Harris County Property Tax Calculator (2026)
The Harris County median effective property tax rate is 1.5% for 2026 (U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024), 0.01% above the Texas median of 1.49%. On a $400,000 home that is about $6,000 a year (~$500 a month). Harris County property is assessed by the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD). Enter your home value below for an instant estimate.
What is the Harris County property tax rate in 2026?
Harris County's median effective property tax rate is 1.5% (U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024). The county median home is $276,600 with a median tax of about $4,489.
How much is property tax on a $400,000 home in Harris County?
About $6,000 a year, or roughly $500 a month, at the 1.5% median effective rate before exemptions.
Who handles property tax in Harris County?
The Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) sets your assessed value. The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector collects the bill. Appeal by May 15.
When are Harris County property taxes due?
January 31 (bills mailed in October; delinquent February 1).
Harris County Property Tax Calculator (2026)
Rates updated 2026 (U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024). Live estimate — county median effective rate.
Harris County's median effective property tax rate is 0.01% above the Texas median and the US average is 0.94%. Your assessed value, local millage, and exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran) will change the actual bill.
Who assesses and collects property tax in Harris County?
In Harris County, the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) sets the assessed value of your home each year. The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector issues the bill and collects payment.
For your exact rate, exemptions, and account details, go to hcad.org — the official source for Harris County. This page is an independent estimate, not a tax bill.
How much is property tax on a home in Harris County?
At the Harris County median effective rate of 1.5%, here is the estimated annual and monthly bill by home value. The county median home value is $276,600, with a median tax of about $4,489 a year.
| Home value | Rate (1.5%) | Annual tax | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | 1.5% | $3,000 | $250 |
| $400,000 | 1.5% | $6,000 | $500 |
| $276,600 (county median) | 1.5% | $4,489 | $374 |
| $750,000 | 1.5% | $11,250 | $938 |
When are Harris County property taxes due, and when can you appeal?
Assessment (lien) date: January 1. Annual — HCAD reappraises every year.
Payment: January 31 (bills mailed in October; delinquent February 1).
Appeal window: May 15, or 30 days after HCAD mails your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later. Missing it usually means accepting the assessed value for the year.
Harris County homesteads are protected by a 10% per year on a homestead's appraised value, which caps how fast your taxable value can climb even when the market jumps.
What exemptions can lower your Harris County property tax?
| Exemption | Amount or rule |
|---|---|
| School district residence homestead | $140,000 off school-taxable value (2026) |
| Age 65+ or disabled (school) | additional $60,000 plus a school-tax ceiling |
| Disabled veteran | partial to total by VA disability rating; 100% rating = full homestead exemption |
| Local-option homestead | up to 20% of appraised value (set by each taxing unit) |
Amounts and eligibility change over time and are administered locally, so confirm what you qualify for with the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) before relying on a figure.
How do you estimate your Harris County property tax by hand?
- Find your home's assessed value on your latest notice from the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD).
- Subtract any exemptions you qualify for, such as homestead, senior, or veteran relief.
- Multiply the remaining taxable value by your local combined tax rate.
- For a quick estimate, multiply your home value by 1.5% — the Harris County median effective rate used above.
Which cities are in Harris County, and what makes it different?
Harris County includes Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Spring, Cypress, Humble, Tomball, among others. Rates differ between these cities and their school and special districts, so two homes of equal value can owe different amounts.
Harris County has one of the most active property-tax protest cultures in Texas. HCAD reappraises every year, and the 10% homestead appraisal cap limits how fast a homestead's taxable value can climb even when the market jumps.