The combined 2026 Austin property tax rate is about $2.1211 per $100 of taxable value, or roughly 2.12%, for a home taxed by the City of Austin, Travis County, Travis County Healthcare District, Austin ISD, and Austin Community College. That is up from $2.0465 in 2025, mainly because the City, County, and Central Health raised their rates. Your own bill depends on your taxing units, your appraised value, and your exemptions.
Key Insights for Understanding Your Property Tax Rate
- Austin has no single rate: Your bill combines rates set by the City, the county, your school district, and special districts, so neighbors in different districts can pay different amounts.
- The 2026 combined rate rose: The five largest units add up to $2.1211 per $100, up 3.6% from $2.0465 in 2025.
- The City rate is up the most: The City of Austin adopted $0.579948 per $100, up from $0.524017.
- Austin ISD is the exception: Its rate fell to $0.9184 from $0.9252, and it is the largest share of the combined rate.
- Exemptions matter: The state school district homestead exemption is $140,000, and the City and Travis County each offer a 20% homestead exemption.
- You can protest: The Travis CAD deadline is May 15 or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later.
This guide shows the 2026 rates by taxing unit with sources, explains how your bill is calculated, and covers the exemptions and protest steps that can lower it. If you are planning a move, our relocation services can help you compare areas.
Austin Property Tax Rates for 2026
Each taxing unit adopts its own rate every year, and the combined rate is the sum of the units that cover your address. The table shows the 2026 rates for the five units that cover most Austin homes in Travis County, compared with 2025.
| Taxing unit | 2025 rate per $100 | 2026 rate per $100 | Change | 2026 adopted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Austin | $0.524017 | $0.579948 | Up 10.7% | Aug. 12 |
| Travis County | $0.375845 | $0.386210 | Up 2.8% | Sept. 15 |
| Travis County Healthcare District (Central Health) | $0.118023 | $0.132863 | Up 12.6% | Sept. 15 |
| Austin ISD | $0.925200 | $0.918400 | Down 0.7% | Sept. 24 |
| Austin Community College | $0.103400 | $0.103643 | Up 0.2% | Sept. 14 |
| Combined rate (all five units) | $2.046485 | $2.121064 | Up 3.6% | Per $100 of taxable value |
Sources: City of Austin (tax rates page), Travis County (FY2027 tax rate statement), and Community Impact (Central Health, Austin ISD, and Austin Community College rates, October 9, 2026). The combined rate adds the five units and applies only to a home taxed by all five; your bill depends on your taxing units and exemptions. Last updated October 2026.
The City of Austin and Travis County both set their 2026 rates at the voter-approval rate, which is the highest rate they can adopt without triggering an election. The City's adopted rate rose about 10.7%, Central Health's about 12.6%, and Travis County's about 2.8%, while Austin ISD's rate fell slightly.
Rates are only part of the picture, because falling or rising appraised values change what you pay. The median taxable homestead value in Travis County fell from $391,064 to $372,633 for 2026, a drop of about 4.7%, according to Austin Current. Community Impact estimated the median homestead would pay about $2,190 to the City and $3,461 to Austin ISD in 2026.
Who Sets the Austin Property Tax Rate?
The Austin property tax rate is a combined rate from several taxing units, each with its own responsibilities and funding needs:
- City of Austin: Funds city services such as parks, libraries, public safety, and road maintenance.
- Travis County (for most of Austin): Funds county services, including courts, law enforcement, and public health programs.
- Travis County Healthcare District (Central Health): Funds healthcare services for eligible county residents.
- Local school districts (such as Austin ISD): Fund public schools, which are the largest share of most tax bills.
- Austin Community College and other special districts: May include community college, hospital, emergency services, or utility districts, depending on your property.
Austin Spans More Than One County and School District
Most of Austin sits in Travis County, but parts of the city extend into Williamson County and a small area of Hays County, and homes in Austin may be served by different school districts. The Austin ISD rate in the table applies only to homes inside Austin ISD. Homes served by another district use that district's rate, so confirm your units before you estimate a bill. For more on local conditions, see our guide to Travis County real estate.
Why Your Neighbor's Tax Bill May Differ
- Taxing units change by area: Nearby homes can fall in different school or special districts.
- Appraised value differs: The Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) or the Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD) sets your appraised value each year.
- Exemptions differ: Homestead, over-65, and disability exemptions reduce taxable value, so two similar homes can have very different bills.
To see the rates for your specific address, visit Travis Central Appraisal District or your county appraisal district.
How Are Austin Property Taxes Calculated?
Your tax bill is your taxable value multiplied by the combined rate, divided by 100, after exemptions. Here is how it works step by step.
Step 1: Property Appraisal
Each year, the appraisal district estimates your property's market value as of January 1. TCAD or WCAD mails notices in the spring, and you can protest the value if you disagree.
Step 2: Appraisal Caps and Changing Values
Texas generally limits annual appraisal increases on a qualifying homestead to 10%, according to Austin Current. Changing market values affect your bill along with rates. For what is driving values, see the Austin real estate market forecast, and for owners weighing rental income, see investment properties in Austin.
Step 3: Applying Exemptions
Exemptions reduce the value that is taxed. The table lists the main homestead exemptions for 2026. See our guide to the Texas homestead exemption for how to apply.
| Exemption | Amount | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| School district homestead | $140,000 off taxable value | Austin ISD and other school districts, on your primary residence |
| Over-65 or disabled (school) | Additional $60,000 | School district taxes, for qualifying homeowners |
| City of Austin homestead | 20% of appraised value | City of Austin taxes, on your primary residence |
| Travis County homestead | 20% of appraised value | Travis County taxes, on your primary residence |
| Local option (any taxing unit) | Up to 20% of appraised value | Set by each taxing unit, with minimum flat amounts |
Sources: Texas Comptroller, Property Tax Exemptions; Travis County; Austin Current. File your homestead application with your appraisal district, generally before May 1. Last updated October 2026.
