Crockett County, Texas Tax Sales: How They Work and How to Join

Investing in county tax sales can be a smart way to buy property at a lower price or make good money. In Texas, counties sell redeemable tax deeds. This means you get the deed, but the previous owner can still reclaim it by paying their back taxes.

In Crockett County, tax sales happen on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM at the courthouse. The old owner has a limited time to pay off their taxes to keep their property. 

This article will explain how tax sales work in Crockett County and why it’s a good spot for investors, using simple language to help beginners understand.

Brief overview of the county’s tax deed investing

Texas has redeemable tax deeds. If property owners don’t pay taxes, counties can sell those properties at auction. The highest bidder gets the deed. The previous owner can reclaim their property by paying the auction price plus fees and a penalty within a year. Homestead and agricultural properties have two years to redeem, while others have 180 days. 

In Crockett County, tax sales occur in person at the courthouse. Bidders must show they owe no back taxes and pay the same day with a cashier’s check or money order. On November 5, 2024, ten redeemable deeds were sold. Similar auctions happen when there are enough properties.

Important details

Item	Crockett County Details
Type	Redeemable tax deed (deed sold, owner may redeem).
Date	1st Tuesday of each month.
Time & Place	10 AM CT at Crockett County Courthouse, 909 Ave D, Ozona.
Registration	Required. Must show “no delinquent taxes” statement (get it by Friday before sale).
Bidding	Starts at taxes owed; high bid wins.
Payment	Full payment same day by cash/cashier’s check.
Redemption	180 days most property; 2 years homestead/ag. 25–50% penalty added.
Contact	Michelle Medley, Treasurer/Tax Collector – 325-392-2674, [email protected].
Updates	County Clerk & Tax Office websites; Tax Sale Resources.

Crockett County’s unique features for tax deed investing

Crockett County is in West Texas and has a small population. The county seat is Ozona, known as the “Biggest Little Town in the World.” It was created in 1875 and named after Davy Crockett.

There are many interesting things in Crockett County. The county has historic sites like the courthouse built in 1902. You can also find a big monument to Davy Crockett in the town square. The Crockett County Museum showcases lots of cool stuff, from ancient bones to cowboy items.

Crockett County is huge, with a lot of open space for ranching and outdoor activities. People enjoy hunting for deer, quail, and turkey. The area also has trails for off-road vehicles. Ranching is important here, especially for wool and mohair.

Visitors come for the museum and the monument. They can also check out other attractions like the Tie That Binds sculpture and beautiful canyon views along the Pecos River.

The county is easy to reach, with major highways nearby. Ranching and oil production drive the local economy. It creates jobs and helps improve the area while hunting tourism adds more money to the community.

Even though it’s small, Ozona has places to eat, stores, and fun local events. The open land is great for activities like camping and hiking. Many people love the history, and others seek the quiet rural life. For investors, the land is appealing because it has important resources and not much competition.

Why this county is ideal for tax deed investors

Several factors make Crockett County attractive for tax deed investors:

1. Limited inventory: With a population under 3,000 and only one town, the number of properties offered at tax sales is usually small. Fewer bidders mean less competition and the potential to acquire properties at reasonable prices.
   
2. Economic drivers: Oil, gas, ranching and tourism provide a diverse economic base. Oil production ranks 40th in Texas, and the county produces wool and mohair. These industries support property values.
   
3. Strong returns: Texas law allows a 25 % penalty on redeemed properties within the first year. Investors essentially earn 25 % on their money in six months or two years. That rate exceeds most fixed‑income investments.
   
4. Low risk: You receive a sheriff’s deed immediately upon winning the bid, giving you a security interest in the property. If the owner redeems, you get your principal plus the statutory penalty.
   
5. Open to all investors: Anyone can bid, including foreign investors. The only restriction is that bidders must not owe delinquent taxes in Texas and must obtain a certificate from the county tax office. You need not be a Texas resident or U.S. citizen.
   

What makes Crockett County tax deeds a smart investment?

High returns with low risk

Tax deed investors in Texas earn a guaranteed 25 % return if the property is redeemed within the first year. Because the deed conveys ownership subject only to redemption, the investment is secured by the property. In the second year homestead or agricultural properties can still be redeemed, with a 50 % penalty, further increasing returns.

Auction process for tax deed sales

When are county tax sales held? Texas law requires that tax sales occur on the first Tuesday of the month between 10 AM and 4 PM. Sales are announced at least 20 days in advance through public notices and websites. If the first Tuesday falls on a holiday, the sale moves to Wednesday.

How does the bidding work? The auctioneer starts with a minimum bid equal to the unpaid taxes, penalties, interest and costs. Bidders call out higher amounts until no one bids further. The highest bidder wins the deed. Payment is due immediately—Crockett County accepts cashier’s checks or money orders only.

Are there registration requirements? Yes. You must obtain a No Delinquent Taxes certificate from the tax assessor‑collector. In Crockett County you get this certificate on the morning of the sale. Bring government identification and enough funds to pay in full if you win. Counties may allow pre‑registration, but Crockett handles it on the day of auction.

Maximum potential returns

The maximum return equals the statutory penalty plus your bid. For non‑homestead properties, the redemption period is 180 days; if the owner redeems on the last day, you earn 25 % in six months. For homestead or agricultural properties, the period extends to two years with a 50 % second‑year penalty. Should the owner fail to redeem, you own the property free of the former owner’s interest and can sell or rent it.

Open to all investors

Texas does not restrict participation to residents. Any individual or entity may bid at the auction, including out‑of‑state and international investors. The only requirement is that you owe no delinquent taxes and can pay in full at the sale. Because Crockett County offers a small number of parcels, non‑local investors should perform thorough due diligence remotely or hire a local agent to inspect the property.

