Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S., covering over 268,000 square miles. While its population continues to grow rapidly, a substantial portion of the land is held by a select few individuals and families.
From oil tycoons to tech billionaires, the largest landowners in Texas control ranches the size of small countries.
These holdings influence not just agriculture and ranching, but also real estate development, conservation, and space exploration.
Here are the six biggest landowners in Texas, with properties ranging from working cattle ranches to high-tech testing sites.
1. King Ranch Heirs – 911,215 Acres
Founded in 1853 by Captain Richard King, the King Ranch remains one of the most iconic and largest privately-owned ranches in the world. Located in South Texas, it spans 911,215 acres, roughly the size of Rhode Island. The heirs of Richard King continue to operate the ranch, which is known for cattle raising, horse breeding, and agriculture.
The King Ranch brand is legendary, not only in Texas but across the U.S., with licensing partnerships including Ford Motor Company for special edition trucks. Despite modern changes, the family-run business retains its historical roots and serves as a testament to Texas ranching heritage.
2. Briscoe Family – 738,000 Acres
With historical ties to Texas politics and ranching, the Briscoe family owns an estimated 738,000 acres. Their properties include large sections of land across Southwest Texas, such as the Catarina Ranch, which focuses on wildlife management and sustainable cattle operations.
The family’s patriarch, Dolph Briscoe, was once the Governor of Texas and used his wealth and influence to preserve the state’s ranching culture. Today, the Briscoe family continues to be an important name in land stewardship and conservation efforts in Texas.
3. O’Connor Heirs – 587,000 Acres
The O’Connor family, whose vast lands are primarily located along the Gulf Coast, owns approximately 587,000 acres. Known for their quiet profile, the family’s holdings date back to land grants and purchases made in the 1800s. The ranches are still operational today and focus on cattle grazing, agriculture, and habitat preservation.
Their legacy includes significant philanthropic contributions, particularly toward education and health care in Texas communities. Despite staying out of the public spotlight, the O’Connor heirs continue to be key players in the state’s agricultural sector.
4. Stan Kroenke – 569,000 Acres
Stan Kroenke, a billionaire businessman and sports mogul (owner of the Los Angeles Rams and Arsenal FC), purchased the historic Waggoner Ranch in 2016. That acquisition added over 535,000 acres to his portfolio, bringing his total Texas landholdings to around 569,000 acres.
The Waggoner Ranch, which dates back to 1849, is one of the largest ranches in the U.S. under a single fence. Kroenke also owns ranches in other states, but his Texas holdings are a major part of his U.S. land empire. His investments in agriculture and ranching contrast his high-profile image in sports and real estate.
5. Jeff Bezos – 462,000 Acres
Amazon founder and Blue Origin CEO Jeff Bezos owns approximately 462,000 acres of land in Texas. His most notable property is the Corn Ranch near Van Horn, where his space exploration company conducts rocket launches and research.
Bezos’s presence in West Texas has brought international attention to the region. While the land is primarily used for technological and aerospace developments, it also represents a different kind of landownership—focused less on ranching and more on innovation and the future.
6. Mike Smith – 319,000 Acres
Not as widely known as others on this list, Mike Smith owns roughly 319,000 acres in Texas. While limited public information is available about Smith, his extensive property holdings solidify his place among the state’s top landowners.
His landholdings are reportedly used for a mix of agriculture, conservation, and private business ventures. Though not a household name, Smith’s land ownership significantly impacts local economies and land use policies.
Why It Matters: Texas Land Ownership and Its Impact
Texas’s largest landowners influence much more than the state’s rural landscape. They have a major impact on:
- Agriculture and livestock production
- Land conservation and wildlife management
- Public access and environmental policies
- Space exploration and tech innovation
In a state where land is deeply tied to culture, identity, and politics, knowing who controls it provides insight into both Texas’s history and its future.
As land becomes increasingly valuable—and contested—across the U.S., Texas continues to stand out with vast, privately-held properties that are shaping how land is used and preserved for generations to come.
For more information about Jeff Bezos’s Texas property, visit The Land Report.
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