Texas Property Tax Rates by County

Property tax rates vary significantly across Texas. While every homeowner pays taxes to multiple local taxing entities, the combined effective property tax burden can differ considerably depending on where you live.

This guide explains why county property tax rates vary, what those rates include, and how to estimate your annual property taxes using average county tax rates.

Why Property Tax Rates Vary Across Texas

Unlike a state income tax, Texas property taxes are administered locally. Every property owner may pay taxes to several different taxing jurisdictions, including:

• County government
• School district
• City (if incorporated)
• Hospital district
• Municipal Utility District (MUD)
• Community college district
• Other special taxing districts

Because each local government sets its own tax rate, the total effective property tax rate varies from one location to another – even within the same county.

County Average Effective Tax Rates

The figures commonly reported for Texas counties are average effective property tax rates. These averages combine the total property tax burden across all taxing entities within a county.

They provide an excellent starting point for estimating annual property taxes but should not be considered your property’s exact tax rate.

Your actual tax bill depends on your property’s precise location and the taxing jurisdictions that apply to your address.

Counties With Higher Property Tax Rates

Some Texas counties generally have higher effective property tax rates because they include larger cities, more taxing districts, or higher local tax levies.

Examples often include counties surrounding major metropolitan areas such as:

• Harris County
• Fort Bend County
• Dallas County
• Tarrant County
• Bexar County

Even within these counties, actual tax rates vary depending on your city, school district, and other local taxing units.

Counties With Lower Property Tax Rates

Many rural counties tend to have lower overall effective property tax rates, although this is not always the case.

Factors that influence local rates include:

• School district funding needs
• Population growth
• Infrastructure projects
• Local government budgets
• Special taxing districts

Comparing only county averages does not tell the entire story, but it can provide a useful estimate when comparing different parts of Texas.

How Exemptions Affect Your Property Taxes

Your property’s taxable value may be reduced by one or more exemptions, including:

• Residence Homestead Exemption
• Over-65 Additional Homestead Exemption
• Disabled Person Exemption
• Disabled Veteran Exemptions

These exemptions reduce your taxable value before property taxes are calculated, often saving homeowners hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year.

Remember: Your Exact Tax Rate May Differ

County averages are intended for planning purposes.

Your actual property tax rate depends on your property’s exact address and the combination of taxing entities serving your location. Two homes located within the same county may have different tax bills because they belong to different cities, school districts, or utility districts.

For your precise tax rate, contact your county appraisal district or county tax assessor-collector.