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Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Harlingen, Texas

  • Median Harlingen, Texas effective property tax rate: 1.18%, slightly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Texas state median of 1.48%.

  • Median Harlingen, Texas home value: $146,570

  • Median annual Harlingen, Texas tax bill: $1,337, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Cameron calculated?

Property taxes in Harlingen, Texas 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 Harlingen's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Harlingen, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.18%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$1,730

$1,605

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the Harlingen Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Harlingen property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Harlingen's median effective tax rate of 1.18% — based on actual property records in Cameron County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Harlingen's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.

Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Harlingen: rates range from $1,310.00 in 78552 to $1,364.00 in 78550, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts. Harlingen's median property tax bill of $1,337 is lower than the Texas median, and the city's 1.18% rate is higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%.

If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can appeal your Harlingen assessment — you only pay if we save you money.

About Harlingen Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Harlingen, Cameron, Texas

Harlingen’s median effective property tax rate of 1.18% is higher than the Texas state median of 1.48% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Cameron County base levy combined with local school district levies and Municipal Utility Districts that vary by subdivision throughout the city.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Harlingen. Homeowners in the 78552 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.18%, while those in 78550 pay 1.17%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Cameron County. Understanding which part of Harlingen you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Harlingen homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Appraisal District before the May 15, 2026 deadline each year.

If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.

Property Tax Rates Across Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas

As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.

Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.

While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.

Below, you can compare Harlingen's effective property tax rate to other cities in Texas and the median property tax rates in Texas and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas

Source: Ownwell

0.27%

1.31%

2.36%

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 Harlingen Tax Rate

1.18%

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%

Median Effective Texas Tax Rate

1.48%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
785500.37%0.59%1.17%1.77%2.03%
785520.40%0.68%1.18%1.80%2.14%
08550N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78526N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78535N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78551N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78553N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78559N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78566N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78586N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78593N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas

When examining property taxes in Harlingen, Texas, 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 April 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 Harlingen.

For example, the median home price in Harlingen is $146,570, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 78552 has the highest median home price at $157,492.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas

Source: Ownwell

$13,508

$221,167

$428,825

Median Harlingen Market Value

$146,570

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 Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
78550$39,279$93,139$140,702$207,928$283,294
78552$12,664$55,918$157,492$258,923$359,924
08550N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78526N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78535N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78551N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78553N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78559N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78566N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78586N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78593N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas

Property tax bills in Harlingen are based on a home’s assessed value and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities. When a property’s market value rises, the assessed value can increase too, which may lead to a higher tax bill. For homeowners, that means taxes can vary widely from one property to another, even within the same city. In Harlingen, the median home price is $146,570, and the median tax bill ranges from $1,310 in zip code 78552 to $1,364 in zip code 78550. The 25th percentile tax bill is $544, while the 75th percentile is $2,759 and the 90th percentile reaches $4,396. Compared with the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and national median property tax bill of $2,400, there may be opportunities to reduce what you owe. Ownwell helps homeowners appeal overassessed values and pursue exemptions, which can lower property tax bills and keep more money in your pocket.

Property Tax Bills Across Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas

Source: Ownwell

$219

$3,444

$6,669

Median Harlingen Tax Bill

$1,337

Median Cameron County Tax Bill

$1,458

Median Texas Tax Bill

$3,441

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
78550$273$636$1,364$2,486$3,809
78552$174$437$1,310$3,116$4,973
08550N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78526N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78535N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78551N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78553N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78559N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78566N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78586N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
78593N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to protest!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Harlingen, Texas

How are property taxes calculated in Harlingen, Texas?
Property taxes in Harlingen, Texas are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.
How do I appeal my property taxes in Harlingen, Texas?
To appeal your property taxes in Harlingen, Texas, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.
What property tax exemptions are available in Harlingen, Texas?
Common property tax exemptions in Harlingen, Texas include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.
When are property taxes due in Harlingen, Texas?
Property tax deadlines in Harlingen, Texas vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.
How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Harlingen, Texas?
Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Harlingen, Texas. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.