Property Tax in Texas (2026): Rates, Exemptions, and Real Numbers

Texas Property Tax Rates by County

Highest and lowest effective rates within Texas

Property Tax Calculator — Texas

Pre-loaded with Texas's 1.80% effective rate and $305,000 median price

Property Tax by City in Texas

Annual and monthly property tax by city, based on local median prices and the statewide effective rate

Texas Homestead Exemption

How Texas Assesses Property Values

Assessment cycle: Annual

Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost

On a $305,000 home in Texas

Property tax represents 16% of the true monthly cost in Texas.

Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — Texas

See your full PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment

How Texas's Property Tax Affects Affordability

$458/month in property tax reduces the home price you can afford. Use the affordability calculator to see the real impact.

Property Tax After Refinancing in Texas

Refinancing changes your P&I but not your property tax. If your home was reassessed at a higher value, your tax bill increases regardless of your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Texas?

Texas's effective property tax rate is 1.80%, ranking #6 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $5,490 ($458/month). Rates range from 0.75% in Kenedy County to 2.23% in Fort Bend County. Source: Tax Foundation State Data 2024.

Does Texas have a homestead exemption?

Yes — Texas offers a homestead exemption for primary residences. General homestead exemption of $100,000 from school district taxes (as of 2023 law). Apply through your county assessor's office after purchasing your home.

How often is property reassessed in Texas?

Texas reassesses property on a annual basis. When your property is reassessed, your tax bill changes based on the new assessed value multiplied by the applicable rate. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal — most counties allow 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice.

How is property tax calculated in Texas?

Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In Texas, the effective rate is 1.80% of market value. On a $305,000 home: $305,000 × 1.80% = $5,490/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Texas?

Yes. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can file an appeal with your county assessment board. Steps: (1) Get your assessment notice, (2) Research comparable recent sales, (3) File an appeal by the deadline (typically 30-90 days from assessment notice). Studies show 20-40% of appeals result in a reduction. The process is free and you represent yourself — no attorney required.

Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment in Texas?

Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $458/month ($5,490/year ÷ 12) along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. If your loan-to-value is below 80%, you may be able to opt out of escrow and pay taxes directly. Note: if your assessed value rises, your escrow payment adjusts and your total monthly cost increases.

What Texas counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?

Texas's highest effective rate is in Fort Bend County at 2.23%. The lowest is Kenedy County at 0.75%. That's a 1.48% spread — on a $305,000 home, the difference is $4,514/year.