Houston, Texas Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Houston, TX is 1.97%, significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Texas state median of 1.67%. With the median home value in Houston, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $544, which is below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Houston are calculated based on the assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Houston's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Houston or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Houston, Texas Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.97%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$545
$505
Ownwell’s Houston Property Tax Bill Calculator assists homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers in estimating their annual property taxes in Houston using just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Houston to estimate your property tax bill. This valuable tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. For those interested in neighborhood-level trends, more localized information is available below. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, which includes any applicable exemptions.
Property Tax Rates Across Houston, Texas
Property taxes in Houston, Texas, are vital in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Houston is 1.97%, higher than both the Texas state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Houston set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Houston estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Houston's effective property tax rate to other counties in Texas and the national median. For comparison, the 77033 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.97%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 1.97%. Understanding how these cities compare with Houston provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Harris County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Houston Tax Rate
1.97%
Average San Augustine County Tax Rate
1.41%
Average Texas Tax Rate
1.67%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Houston, Texas
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77033 | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Houston, Texas
In Houston, Texas, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Harris County Appraisal District for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In Houston, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Houston helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The highest median tax bill in Houston is found in the 77033 zip code, while the lowest is also in the 77033 zip code, both at $544.
Average Houston Assessed Value
$27,640
Average San Augustine County Assessed Value
$60,840
Average Texas Assessed Value
$247,950
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Houston, Texas
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77033 | $27,640 | $27,640 | $27,640 | $27,640 | $27,640 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Houston, Texas
In Houston, located in San Augustine County, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of the property. The assessed value is determined by the county appraisal district and reflects the market value of the home. Once the assessed value is established, the local tax rate is applied to calculate the annual tax bill. For instance, in Houston, the median home price is $27,640. Depending on the specific area within the city, tax bills can vary significantly. In the 77033 zip code, the median property tax bill is $544, which is consistent across various percentiles. This uniformity suggests a stable tax rate applied to properties in this region. Factors such as property improvements, neighborhood developments, and local government budgets can influence the assessed value and, consequently, the tax bill. For homeowners, understanding these factors is crucial as property taxes can significantly impact annual expenses. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Houston homeowners may find their tax obligations relatively manageable, depending on their property's assessed value.
Average Houston Tax Bill
$544
Average San Augustine County Tax Bill
$792
Average Texas Tax Bill
$3,971
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Houston, Texas
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77033 | $544 | $544 | $544 | $544 | $544 |
Source: Ownwell