Editor's note: this story has been updated to accurately reflect the name of Travis Central Appraisal District.

Property tax rates can change annually, and residents of Travis County, like those in most counties, have their taxes set by multiple taxing entities.

What you need to know

Each year, local governing bodies like county commissioners, City Councils and school boards review budgets and set tax rates based on projected revenue needs and voter-approved measures.

No matter where someone lives in Travis County, there are two taxing entities that apply to all properties: the Travis County government and the county's hospital district, Central Health. Both entities have approved tax increases for the upcoming year.
In addition to the broader county tax rates, other taxing authorities vary depending on where someone lives. These may include:
  • Cities
  • School districts
  • Local community college taxing districts
  • Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs)
  • Emergency Service Districts (ESDs)
  • Water Control and Improve Districts (WCIDs)
City tax rates vary from one city to another. In Travis County, the cities of Pflugerville and Austin have consistently held some of the highest property tax rates in the county over the last several years.
However, even if tax rates stay the same, property taxes can increase if property values rise, like a recent years’ spike in real estate prices throughout Central Texas.


In contrast, many of the various tax rates set by school districts are lower than in previous years—a result of stagnant state funding. With inflation and operating costs increasing over the years, many districts are placing voter-approved tax rate elections on this November's ballot.

If approved by voters, local school district property tax increases will help offset budget deficits, according to school officials.
Austin Community College also receives a large portion of its funding from property taxes. The school’s taxing district spans much of Travis County.

With the approval of this year’s tax rate, ACC remains among the lowest in all Texas community colleges and means the average property tax bill won’t increase for taxpayers living within the community college’s taxing district, according to a news release.

Taxpayers will see a tax rate of $0.1013 per $100 valuation for the upcoming fiscal year.
Austin Community College taxing district spans much of Travis County.
Items worth mentioning


Homeowners may qualify for tax exemptions, which might include exemptions for general homesteads, seniors, homeowners with disabilities and commercial property owners.

Each taxing entity offers different exemptions. For example, Travis County provides a property tax exemption of up to $154,000 for eligible senior homeowners, according to county documents.

Reach out to the Travis Central Appraisal District for more information.

Learn More


More information for individuals wishing to calculate their total estimated property taxes can be found here.