Texas has no statewide property tax rate — each county and school district sets its own

Texas does not have a single property tax rate that applies across the state. Instead, your property tax bill depends on where your property sits. The county assessor calculates the taxable value of your home, and then the county, school district, city, and special districts (like water or fire districts) each add their own tax rate on top. This means two identical houses in different counties can have very different tax bills.

The state does not collect property tax. Texas funds schools partly through the state budget, but local property taxes are the main source of money for schools, county services, and city services in your area. Because of this, rates vary widely — from around 0.4% of home value in some counties to over 2% in others.

Key Takeaways

  • Your property tax rate is the sum of rates set by your county, school district, city, and any special districts serving your property.
  • The county appraisal district values your home; the taxing units then apply their rates to that value.
  • Texas property tax rates typically range from 0.4% to 2.0% of home value, depending on location.
  • You can find your specific rate by checking your county appraisal district website or your most recent tax bill.
  • School districts make up the largest portion of most property tax bills in Texas.

How the tax rate is built from multiple layers

Your property tax bill is not one number — it is the sum of several rates stacked together. The county appraisal district (CAD) in your county determines the appraised value of your property. Then each taxing unit — the county, school district, city, and special districts — applies its own tax rate to that value.

For example, if your home is appraised at $300,000 and your school district's rate is 1.06%, your city's rate is 0.35%, your county's rate is 0.25%, and a water district's rate is 0.05%, your total rate is 1.71%. You would owe $5,130 in property tax that year. If you move to a different school district with a 0.95% rate but the same home value, your bill drops to $4,950 — a difference of $180 per year just from the school district change.

School districts are usually the largest part of your bill

School districts typically account for 40% to 60% of the total property tax bill in most Texas counties. This is because schools are funded primarily through local property tax, not state money. A school district's tax rate is set by its elected board of trustees and approved at a public meeting each year.

County rates, city rates, and special district rates make up the remainder. Counties use property tax to fund sheriff's offices, courthouses, and county services. Cities use it for police, fire, streets, and municipal services. Special districts (water, fire, hospital, library) add smaller amounts on top.

Where to find your actual tax rate

The easiest way to find your specific tax rate is to look at your property tax bill from the previous year. The bill shows the appraised value, the tax rate for each taxing unit, and the total amount owed. If you do not have a recent bill, you can visit your county appraisal district website — every county in Texas has one, and most allow you to search by address or account number.

You can also contact your county appraisal district directly by phone or in person. They can tell you the current appraised value and the rates that apply to your property. The CAD office is usually in the county courthouse or a nearby county building. School district websites also post their tax rates, as do city and county websites, though you will need to add them together to get your total.

How appraisal value affects what you pay

The tax rate is only half the equation. The appraised value set by the county appraisal district is the other half. Two properties with the same tax rate can have very different bills if one is appraised higher than the other. The CAD is required by state law to appraise all property at market value — what it would sell for on the open market.

If you think your home is appraised too high, you can file a protest with the appraisal district. The protest must be filed by a deadline set each year (usually in May or early June). You can present evidence that your home is worth less — comparable sales, repair costs, or a professional appraisal. If you and the CAD cannot agree, you can request a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), which is made up of local citizens who review disputed values.

Homestead exemptions and tax breaks that lower your bill

Texas offers a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. The exemption amount varies by school district and county — some exempt $25,000 of value, others exempt more. This means if your home is appraised at $300,000 and your school district exempts $25,000, the school district taxes only $275,000 of value.

Homeowners age 65 and older, disabled homeowners, and surviving spouses of military members may may have access to for additional exemptions or tax freezes. A tax freeze means your school district tax amount stays the same year to year, even if your home value rises. You must apply for these exemptions through your county appraisal district, usually before the end of April each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average property tax rate in Texas?

There is no single average because rates vary by county and school district. Statewide, property tax as a percentage of home value ranges from about 0.4% to 2.0%, with most areas falling between 0.8% and 1.5%. Your specific rate depends on where your property is located.

Why are property tax rates so different between counties?

Each county and school district sets its own rate based on its budget needs and the total property value in that area. Wealthier districts with higher property values can fund schools with lower rates. Poorer districts must set higher rates to raise the same amount of money. This is why school funding varies so much across Texas.

Can I reduce my property tax bill?

You can reduce it by filing a homestead exemption (which lowers taxable value), protesting an appraisal you believe is too high, or applying for age-based or disability exemptions if you may have access to. You cannot change the tax rate itself — that is set by elected officials — but you can lower the value the rate is applied to.

Do I pay property tax on land I own but do not live on?

Yes. Any real property you own in Texas is subject to property tax, whether it is your home, rental property, vacant land, or commercial property. The rate may differ slightly depending on the property type and location, but all property is taxed annually.

When is property tax due in Texas?

Property tax bills are usually mailed in October or November and are due by January 31 of the following year. If you do not pay by the deadline, penalties and interest begin to accrue. You can pay in installments if your county offers it, but the full amount is still due by January 31.