Harris County's Rising Property Taxes Explained
The average Harris County property tax rate is approximately 2.1% of assessed value, combining all taxing jurisdictions—one of the highest effective rates in Texas. For a home assessed at $350,000, that translates to roughly $7,350 per year in property taxes before exemptions.
Over the last few years, Harris County homeowners have seen a shocking rise in property taxes. Annual tax bills have jumped significantly in the county, and many landowners are wondering what they can do to pay less.
If you are a Harris County homeowner, you can blame a combination of a strong real estate market and how Texas funds governmental services for your high bills.
Because Texas has no statewide income or property tax, city and county governments and schools rely heavily on local tax revenue. And the solid run of home price increases across Harris County has led to higher annual bills.
Luckily, Texas law grants homeowners some protection from sky-rocketing property taxes. For instance, the state Constitution provides you with the opportunity to file a property tax protest and lower your bill.
What Is the Harris County Property Tax Rate in 2026?
There is no single Harris County property tax rate. Your total rate is the sum of rates set by every taxing jurisdiction that serves your property—county government, school district, city, and any special districts like MUDs.
Harris County Tax Rate Breakdown by Jurisdiction
| Taxing Jurisdiction | Approximate 2025-2026 Rate (per $100) |
|---|---|
| Harris County | $0.39 |
| Houston ISD (school district) | $0.96 |
| City of Houston | $0.55 |
| Harris County Flood Control | $0.04 |
| Port of Houston Authority | $0.01 |
| Harris County Hospital District | $0.16 |
| MUD / Special Districts (varies) | $0.10 – $0.50+ |
| Total (typical Houston homeowner) | ~$2.10 |
Your exact rate depends on where you live within Harris County. Homeowners in MUDs (Municipal Utility Districts) often pay higher total rates due to the additional district levy.
How Harris County Compares to Neighboring Counties
Harris County's effective tax rate is among the highest in the Greater Houston area. Here's how it compares:
| County | Approximate Effective Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Harris County | ~2.1% |
| Fort Bend County | ~2.2% |
| Montgomery County | ~1.9% |
| Galveston County | ~2.0% |
| Brazoria County | ~2.0% |
All five counties rely heavily on property taxes due to the absence of a state income tax. Rates vary based on school district, city, and special district overlaps.
How Texas Property Taxes Are Calculated
The Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) is responsible for determining an annual appraisal value for all properties in the county.
According to Texas law, the appraisal value is supposed to estimate your home's market value as of January 1. Market value is based on the price a knowledgeable seller and buyer would agree to transfer the property for after a reasonable time on the market.
Once the HCAD sets an appraisal value for your home, that amount is multiplied by the tax rates charged by each local tax unit in your area to determine the amount you owe in taxes. Local taxing units include entities such as Harris County and your public school district.
When the local real estate market booms, sales prices increase dramatically.
Through 2024 and into 2025, Harris County home values have continued to climb, though at a slower pace than the sharp increases seen in 2021-2022. Because HCAD factors local market conditions into each property's market value calculation, if the resale price of homes in Harris County rises, the appraised value used to levy your house's property taxes does as well.
Property Tax Caps in Texas
Texas law offers homeowners some relief from rapidly increasing property tax bills. First, if you qualify for a homestead exemption, your home's capped appraisal value cannot increase by more than 10% over the previous year.
This means that, even in years when Harris County home values increase by 15-20% or more, the typical homeowner's appraised value can only legally increase by a maximum of 10%.
To receive a homestead exemption, you must apply. For your home to qualify, it must be your principal residence, and you cannot claim a homestead exemption on any other properties, whether in Texas or another location. Because of the 10% statutory cap, applying for your homestead exemption is critical to keeping your property tax bills as low as possible.
Additionally, if you or your partner are 65 years of age or older, you qualify for what is known as the Texas senior freeze. If you have received a homestead exemption, the senior freeze caps your local school district property taxes at the amount you pay the year you turn 65. Once you have a senior cap in place, even if your home's market value dramatically increases, your school district tax bill will remain the same.
How To Lower Your Harris County Property Taxes
A final way for Harris County homeowners to seek property tax relief is by filing a property tax protest with the HCAD. Due to the HCAD's use of mass-appraisal techniques and algorithms, the district's appraisal for your home may not match its market value. If the assessment is too high, you can file a protest and attempt to decrease the value and lower your bills.
Every Texas landowner has the right to file a property tax protest. A local Appraisal Review Board (ARB) in Harris County handles all hearings regarding incorrect appraised values.
After reviewing the evidence, the ARB can conclude your home's market value is lower than the HCAD's appraised value. This determination can result in savings on your annual property tax bills. And, because of the 10% cap, a reduced appraised value this year also provides benefits next year and every year after that.
Texas law also allows homeowners to have a professional representative assist them through the property tax protest process. Here at Ballard Property Tax Protest, our experienced team is dedicated to advocating on behalf of Harris County property owners.
With our risk-free property tax protest services, we only get paid if we help you lower your tax bills. So, there's no reason not to register for Ballard's services on our website today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Harris County property tax rate?
The average Harris County property tax rate is approximately 2.1% of assessed value when combining all taxing jurisdictions. This includes Harris County government, your school district, city taxes, and any MUD or special district levies. Your exact rate depends on which taxing entities serve your specific property.
Why are Harris County property taxes so high?
Harris County property taxes are high because Texas has no state income tax, so local governments rely heavily on property taxes to fund schools, roads, and public services. Strong real estate appreciation in the Houston metro area has also driven up appraised values, which directly increases tax bills.
How can I lower my Harris County property taxes?
You can lower your Harris County property taxes by filing a homestead exemption, filing a property tax protest with HCAD, and ensuring your property records are accurate. Over-65 homeowners can also benefit from a school tax freeze. Professional protest services like Ballard Property Tax Protest handle the entire process on a no-reduction, no-fee basis.
What is the Harris County homestead exemption?
The Harris County homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. For school district taxes, the exemption is $100,000. Harris County also offers a 20% optional homestead exemption. The homestead exemption also activates the 10% annual cap on assessed value increases.
When is the deadline to protest Harris County property taxes?
The deadline to protest Harris County property taxes is May 15 or 30 days after you receive your Notice of Appraised Value from HCAD, whichever is later. Filing early is recommended because HCAD processes a very high volume of protests each year.