Step 4: Multiply by the Tax Rates
Once exemptions are applied, each unit's rate is multiplied by your taxable value for that unit. The table shows an illustration for a $500,000 home using the 2026 rates, with and without homestead exemptions.
| Taxing unit | No exemptions | With homestead exemptions |
|---|---|---|
| City of Austin | $2,900 | $2,320 (20% exemption) |
| Travis County | $1,931 | $1,545 (20% exemption) |
| Central Health | $664 | $664 (no exemption applied) |
| Austin ISD | $4,592 | $3,306 ($140,000 exemption) |
| Austin Community College | $518 | $518 (no exemption applied) |
| Estimated total | $10,605 | $8,353 |
Spyglass Realty illustration using the 2026 rates above on a $500,000 taxable value, in an area served by all five units. Exemptions applied: the City and Travis County 20% homestead exemptions (Austin Current, Travis County) and the $140,000 school district exemption (Texas Comptroller). Central Health and Austin Community College may offer their own exemptions, which are not applied here, so the real figure for a homestead may be lower. Appraisal caps, over-65 exemptions, and other adjustments are not included. Last updated October 2026.
Step 5: Public Input and Rate Limits
Taxing units adopt rates after public hearings. Local governments are generally limited to a voter-approval rate, and higher rates require an election, so homeowners have a say in the process. For the City of Austin's adopted rate and budget details, see the City of Austin news release.
This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a tax professional before making decisions about a transaction.
Why Are Austin Property Taxes Considered High?
Texas has no state personal income tax, so local governments and school districts rely heavily on property taxes. Several factors shape Austin's bills.
Funding Public Schools and City Services
- Schools and services: Property taxes fund Austin ISD and other school districts, city parks, libraries, and emergency services.
- Largest share is schools: Austin ISD's $0.9184 rate is about 43% of the combined 2026 rate shown above.
- Rising city costs: The City raised its rate about 10.7% for 2026 to the voter-approval rate.
Rapid Growth and Infrastructure
Population growth increases demand for roads, water systems, public safety, and public transportation. At the same time, zoning and affordability challenges affect the housing landscape and what residents can afford.
A Balancing Act for the City and Its Residents
Austin's property tax system funds the services that residents rely on, but higher rates also raise affordability concerns, especially for long-time homeowners. Staying informed about rates and exemptions helps you manage the cost.
How to Lower Your Property Tax Bill
- File your homestead exemption: If the home is your primary residence, apply with your appraisal district, generally before May 1 (Texas Comptroller).
- Claim over-65 or disability exemptions: Qualifying homeowners get an additional $60,000 school district exemption.
- Review your notice: Check your appraised value, square footage, and exemptions every spring.
- Protest if the value looks high: The deadline is May 15 or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later, per Travis CAD. You can file online, by mail, or in person.
FAQs About the Austin Property Tax Rate
What is the Austin property tax rate for 2026?
There is no single Austin rate. For a home taxed by the City of Austin, Travis County, Travis County Healthcare District, Austin ISD, and Austin Community College, the 2026 rates add up to $2.1211 per $100 of taxable value, about 2.12%. That is up from $2.0465 in 2025. Your actual rate depends on which taxing units cover your address.
How much are property taxes on a $500,000 house in Austin?
Using the 2026 rates for all five units, a $500,000 taxable value comes to about $10,605 with no exemptions. With the City and County 20% homestead exemptions and the $140,000 school district exemption, the same illustration comes to about $8,353. Your bill will differ based on your taxing units, other exemptions, and your appraisal.
How much are property taxes on a $200,000 house in Austin?
Using the same 2026 rates, a $200,000 taxable value comes to about $4,242 with no exemptions, or about $2,570 with the City and County 20% homestead exemptions and the $140,000 school district exemption. Rates differ by location, so check your own address with your appraisal district.
Why are property taxes in Austin so high?
Texas has no state income tax, so local governments and school districts rely heavily on property taxes. Austin adds growth pressure on city services, schools, and infrastructure. The City adopted its 2026 rate at the voter-approval rate, and Travis County did the same, which means each raised its rate. Appraised values have also risen over the long term, although the median taxable homestead value in Travis County fell about 4.7% for 2026, according to Austin Current.
How do I lower my Austin property tax bill?
Make sure your homestead exemption is on file, which is generally due before May 1, and review your appraisal notice every spring. You can protest your appraised value with the Travis Central Appraisal District by May 15 or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later. Homeowners 65 or older or disabled can claim an additional $60,000 school district exemption.
When are Austin property tax rates set?
Each taxing unit adopts its rate annually. For 2026, the City of Austin adopted its rate on August 12, Austin Community College on September 14, Travis County and Central Health on September 15, and Austin ISD on September 24. Appraisal notices arrive in the spring, and tax bills are mailed in the fall.
Need Help Navigating Austin Property Taxes?
Property taxes affect what you can afford and how much a home really costs each month. Our local agents can help you estimate taxes for the neighborhoods you are considering and explain how exemptions apply to your purchase.
Want to estimate the real monthly cost of a home in Austin, including property taxes?
Talk to a Spyglass AgentSources: City of Austin tax rates, City of Austin news release, Travis County FY2027 tax rate statement, Community Impact, Austin Current, Texas Comptroller, and Travis Central Appraisal District. Rates and exemptions change each year. The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and are not legal or tax advice. Consult a licensed professional about your situation. Last updated October 2026.
