What County in Texas Has the Highest Property Taxes?

An excel document filled with data representing the highest property taxes in Texas

If you're planning to buy a home or invest in real estate in Texas, understanding which areas have the highest property tax rates is critical to managing your overall costs. Texas doesn’t have a state property tax; instead, property taxes are determined by local governments—including counties, cities, school districts, and special-purpose districts. As a result, property tax rates can vary widely across the state.

High Property Tax Areas: Focus on the Houston Region

Counties in and around the Houston metropolitan area, such as Harris County and Brazoria County (home to cities like Pearland), consistently rank among those with the highest property tax rates in Texas.

  • Harris County (Houston): As one of the most populous counties in the state, Harris County imposes relatively high property taxes to fund a vast infrastructure of public services, including extensive school districts, road maintenance, emergency services, and municipal projects.

  • Brazoria County (Pearland): Pearland is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Houston area. The demand for new schools, infrastructure, and services has contributed to higher property tax rates. In some parts of Pearland, the total property tax rate can exceed 2.16% of a property’s assessed value.

Why Are Property Taxes Higher in These Counties?

Several factors contribute to higher property taxes in specific Texas counties:

  • Rapid population growth requires more funding for schools, public safety, and transportation.

  • Multiple overlapping taxing units, such as municipal utility districts (MUDs), can add to the total tax rate.

  • Lack of income tax in Texas means local governments rely heavily on property taxes to fund services.

What It Means for Homeowners

Before purchasing a home, it’s crucial to factor in the total property tax burden. A home in a high-tax county may have a lower purchase price but higher annual costs due to taxes.

Always check with the County Appraisal District to get the most accurate and current tax rates for a specific property or location.

Contact Dimov Partners today to acknowledge which areas have the highest property taxes in Texas and get expert guidance to plan your real estate investment.

George Dimov