Texas · Property Tax & Closing Costs
Texas property tax by county
Property tax rates, median home values, and closing cost estimates for all 249 counties in Texas. The average effective rate across the state is 1.21%, ranking Texas 12 of 51 (above-average property taxes). Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates.
Average rate
1.21%
across 249 counties
National rank
#12
of 51, highest rate first
Median home value
$169,300
county median in state
Rate range
0.41%–2.03%
McMullen County → El Paso County
Same home, different county
On a $169,300 home (the typical county median in Texas), the annual property tax bill depends heavily on where you buy:
Difference
$2,738/yr
$228/mo · $27,376 over 10 years
Estimate: purchase price × each county's effective rate. Actual bills depend on assessed value, local levies, and exemptions.
Lowest property tax rates in Texas
The five Texas counties with the lowest effective property tax rates, useful for buyers comparing total cost of ownership across the state.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| McMullen County | 0.41% |
| Borden County | 0.42% |
| Glasscock County | 0.55% |
| Jeff Davis County | 0.60% |
| Ward County | 0.64% |
Highest property tax rates in Texas
The five Texascounties with the highest effective property tax rates. High rates often reflect strong school district funding or municipal services rather than weakness, but they materially change a buyer's monthly carrying cost.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| El Paso County | 2.03% |
| Menard County | 1.95% |
| Mitchell County | 1.86% |
| Fort Bend County | 1.86% |
| Crosby County | 1.83% |
Texas real estate transfer tax
Texas does not charge a state real estate transfer tax, so buyers and sellers avoid a cost that adds thousands of dollars at closing in many other states.
Texas imposes no state real estate transfer tax. Tex. Tax Code effectively prohibits counties and municipalities from imposing one. Only nominal county recording fees apply.
Official Texas source → · Verified April 2026
Closing costs in Texas
Across Texas's 249 counties, buyer closing costs run $2,326 to $11,210 at each county's median home value with 20% down. Cash needed at closing, with closing costs and the down payment, runs $12,746 to $115,810. Pick your county for your own figures.
Texas closing cost calculatorTexas property tax exemptions
Ways buyers in Texas may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
General Residence Homestead Exemption
Every school district must offer a $100,000 homestead exemption on appraised value of an owner-occupied primary residence for school M&O taxes (raised via Prop 4 in 2023, further increased to $140,000 by Prop 13/11 in 2025).
View official source →Age 65 or Older / Disabled Exemption
Additional $60,000 school district exemption for homeowners 65+ or disabled (increased by Prop 11 in 2025). Plus a school tax ceiling freezing amounts at the level paid when homeowner turned 65.
View official source →Disabled Veteran Exemption
Graduated $5,000-$12,000 exemption based on VA disability rating. 100% disabled veterans (or individual unemployability) receive a total exemption on their residence homestead (Tax Code 11.131).
View official source →10% Homestead Appraisal Cap
Annual increase in appraised value of a qualified residence homestead is capped at 10% (plus improvements) regardless of market value changes.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
All 249 counties in Texas
Effective property tax rate, median home value, and median annual taxes paid for every county in Texas. Click a county to open its full property tax calculator and closing cost breakdown.
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates, tables B25077 (median home value) and B25103 (median real estate taxes paid). Effective rate is computed as median taxes paid divided by median home value at the county level and represents the typical owner-occupied home. Actual bills vary by purchase price, exemptions, and special assessments.