5 Counties in Texas with the Highest Property Tax Rate in 2023
From its rich history, booming market, delicious cuisine, and tax-free income – there are many reasons that motivate people to buy a home and settle in Texas. But what many non-Texans don’t know is that property taxes in the Lone Star State can be high! Due to the lack of personal income tax, counties in Texas collect property taxes on residential and commercial properties to help fund cities, counties, and school districts. Whether you’re already a Texas homeowner or looking to purchase a home in Texas, keep reading to learn about the 5 counties with the highest average Texas property tax rates in 2023.
1. King County, TX – $5,066
Founded in 1876, King County is named for William Philip King and is the second smallest county in Texas with a population of about 265. It consists of 944 square miles of hilly and extensive grasslands located in Northwest Texas. The average yearly property tax paid by King County residents adds up to about 3.42% of their yearly income and has a median property tax total of $5,066 per year. This means King County collects the highest amount of property taxes within Texas.
2. Collin County, TX – $4,351
Collin County was founded in 1846, the same year Texas became a state. The county was named after Collin McKinney, who was one of the 5 men who drafted and signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Collin County is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan statistical area and a small portion of the city of Dallas. It has a population of over 1 million, making it the sixth most populous county in Texas. The area has a median property tax total of $4,351, ranking it as the county with the second-highest property tax rate.
3. Fort Bend County, TX – $4,260
Founded in 1837 and organized the following year, Fort Bend County is named for the blockhouse at the bend of the Brazos River. It is the ninth-largest county in Texas and one of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S., with a current population exceeding 600,000. Not only is it growing in population, but it is also rapidly expanding in the commercial development sector. Within only 10 years, Fort Bend County has grown from 8,600 business establishments or companies to nearly 15,000, which could explain the high property taxes in the area. Fort Bend County reaches a medium property tax total of $4,260.
4. Rockwall County, TX – $4,054
Rockwall County was founded in 1873 and is the smallest area of any Texas county covering only 147 square miles. The county is located in the northeast area of the state and was named for a wall-like subterranean rock formation that runs throughout the county. It has a population of just over 100,000 and is considered one of the best places to live in Texas. The area has a median household value of $458,000 and a median property tax total of $4,054. Meaning it has one of the highest property tax rates in Texas.
5. Williamson County, TX – $3,817
Williamson County was founded in 1848 and was named for Robert McAlpin Williamson, a community leader and a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto. Located just north of the state capital in Austin, it is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. The area is made up of 1,135 square miles and has a population of over 600,000 and is ranked as one of the healthiest counties in Texas. Today, the county is a center for agriculture, education, and high-tech industry, making it a desirable place to live. Williamson County is also known for its high property tax rates. With a median property tax total of $3,817, it ranks as the county with the fifth highest property tax rate in the state.
Need Help Paying Your Property Taxes?
While most Texans are aware of the high property tax rates in Texas, many still find it difficult to pay their property tax bills on time. At Johnson & Starr we can help. Our simple payment plans are customized to fit your unique situation and can be flexible to adapt to nearly any loan requirement. Our loan application process can often be completed in one day. Don’t put off your taxes any longer. Contact us today to find out how we can help.