Hays County Property Taxes

Hays County, Texas

Effective Tax Rate

0.00%

191.4% above state avg

Median Annual Tax

$0

$535/mo escrow

#233 of 250 counties in Texas

Estimate Your Tax

$
$50K$2M

Annual Tax

$0

Monthly

$0

Eff. Rate

1.73%

vs. Texas Avg191.4% above
vs. National Avg138.7% above

At a Glance

Median Home Value

$371,400

State avg $171,960

Tax w/ Mortgage/yr

$6,694

$558/mo escrow

Tax w/o Mortgage/yr

$5,641

$470/mo

State Tax Rate Rank

#233

of 250 counties (1 = lowest)

Data Story

About Property Taxes in Hays County, Texas

Hays taxes rank high nationally

At 1.729%, Hays County's effective tax rate outpaces the national median of 1.199%, placing it in the 73rd percentile—meaning most American counties tax property less aggressively. Homeowners here pay $6,420 annually on a median home valued at $371,400, compared to the national median tax of just $2,690.

Third-highest rate in Texas

Hays County ranks among the highest-taxing counties in Texas at 1.729%, well above the state average of 1.276%. The median property tax of $6,420 nearly triples the state average of $2,193, reflecting both higher home values and aggressive tax collection.

Stands out among regional peers

Neighboring counties tax at significantly lower rates: Hood County (1.152%), Henderson County (0.981%), and Hopkins County (1.073%) all charge roughly one-third less. Hays's 1.729% rate makes it the clear outlier in Central Texas, driven by strong suburban demand and rising home valuations.

What $371,400 home costs annually

A median-priced home in Hays County generates $6,420 in annual property taxes under standard conditions, or $6,694 if financed with a mortgage. That's roughly $535 per month in property taxes alone—a significant burden for homeowners in this fast-growing Austin suburb.

Challenge your assessment

With tax rates this high, overassessment is common—many Hays County homeowners pay on inflated property valuations. Consider requesting a professional appraisal and filing a formal appeal if your assessed value doesn't match current market comparables; successful challenges have saved residents thousands annually.

How Hays County Compares

Median Annual Property Tax

Hays County$6,420
Texas State Average$2,203
National Average$1,924

Hays County

1.73%

Effective rate

Texas Avg

1.28%

Effective rate

National Avg

0.91%

Effective rate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Hays County, Texas?
The effective property tax rate in Hays County, Texas is 1.73%. This rate is calculated by dividing the median property tax payment by the median home value in the county.
How much are property taxes in Hays County?
The median annual property tax payment in Hays County is $6,420. Homeowners with a mortgage pay a median of $6,694, while those without a mortgage pay $5,641.
How does Hays County compare to the Texas average?
Hays County's effective tax rate of 1.73% is higher than the Texas state average of 1.28%. The median annual property tax in Hays County is $6,420, compared to the state average of $2,203.
What is the median home value in Hays County, Texas?
The median home value in Hays County, Texas is $371,400, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.
Why is Hays County property tax rate higher than the Texas average?
Hays County's effective property tax rate of 1.73% is higher than the Texas average of 1.28%. This difference of 0.45% can be attributed to local funding needs for schools, infrastructure, and municipal services. Higher rates often correlate with more urbanized areas or counties with greater public service demands.
How does Hays County rank for property taxes in Texas?
Hays County ranks #233 out of 250 counties in Texas by effective property tax rate (1 = lowest). With a rate of 1.73% and median annual tax of $6,420, it falls in the upper third of counties statewide.

Counties with Similar Tax Rates

Nearby Counties

Other Counties in Texas

Data updated: March 2026

Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Effective tax rate is calculated as median property tax divided by median home value.