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Santa Maria, Cameron County, Texas Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Santa Maria, Texas

  • Median Santa Maria, Texas effective property tax rate: 1.33%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Texas state median of 1.48%.

  • Median Santa Maria, Texas home value: $78,711

  • Median annual Santa Maria, Texas tax bill: $632, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Cameron calculated?

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

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Santa Maria, 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

$1,047

$971

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the Santa Maria Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Santa Maria property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Santa Maria's median effective tax rate of 1.33% — 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 Santa Maria'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 Santa Maria: rates range from 1.33% in 78592 to 1.33% in 78592, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

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

About Santa Maria Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Santa Maria, Cameron, Texas

Santa Maria’s median effective property tax rate of 1.33% 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 Santa Maria. Homeowners in the 78592 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.33%, while those in the same ZIP code pay 1.33%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Cameron County. Understanding which part of Santa Maria you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria'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 Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria 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 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 Santa Maria, Cameron County, Texas

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
785920.20%0.47%1.33%1.81%1.96%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Maria, Cameron County, Texas

When examining property taxes in Santa Maria, 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 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 Santa Maria.

For example, the median home price in Santa Maria is $78,711, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 78592 has the highest median home price at $78,711.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Maria, Cameron County, Texas

Source: Ownwell

$13,508

$221,167

$428,825

Median Santa Maria Market Value

$78,711

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 Santa Maria, Cameron County, Texas

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
78592$15,078$38,460$78,711$120,122$181,916

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Santa Maria, Cameron County, Texas

Property tax bills in Santa Maria are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price, and the local tax rate applied to that value. For homeowners, that means a higher assessed value can lead to a larger bill, even when the home’s market value changes more slowly. In Cameron County, the median home price is $78,711, and property tax bills can vary widely, with the 25th percentile at $277 and the 75th percentile at $1,279. The highest and lowest median tax bill listed is $632 in ZIP code 78592.

Because property taxes are a recurring expense, even a modest reduction can create meaningful savings over time. Ownwell helps homeowners lower their property tax bills by reviewing assessments, identifying opportunities for appeal, and pursuing exemptions when available. If your home has been overassessed, Ownwell can help you challenge that value and work toward a fairer bill.

Property Tax Bills Across Santa Maria, Cameron County, Texas

Source: Ownwell

$219

$3,444

$6,669

Median Santa Maria Tax Bill

$632

Median Cameron County Tax Bill

$1,458

Median Texas Tax Bill

$3,441

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Santa Maria, Cameron County, Texas

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
78592$125$277$632$1,279$2,176

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to protest!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Santa Maria, Texas

How are property taxes calculated in Santa Maria, Texas?
Property taxes in Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, Texas?
To appeal your property taxes in Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, Texas?
Common property tax exemptions in Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, Texas?
Property tax deadlines in Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, Texas?
Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Santa Maria, 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.