Travis County Property Tax Guide – Trends, Appeals & How to Lower Your Bill
📍 Travis County, TX | Updated: March 2025
Overview of Travis County Property Taxes
Travis County, home to Austin, has one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in Texas, leading to higher property tax assessments for homeowners and businesses. With rising home values, an influx of new residents, and a booming tech industry, many property owners are seeing their tax bills increase significantly. Additionally, short-term rentals (STRs) in Austin and commercial properties are facing higher appraisals, while new developments and gentrification have contributed to skyrocketing home prices across the county.
📌 Why It Matters: The rapid rise in property values, combined with one of Texas’ highest property tax rates, means many Travis County homeowners are overpaying—but a tax protest can help!
📞 Need help filing a protest? Get a Free Consultation
📊 Travis County Quick Facts
✔ 📍 Location: Central Texas, home to the state capital, Austin
✔ 🏆 Size Rank: 13th largest county in Texas by land area (1,023 square miles)
✔ 👥 Population Rank: 5th most populous county in Texas (~1.3 million residents)
✔ 🌆 Largest City: Austin – 4th largest city in Texas (~1 million residents)
✔ 🏙️ Metro Area Rank: 4th largest metro area in Texas (Austin-Round Rock)
✔ 📈 Growth: One of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S.
✔ 🏡 Median Home Price: ~$520,000 (rising due to demand)
✔ 💰 Median Property Tax Bill: ~$10,000 per year
✔ 🏛️ Major Economic Drivers: Technology, government, higher education (UT Austin), music & tourism
✔ 🎸 Major Attractions: Texas State Capitol, SXSW, ACL Music Festival, Lady Bird Lake
✔ 🚗 Major Highways: I-35, US-183, SH-71, Mopac (Loop 1)
📊 Travis County Property Tax Trends
📈 Property Tax Rates & Assessments
Average Property Tax Rate: 1.98% of assessed value (varies by jurisdiction).
Average Home Value: ~$520,000 (up 6.5% from last year).
Median Property Tax Bill: ~$10,000 per year.
🏡 Home Value Increases (Past 5 Years)
📅 Year 🏠Avg. Home Value 📈 % Change
2021 💲**$450,000** 🔺 +9.2%
2022 💲**$485,000** 🔺 +7.8
2023 💲**$500,000** 🔺 +3.1%
2024 💲**$520,000** 🔺 +4.0%
2025 💲**$545,000** (est.) 🔺 +4.8%
📌 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 Travis County?
Certain areas of Austin and surrounding cities pay higher tax rates due to school districts, city taxes, and special assessments.
💰 Highest Property Tax Rates by City
🏙️ City 📊 Est. Tax Rate 🏡 Avg. Home Price
Austin 1.98% 💲**$550,000**
West Lake Hills 2.10% 💲**$1,400,000**
Pflugerville 2.20% 💲**$390,000**
Lakeway 2.00% 💲**$780,000**
Round Rock 2.05% 💲**$450,000**
📌 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 Travis County
If you believe your property is overvalued, you have the right to appeal your assessment with Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD).
📅 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 TCAD Assessment
Visit TCAD.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 TCAD
✅ Online: Submit your appeal at TCAD.org
✅ By Mail: Send a written protest to TCAD before the deadline:
P.O. Box 149012
Austin, TX 78714-9012
✅ In-Person: Visit TCAD’s office in Austin to file directly.
4️⃣ Attend Your Informal Hearing
TCAD 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 Travis 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 Travis County Property Owners
📌 Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD)
📌 Travis County Tax Assessor’s Office
🏡 Unique Property Tax Situation in Travis County
Travis County’s property tax system is influenced by tech industry growth, short-term rentals, and rapid home price increases.
✔ Booming Tech Industry: The rise of Tesla, Apple, and Oracle in Austin has driven demand, increasing home values—and tax assessments.
✔ Short-Term Rentals (STRs): Austin’s Airbnb and vacation rental market has led to higher tax assessments on investment properties.
✔ Gentrification & Rising Prices: Neighborhoods like East Austin have seen rapid appreciation, leading to unexpected property tax hikes for longtime homeowners.
📌 What This Means: Many Travis 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 Travis County’s property tax system, recent market trends, and how to appeal your assessment for potential tax savings.
🔹 Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD) oversees property valuations.
🔹 Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector
🔹 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