Harris County Property Tax Guide – Trends, Appeals & How to Lower Your Bill
📍 Harris County, TX | Updated: March 2025
Overview of Harris County Property Taxes
Harris County, home to Houston, has some of the highest property taxes in Texas, largely due to its dense population, high property values, and lack of a state income tax. With rising home prices, major commercial developments, and a growing economy, many property owners are seeing their tax assessments increase significantly. Additionally, Harris County’s flood risk and ongoing infrastructure projects contribute to higher property tax bills. Many homeowners in flood-prone areas have seen tax increases due to new assessments and rebuilding costs after hurricanes and major storms.
📌 Why It Matters: With rising home values, increasing tax rates, and costly flood-related assessments, many Harris County homeowners are overpaying on property taxes—but a tax protest can help!
📊 Harris County Quick Facts
✔ 📍 Location: Southeast Texas, home to Houston
✔ 🏆 Size Rank: 3rd largest county in Texas by land area (1,778 square miles)
✔ 👥 Population Rank: Most populous county in Texas (~4.8 million residents)
✔ 🌆 Largest City: Houston – Largest city in Texas (~2.3 million residents)
✔ 🏙️ Metro Area Rank: Largest metro area in Texas (Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land)
✔ 📈 Growth: One of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S.
✔ 🏡 Median Home Price: ~$350,000 (rising due to demand)
✔ 💰 Median Property Tax Bill: ~$8,500 per year
✔ 🏛️ Major Economic Drivers: Energy, healthcare, aerospace, shipping, and technology
✔ 🚀 Major Attractions: NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston Rodeo, Museum District, The Galleria
✔ 🚗 Major Highways: I-10, I-45, I-69, Beltway 8, Grand Parkway (SH-99)
📊 Harris County Property Tax Trends
📈 Property Tax Rates & Assessments
Average Property Tax Rate: 2.31% of assessed value (varies by jurisdiction).
Average Home Value: ~$350,000 (up 7.2% from last year).
Median Property Tax Bill: ~$8,500 per year.
🏡 Home Value Increases (Past 5 Years)
📅 Year 🏠 Avg. Home Value 📈 % Change
2021 💲**$295,000** 🔺 +6.5%
2022 💲**$320,000** 🔺 +8.5%
2023 💲**$335,000** 🔺 +4.7%
2024 💲**$350,000** 🔺 +4.5%
2025 💲**$375,000** (est.) 🔺 +7.1%
📌 Tip: As home values increase, property tax assessments rise too! If your home’s value jumped more than similar properties in your area, you may be overpaying on property taxes.
✅ What This Means: Homeowners are facing higher tax bills due to increasing property values. If your home’s appraised value is rising faster than similar properties in your area, you might be overpaying.
🔎 Not sure if your property is over-assessed? Check Your Property’s Value
Who Pays the Highest Property Taxes in Harris County?
Certain areas of Cameron County, especially South Padre Island and Brownsville, pay higher tax rates due to tourism-driven property demand, special assessments, and local school districts.
💰 Highest Property Tax Rates by City
🏙️ City 📊 Est. Tax Rate 🏡 Avg. Home Price
Houston 2.31% 💲**$375,000**
Bellaire 2.38% 💲**$1,200,000**
The Woodlands 2.25% 💲**$580,000**
Katy 2.30% 💲**$450,000**
Sugar Land 2.22% 💲**$510,000**
📌 Tip: If your home is in a high-tax area, filing a tax protest can significantly lower your bill!
How to Protest Your Property Tax Assessment in Harris County
If you believe your property is overvalued, you have the right to appeal your assessment with Harris County Appraisal District (CCAD).
📅 Key Deadlines for 2025
🛑 Notice of Appraised Value Sent: Early April 2025
🛑 Property Tax Protest Deadline: May 15, 2025
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Protest
1️⃣ Review Your HCAD Assessment
Visit HCAD.org to check your property’s appraised value.
2️⃣ Gather Supporting Evidence
Recent sales data from similar properties.
Photos of property damage or defects affecting value.
Neighboring properties’ tax assessments (to compare values).
3️⃣ File a Protest with HCAD
✅ Online: Submit your appeal at HCAD.org
✅ By Mail: Send a written protest to HCAD before the May 15th deadline:
13013 Northwest Freeway
Houston, Texas 77040-6305
✅ In-Person: Visit HCAD’s office in Houston to file directly.
4️⃣ Attend Your Informal Hearing
HCAD may offer a settlement to reduce your valuation.
5️⃣ Formal Hearing
If no agreement is reached, you can present your case to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
🔹 Need expert help? Start Your Free Property Tax Review
💰 Save Money on Your Harris County Property Taxes
Don’t wait—appealing your property tax assessment could save you thousands per year. If you’re unsure where to start, Texas Tax Appeal can handle the entire process for you.
📧 Email: info@texastaxappeal.com
🌐 Start Your Free Consultation
🔹 Protest Deadline: May 15, 2025
📌 Don't Overpay! Check if You Qualify for a Lower Tax Bill.
🛠 Resources for Harris County Property Owners
📌 Harris County Appraisal District (BCAD)
📌 Harris County Tax Assessor’s Office -Annette Ramirez
📌 Harris County Taxpayer Liaison Officer, Teresa Terry
🏡 Unique Property Tax Situation in Harris County
Harris County’s property tax system is influenced by high property values, flood risks, and booming commercial developments.
✔ High Property Values: Houston's growing job market and real estate boom have pushed home values higher, increasing tax assessments.
✔ Flood Risk & Infrastructure Costs: Areas prone to flooding (e.g., along Buffalo Bayou) have seen higher taxes due to flood mitigation projects and FEMA regulations.
✔ Energy & Shipping Hub: With Houston as a global energy and shipping center, commercial properties face some of Texas' highest tax assessments.
📌 What This Means: Many Harris County residents are overpaying on property taxes—protesting your assessment can help lower your bill!
📞 Get a Free Property Tax Review Today! 🚀
This guide provides an overview of Harris County’s property tax system, recent market trends, and how to appeal your assessment for potential tax savings.
🔹 Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) oversees property valuations.
🔹 Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector- collects property taxes
🔹 Property Taxpayers' Bill of Rights
🔹 The deadline to appeal your 2025 property tax assessment is May 15.
📞 Need help filing a protest? Get a Free Consultation or Sign Up to Protest Now