Cameron County, Texas Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Cameron County, Texas
Median Cameron County effective property tax rate: 1.33%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Cameron County home value: $155,094
Median annual Cameron County tax bill: $1,458, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Cameron County calculated?
Property taxes in Cameron County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding Cameron County’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Brownsville or another part of Cameron County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Cameron County’s median effective property tax rate of 1.33% is higher than the national median of 1.02%, while the median annual tax bill of $1,458 is below the national median of $2,400.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Cameron County, Texas Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.33%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,063
$1,914
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
How Does the Cameron County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Cameron County property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Cameron County's median effective tax rate of 1.33% — drawn from real transactions across the county — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the value the appraisal district assigns to your property, typically lower than market value after exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate (actual bills divided by market value), which accounts for typical exemptions and is more accurate than applying the statutory millage rate directly.
Note: your assessed value reflects any exemptions you currently have. Rates vary across Cameron County — scroll down to explore city-level trends and find the rate specific to your area.
Cameron County's median tax rate is higher than the Texas median tax rate of 1.48%, and the median tax bill is $1,458, which is $942 lower than the state median tax bill. If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can protest your Cameron County assessment.
Property Tax Rates Across Cameron County, Texas
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Cameron County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Cameron County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.
Below, compare Cameron County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Texas or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Cameron County's median effective rate stands at 1.33%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Cameron County, the highest rate is found in RIVER BEND RESORT at 2.61%, while LA PALOMA has the lowest at 0.65%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Cameron County Tax Rate
1.33%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Texas Tax Rate
1.48%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Cameron County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arroyo City | 1.60% | 1.60% | 1.60% | 1.61% | 1.88% |
| Bayview | 0.46% | 1.22% | 1.58% | 1.78% | 1.83% |
| Brownsville | 0.46% | 0.70% | 1.33% | 2.06% | 2.27% |
| Combes | 0.47% | 0.77% | 1.41% | 2.07% | 2.30% |
| El Ranchito | 0.28% | 0.50% | 0.73% | 0.81% | 1.10% |
| Harlingen | 0.38% | 0.63% | 1.18% | 1.78% | 2.12% |
| Indian Lake | 1.60% | 2.36% | 2.36% | 2.36% | 2.37% |
| La Feria | 0.30% | 0.57% | 1.18% | 1.77% | 2.20% |
| Laguna Heights | 0.73% | 1.56% | 1.64% | 1.77% | 2.17% |
| Laguna Vista | 0.52% | 0.82% | 1.28% | 1.89% | 1.96% |
| La Paloma | 0.22% | 0.36% | 0.65% | 0.88% | 1.29% |
| Las Rusias | 0.21% | 0.31% | 0.72% | 1.51% | 1.77% |
| Los Cuates | 0.36% | 0.71% | 0.92% | 1.39% | 2.14% |
| Los Fresnos | 0.38% | 0.69% | 1.38% | 1.67% | 2.26% |
| Los Indios | 0.30% | 0.42% | 0.90% | 1.18% | 2.18% |
| Lozano | 0.17% | 0.22% | 0.97% | 1.21% | 2.02% |
| Lyford | 0.11% | 0.14% | 0.27% | 0.33% | 0.50% |
| Olmito | 0.38% | 0.88% | 1.53% | 1.77% | 2.10% |
| Port Isabel | 0.52% | 0.95% | 1.57% | 2.17% | 2.21% |
| Primera | 0.41% | 0.60% | 1.08% | 1.68% | 1.94% |
| Rancho Viejo | 0.90% | 1.35% | 2.14% | 2.40% | 2.45% |
| Rio Hondo | 0.25% | 0.55% | 1.24% | 1.61% | 2.04% |
| River Bend Resort | 0.73% | 2.61% | 2.61% | 2.61% | 2.64% |
| San Benito | 0.28% | 0.50% | 0.98% | 1.55% | 2.06% |
| Santa Maria | 0.20% | 0.47% | 1.33% | 1.81% | 1.96% |
| Santa Rosa | 0.28% | 0.63% | 1.15% | 1.95% | 2.42% |
| South Padre Island | 1.27% | 1.65% | 1.71% | 1.74% | 1.79% |
| Alamo | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bluetown | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Boca Chica Beach | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cameron County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Carricitos | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| El Ranchitos | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Houston | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hrlingen | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mcallen | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mercedes | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Off Bville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Padre Island | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Palm Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Primera Rd | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rangerville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| San Antonio | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| San Carlos | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sebastian | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| South Purmela | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wilson | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cameron County, Texas
When examining property taxes in Cameron County, understanding the distinction between market value and assessed value is crucial.
The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Cameron County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes.
The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices:
In Cameron County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April.
Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Cameron County.
For example, the median tax bill in Cameron County is $1,458, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, from $219 in Laguna Heights to $6,669 in South Padre Island. South Padre Island also has the highest median home price at $428,825.
