as increased by permissible radii.) · minimum driveway radius to highway pavement: >= 15 feet

    “The applicant shall complete and submit to TxDOT a Form 1058”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — On-site sewage facility permitting, including septic systems, applicable to parcels in Wilbarger County where an OSSF is proposed.
      “Permitting, maintenance, and construction requirements for on-site sewage facilities-including septic systems. Information for local governments wanting to become authorized agents of TCEQ so they can run their OSSF program.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    Texas counties adopting zoning regulations for specified unincorporated or otherwise specially defined areas.

    • Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters.
    • For Padre Island, the authority applies in Cameron or Willacy County outside a municipality and within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development, or within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.
    • Other Chapter 231 subchapters address special areas including the Amistad Recreation Area in Val Verde County, military zones, certain lakes, the El Paso Mission Trail Historical Area, Lake Somerville, and Falcon Lake in Zapata County.
    • The cited statute was enacted effective September 1, 1987; the Falcon Lake subchapter was added effective June 15, 2007, and amended effective September 1, 2009.

    Padre Island distance from publicly owned park or recreational development: <= 2 miles (Area must be outside a municipality and in Cameron or Willacy County.) · Padre Island distance from beach, wharf, or bathhouse: <= 2 miles (The beach, wharf, or bathhouse must be used by at least 500 persons annually.)

    “This subchapter applies to the areas of Padre Island located in Cameron or Willacy County and located: (1) outside a municipality but within two miles of a publicly owned park or recreational development; or (2) within two miles of a beach, wharf, or bathhouse used by at least 500 persons annually.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County zoning authority over unincorporated land in Texas, where a specific statutory grant applies.
      “As you suggest, a county has very limited and specific zoning authority, and none that may be used to regulate construction or operation of the proposed facility.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    Texas counties adopting and enforcing fire-code building permits for specified buildings in unincorporated areas and applying residential building-code standards in certain counties.

    • Under Section 233.061, the county must have a population over 250,000 or be adjacent to a county with a population over 250,000.
    • Under Section 233.062, the fire code applies only to commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily residential dwellings consisting of four or more units constructed in an unincorporated area.
    • The fire code does not apply to an industrial facility having a fire brigade that conforms to Occupational Health and Safety Administration requirements.
    • A covered applicant must submit a plan and a commissioners-court-set application fee; the county must issue or deny the permit within 30 days, and failure to act within 30 days approves the construction for purposes of the subchapter.
    • The fire code must conform to the International Fire Code or Uniform Fire Code as those codes existed on May 1, 2005, or establish protective measures exceeding those standards; later editions may be adopted.
    • Residential standards under Section 233.152 apply only if the county adopts a resolution or order and the county is within 50 miles of an international border or has a population over 100.
    • Those residential standards apply only to new single-family-house or duplex construction beginning after September 1, 2009; manufactured or modular structures governed by Occupations Code Chapters 1201 or 1202 are excluded from the definition of new residential construction.
    • A municipality's building code controls in its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and Section 233.152 does not authorize county prior approval of new residential construction or county zoning regulations.
    • Fire-code inspection and permit fees may be charged under a fee schedule based on building type, limited to amounts necessary to administer and enforce the subchapter; inspection fees must be reasonable and reflect approximate inspection costs.

    county population threshold for fire-code authority: > 250000 persons (A county adjacent to a county over 250,000 also qualifies.) · multifamily residential dwelling threshold: >= 4 units (The fire code applies only to covered buildings constructed in an unincorporated area.) · residential-code border distance: <= 50 miles (Alternative qualification is county population over 100.) · application decision period: 30 days (If the commissioners court does not issue or deny the permit within 30 days after receiving the application and fee, construction is approved for purposes of the subchapter.) · residential standards effective construction date: > 2009-09-01 (Applies only to new residential construction that begins after September 1, 2009.)

    “The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code. [...] The fire code applies only to the following buildings constructed in an unincorporated area of the county: (1) a commercial establishment; (2) a public building; and (3) a multifamily residential dwelling consisting of four or more units.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — County fire-code adoption and building-permit authority for specified buildings in unincorporated areas of qualifying Texas counties, including multifamily residential dwellings of four or more units.
      “The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code.”

Inside cities and towns in Wilbarger County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulations and use districts within the City of Vernon, Texas, including the city's stated extraterritorial jurisdiction where applicable.

    • Uses and development are subject to the applicable zoning district, zoning map, ordinance procedures, and any stated municipal approvals.
    • The ordinance document is identified as City of Vernon Zoning Regulations dated 2007; current amendments or superseding provisions were not fully researched.
    “The Planning and Zoning division of the Community Development Department is responsible for: Receiving zoning change and specific use requests Interpreting the Zoning Ordinance Processing and recommending amendments to the Zoning Ordinance Assisting residents and developers in platting and development Managing Flood Damage Prevention within the City”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Inspections — Residential construction in unincorporated Wilbarger County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Residential construction and occupancy in unincorporated Wilbarger County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer utility-connection requirements in Wilbarger County
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Wilbarger County, including unincorporated areas

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Wilbarger County, Texas

Is Wilbarger County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Wilbarger County scores 41/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (27.4″/yr rainfall) and elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Wilbarger County, Texas?

Wilbarger County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) On-Site Sewage Facilities program. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Wilbarger County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Wilbarger County is allowed: Unincorporated Wilbarger County: no county rule sets this, because Wilbarger County has adopted no county zoning ordinance (Texas law lets some counties zone, but this one has not). The county legal census found no county zoning ordinance, citing statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Septic, floodplain, subdivision and health rules still apply; cities and towns set their own rules inside their limits. Chapter 231 does not grant a general statewide county zoning power; authority is provided through geographically or subject-matter limited subchapters. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Wilbarger County, Texas?

Land in Wilbarger County runs about $2,155 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Wilbarger County?

Wilbarger County gets about 27.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 45.3% of years.

How remote is Wilbarger County?

A typical private-land location has about 11,594 people within 15 miles and 699,939 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Wilbarger compares in Texas

Compare side-by-side →See all 254 Texas counties ranked →