Understanding the Crockett County tax deed sale process

1. Research properties. A few weeks before the auction, the county posts a list of properties with parcel numbers, legal descriptions and minimum bids. Review the list, locate the properties on a map, drive by them if possible and estimate their value. Look up any liens or encumbrances at the county clerk’s office.
   
2. Check the redemption period. Determine whether the property is a homestead or agricultural use property (two‑year redemption) or another type (six‑month redemption). Knowing this helps you estimate when you might receive final ownership.
   
3. Obtain a no‑taxes‑due certificate. On the morning of the sale, visit the Crockett County Tax Office at 909 Avenue D, Ozona to get a certificate verifying you have no unpaid taxes.
   
4. Attend the auction. Arrive at the courthouse before 10 AM. When your desired property is called, bid in increments until you reach your maximum. Remember, the highest bid above the minimum wins.
   
5. Pay immediately. If you win, pay by cashier’s check or money order that day. The sheriff or constable will issue a deed, which you must record with the county clerk.
   
6. Wait for redemption. If the former owner redeems the property during the applicable period, the county will refund your principal plus the penalty. If not, you may take possession and clear title through a quiet‑title suit if necessary.
   

Expected returns and due diligence

Expected returns – Investors should plan for a 25 % return for six‑month redemptions and 25–50 % for two‑year redemptions. However, properties may redeem earlier, reducing the effective annualized rate. You should also factor in legal fees for title work and potential costs of clearing encumbrances.

Due diligence matters – Skipping due diligence can turn a promising purchase into a costly mistake. Follow these steps:

• Inspect the property: Drive by the property to evaluate its condition and neighborhood. Do not trespass or disturb occupants.
  
• Check title: Search county records for liens, mortgages, easements or judgments. Tax deeds do not extinguish all liens, so consult a title company or attorney.
  
• Estimate value: Compare the property’s assessed value, market sales and rental rates. Ensure the potential return justifies the bid.
  
• Budget for repairs: Many tax sale properties are distressed. Budget for cleanup, legal costs and improvements.
  
• Understand redemption: You cannot take full title until the redemption period expires, so plan your holding costs accordingly.

Why Crockett County is a top choice for tax deed investors

• Strategic location: Situated on Interstate 10 with access to major highways, the county is easy to reach for investors from San Angelo, Midland or San Antonio. The courthouse is less than an hour from Interstate 10 exits.
  
• Economic resilience: The combination of oil and gas production, ranching and tourism provides a cushion against economic downturns. Oil output ranking 40th in Texas, and wool production support property values.
  
• Limited competition: With so few parcels available at each sale, there are often fewer bidders than in urban counties. That improves your chances of acquiring a property at a reasonable price.
  
• High statutory returns: Earning 25–50 % on redeemed properties is difficult to match elsewhere. Even if the property redeems quickly, you still receive the penalty.
  

Conclusion

Crockett County, Texas, offers investors the opportunity to purchase redeemable tax deeds with high returns and manageable risk. Auctions take place on the first Tuesday of the month at the courthouse, typically at 10 AM Central Time. Bidders must show they have no delinquent taxes and be prepared to pay by cashier’s check. The redemption period is six months for most properties and two years for homesteads and agricultural properties, with a 25 % penalty paid to investors if the property is redeemed.

Crockett County’s small population, rich history, productive oil fields and open spaces make it an appealing location for investors who are willing to do their homework. With careful due diligence, a strategic bidding plan and an understanding of the redemption process, you can participate in these auctions and potentially secure attractive returns.

Pro tips

• Arrive early on auction day to secure your no‑delinquent‑tax certificate and observe the process. Seating is limited.
  
• Research each property thoroughly; avoid properties with major structural problems or environmental issues. Use county appraisal records, Google Earth and drive‑by inspections.
  
• Set a maximum bid based on the property’s value and potential repair costs. Don’t get caught up in bidding wars.
  
• Consult professionals – speak with a real estate attorney for title issues and a local real estate agent for market insights.
  
• Consider partnerships if you’re a long‑distance investor; local partners can inspect properties and manage rehabs.
  

Frequently asked questions

When are Crockett County tax sales held? Auctions are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 10 AM at the courthouse. The county only holds an auction when it has properties to sell—sometimes just a few times per year.

Do I need to register? Yes. You must obtain a certificate showing you owe no delinquent taxes at the Crockett County Tax Office the morning of the sale.

How do I pay for a property? Winning bidders must pay immediately using a cashier’s check or money order payable to the Crockett County Tax Office.

What is the redemption period? Six months for most properties, two years for homesteads or agricultural land.

Can foreign investors participate? Yes. Anyone can bid as long as they obtain the no‑taxes‑due certificate and pay in full on auction day.

Useful Links

• Auction Calendar
• How to Profit from Texas’s Redeemable Deeds
• Let’s talk about redeemable tax deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 
• Learn How to maximize profits at the Texas Tax Sales

Need a hand?

Crockett County tax‑sale listings are live in our Auction Calendar. Review them while reading our free resources to lay your foundation. If you want a personal strategy session or advice, simply book a call with our team

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About Dustin Hahn

Dustin Hahn is a Tax Lien & Deed investor with over 22 years of experience and hundreds of deals under his belt. He created Tax Lien School.com to help you buy Tax Deeds up to 90% off mortgage free and earn up to 36% ROI with Tax Liens. This site was voted the “Most Useful Resource” for new investors. Dustin’s YouTube Channel is the #1 Channel on Tax Liens & Deeds with over 98,000 Subscribers and 3600 videos to help you start. “The Best Time To Start Real Estate Investing Was 20 Years Ago, The Second Best Time Is TODAY!”

20+yrs

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