Median Cameron County Market Value
$155,094
Median Texas Market Value
$258,851
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cameron County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arroyo City | $25,641 | $33,466 | $120,440 | $231,131 | $274,854 |
| Bayview | $34,801 | $63,726 | $100,000 | $208,490 | $328,201 |
| Brownsville | $50,000 | $91,451 | $169,000 | $220,137 | $291,614 |
| Combes | $23,033 | $45,510 | $91,013 | $158,297 | $204,196 |
| El Ranchito | $26,803 | $31,516 | $64,971 | $113,877 | $154,756 |
| Harlingen | $18,320 | $76,100 | $146,570 | $231,024 | $324,638 |
| Indian Lake | $18,954 | $22,251 | $32,622 | $73,067 | $88,221 |
| La Feria | $17,039 | $38,552 | $103,386 | $193,214 | $298,376 |
| Laguna Heights | $2,747 | $5,000 | $13,508 | $59,135 | $106,364 |
| Laguna Vista | $167,615 | $205,217 | $286,304 | $383,069 | $497,138 |
| La Paloma | $18,206 | $49,466 | $109,856 | $152,180 | $261,360 |
| Las Rusias | $13,400 | $33,407 | $64,326 | $151,444 | $235,724 |
| Los Cuates | $35,427 | $53,908 | $121,780 | $189,807 | $225,342 |
| Los Fresnos | $34,038 | $72,023 | $137,082 | $217,631 | $325,020 |
| Los Indios | $3,609 | $35,334 | $84,222 | $144,335 | $210,727 |
| Lozano | $27,579 | $42,504 | $71,445 | $121,547 | $184,139 |
| Lyford | $21,483 | $65,292 | $154,684 | $225,666 | $342,534 |
| Olmito | $43,584 | $84,407 | $159,172 | $290,851 | $377,840 |
| Port Isabel | $11,389 | $79,600 | $175,914 | $309,996 | $429,637 |
| Primera | $26,880 | $51,208 | $131,302 | $205,653 | $279,920 |
| Rancho Viejo | $120,039 | $164,813 | $255,571 | $325,710 | $411,761 |
| Rio Hondo | $9,625 | $48,825 | $119,843 | $215,062 | $312,901 |
| River Bend Resort | $44,696 | $57,178 | $70,808 | $85,641 | $97,175 |
| San Benito | $11,989 | $45,502 | $106,811 | $187,354 | $281,842 |
| Santa Maria | $15,078 | $38,460 | $78,711 | $120,122 | $181,916 |
| Santa Rosa | $24,755 | $59,818 | $100,593 | $166,404 | $263,134 |
| South Padre Island | $212,719 | $300,000 | $428,825 | $610,490 | $885,000 |
| Alamo | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bluetown | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Boca Chica Beach | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cameron County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Carricitos | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| El Ranchitos | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Houston | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hrlingen | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mcallen | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mercedes | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Off Bville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Padre Island | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Palm Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Primera Rd | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rangerville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| San Antonio | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| San Carlos | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sebastian | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| South Purmela | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wilson | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Cameron County, Texas
Property tax bills in Cameron County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate. When a property’s market value rises, the assessed value can rise too, which can increase the bill homeowners receive each year. For a county with a median home price of $155,094, that calculation can lead to very different outcomes depending on location and individual property characteristics.
The bill is determined by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable tax rates from local taxing entities. Factors such as neighborhood, home features, and comparable sales can all affect the final assessed value. In Cameron County, tax bills vary widely, with the 25th percentile at $627 and the 75th percentile at $3,256, while the 90th percentile reaches $5,240. Some homeowners face much higher bills, including a median tax bill of $6,669 in South Padre Island, while others pay far less, such as $219 in Laguna Heights.
Ownwell helps homeowners challenge inaccurate assessments and pursue exemptions, which can lower property tax bills and reduce what they pay each year.
Median Cameron County Tax Bill
$1,458
Median Texas Tax Bill
$3,441
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Cameron County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arroyo City | $410 | $555 | $2,005 | $3,477 | $4,348 |
| Bayview | $285 | $597 | $1,471 | $2,322 | $4,406 |
| Brownsville | $403 | $850 | $1,709 | $3,441 | $4,814 |
| Combes | $254 | $534 | $940 | $1,865 | $3,457 |
| El Ranchito | $118 | $210 | $344 | $693 | $1,024 |
| Harlingen | $207 | $544 | $1,337 | $2,759 | $4,396 |
| Indian Lake | $387 | $473 | $748 | $1,673 | $2,098 |
| La Feria | $148 | $352 | $806 | $1,921 | $3,645 |
| Laguna Heights | $46 | $82 | $219 | $528 | $1,661 |
| Laguna Vista | $1,052 | $1,955 | $3,729 | $5,426 | $7,201 |
| La Paloma | $125 | $209 | $437 | $1,204 | $1,673 |
| Las Rusias | $99 | $275 | $569 | $816 | $1,425 |
| Los Cuates | $281 | $424 | $778 | $1,756 | $3,188 |
| Los Fresnos | $296 | $647 | $1,352 | $2,712 | $4,624 |
| Los Indios | $50 | $249 | $572 | $1,073 | $1,712 |
| Lozano | $113 | $228 | $557 | $933 | $1,499 |
| Lyford | $69 | $127 | $229 | $533 | $668 |
| Olmito | $329 | $776 | $1,700 | $4,157 | $6,951 |
| Port Isabel | $187 | $839 | $2,193 | $4,234 | $6,431 |
| Primera | $224 | $374 | $1,102 | $2,197 | $3,447 |
| Rancho Viejo | $1,801 | $2,860 | $4,504 | $6,397 | $8,279 |
| Rio Hondo | $140 | $398 | $940 | $1,973 | $3,634 |
| River Bend Resort | $738 | $1,091 | $1,518 | $1,938 | $2,358 |
| San Benito | $147 | $351 | $753 | $1,524 | $2,826 |
| Santa Maria | $125 | $277 | $632 | $1,279 | $2,176 |
| Santa Rosa | $211 | $453 | $988 | $1,935 | $3,259 |
| South Padre Island | $3,066 | $4,696 | $6,669 | $10,093 | $14,591 |
| Alamo | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bluetown | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Boca Chica Beach | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cameron County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Carricitos | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| El Ranchitos | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Houston | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hrlingen | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mcallen | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mercedes | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Off Bville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Padre Island | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Palm Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Primera Rd | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rangerville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| San Antonio | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| San Carlos | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sebastian | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| South Purmela | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Wilson | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Want to lower your Cameron County property taxes?
How Can I Lower My Property Taxes in Cameron County?
Looking to reduce your Cameron County property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax appeal company serving Cameron County. We specialize in helping property owners in the Brownsville area and beyond lower their tax bills by working directly with the Cameron County Appraisal District.
Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the Cameron County property tax appeal process and identify all available exemptions, so you don't have to.
Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate investor, or an asset manager, our local team at Ownwell has the expertise to assess your current property tax situation and find strategic opportunities for reducing your tax burden.
Property Tax Protests in Texas
Property taxes in Cameron County are based on the assessed market value of your home, and if you believe that value is too high, you can protest it. The process starts by filing an appeal with the Appraisal District by the deadline. Homeowners can challenge the assessment if they think the property was overvalued, if comparable homes were treated differently, or if there are errors in the property record.
After the protest is filed, the case moves into the review process. The Appraisal District may review the evidence and, in some cases, resolve the issue before a hearing. If the dispute continues, the appeal is heard by the appraisal review board, which listens to both the homeowner and the district. This board considers the facts and decides whether the assessed value should stay the same or be changed.
The possible outcomes are straightforward: the assessment can be lowered, left unchanged, or, in some cases, adjusted in another way based on the evidence. A successful protest can reduce your property tax burden, while an unsuccessful one means the original assessment remains in place.
Ownwell can help homeowners navigate the property tax appeal process from start to finish. That includes reviewing your assessment, identifying possible issues, preparing a strong case, and helping present evidence to the board. With support throughout the protest process, homeowners can save time and feel more confident about challenging an unfair assessment.
Exemptions in Texas
What property tax exemptions are available in Cameron County?
Cameron County homeowners may qualify for several property tax exemptions that can lower the assessed value of a home and reduce the tax bill. The most important is the homestead exemption for a primary residence, which is available to homeowners who live in the home as their main residence. This exemption is designed to protect owner-occupied homes and is often the first one homeowners should check.
Who can qualify for a homestead exemption in Cameron County?
Homeowners who occupy the property as their primary residence may be eligible for the homestead exemption. Additional exemptions may also be available for seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans, depending on their circumstances. Each exemption is separate, so homeowners should review every option carefully to make sure they are not missing savings they qualify for.
How do homeowners apply for exemptions?
Homeowners typically apply through the local appraisal district by submitting the required exemption form and supporting documents that prove eligibility. For a homestead exemption, that usually means showing the property is the homeowner’s primary residence. Other exemptions may require age, disability, or veteran documentation.
How can Ownwell help?
Ownwell helps homeowners identify every exemption they may qualify for, file the right paperwork, and avoid missing savings on their primary residence. By reviewing eligibility and guiding the application process, Ownwell makes it easier to take advantage of all available Cameron County property tax exemptions.
Available Exemptions
Senior
Disabled
Home Stead
Veteran
Solar/Wind
Non-Profit
Don't miss the deadline to protest!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | May 15 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | January 31 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Cameron Appraisal District | |
| Phone | (956) 399-9322 |
| Website | cameron.prodigycad.com |