Ellis County, Texas Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Ellis County, Texas
Median Ellis County effective property tax rate: 1.37%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Ellis County home value: $321,547
Median annual Ellis County tax bill: $3,981, $1,581 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Ellis County calculated?
Property taxes in Ellis 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 your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Ellis County or another part of Ellis County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Ellis County, Texas Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.37%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,405
$4,088
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
How Does the Ellis County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Ellis County property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Ellis County's median effective tax rate of 1.37% — 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 Ellis County — scroll down to explore city-level trends and find the rate specific to your area. Ellis County's median property tax bill is $3,981, which is higher than the Texas median and $1,581 above it. Cedar Hill has the highest median bill at $9,246, while Bardwell has the lowest at $629.
If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can protest your Ellis County assessment.
Property Tax Rates Across Ellis County, Texas
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Ellis County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Ellis 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 Ellis County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Texas or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Ellis County's median effective rate stands at 1.37%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Ellis County, the highest rate is found in Prairie Ridge at 2.48%, while Forreston has the lowest at 0.89%.
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 Ellis County Tax Rate
1.37%
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 Ellis County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon | 0.16% | 0.34% | 1.19% | 1.19% | 1.19% |
| Bardwell | 0.17% | 0.32% | 1.66% | 1.66% | 1.66% |
| Cedar Hill | 0.90% | 1.13% | 1.28% | 1.76% | 2.03% |
| Ennis | 0.31% | 0.72% | 1.49% | 2.15% | 2.15% |
| Ferris | 0.14% | 0.60% | 1.45% | 1.94% | 2.14% |
| Forreston | 0.11% | 0.18% | 0.89% | 1.50% | 1.50% |
| Glenn Heights | 0.94% | 1.26% | 1.60% | 1.94% | 1.94% |
| Grand Prairie | 1.53% | 1.71% | 1.82% | 2.04% | 2.24% |
| Grandview | 0.60% | 1.71% | 1.79% | 2.24% | 2.24% |
| Italy | 0.33% | 0.64% | 1.33% | 1.98% | 1.98% |
| Mansfield | 1.11% | 1.27% | 1.60% | 2.04% | 2.04% |
| Maypearl | 0.34% | 0.83% | 1.35% | 1.85% | 1.85% |
| Midlothian | 0.52% | 0.96% | 1.28% | 2.03% | 2.03% |
| Milford | 0.19% | 0.43% | 1.08% | 1.33% | 1.33% |
| Ovilla | 0.56% | 1.14% | 1.43% | 1.70% | 2.01% |
| Palmer | 0.28% | 0.68% | 1.35% | 1.53% | 2.06% |
| Prairie Ridge | 2.48% | 2.48% | 2.48% | 2.48% | 2.48% |
| Red Oak | 0.37% | 0.85% | 1.39% | 1.77% | 2.08% |
| Venus | 0.24% | 1.35% | 1.80% | 2.23% | 2.48% |
| Waxahachie | 0.36% | 0.86% | 1.35% | 2.05% | 2.05% |
| Alma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Blooming Grove | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Duncanville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kennedale | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lancaster | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mansfiel | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Oak Leaf | 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 Ellis County, Texas
When examining property taxes in Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis 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 Ellis County.
For example, the median tax bill in Ellis County is $3,981, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Cedar Hill has the highest median home price at $727,859.
Median Ellis County Market Value
$321,547
Median Texas Market Value
$258,851
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ellis County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon | $25,723 | $48,205 | $106,894 | $198,788 | $294,699 |
| Bardwell | $30,547 | $40,000 | $110,184 | $166,146 | $228,316 |
| Cedar Hill | $301,953 | $590,362 | $727,859 | $848,546 | $1,035,062 |
| Ennis | $57,024 | $147,569 | $218,285 | $298,122 | $390,921 |
| Ferris | $30,252 | $85,000 | $176,064 | $294,972 | $375,194 |
| Forreston | $38,929 | $100,079 | $191,134 | $243,668 | $302,098 |
| Glenn Heights | $53,625 | $259,569 | $325,195 | $370,000 | $418,598 |
| Grand Prairie | $59,798 | $409,984 | $458,917 | $504,657 | $540,354 |
| Grandview | $257,368 | $437,414 | $463,982 | $504,073 | $542,757 |
| Italy | $38,464 | $121,066 | $186,304 | $242,686 | $315,321 |
| Mansfield | $78,750 | $412,741 | $501,000 | $550,659 | $573,289 |
| Maypearl | $68,834 | $156,988 | $269,728 | $365,816 | $533,719 |
| Midlothian | $72,000 | $258,290 | $406,082 | $540,837 | $688,070 |
| Milford | $30,000 | $51,942 | $140,347 | $203,034 | $259,324 |
| Ovilla | $276,092 | $338,566 | $500,000 | $597,580 | $652,961 |
| Palmer | $67,890 | $119,537 | $214,364 | $335,397 | $450,274 |
| Prairie Ridge | $65,000 | $65,000 | $65,000 | $77,000 | $398,897 |
| Red Oak | $77,190 | $262,196 | $354,521 | $434,711 | $547,979 |
| Venus | $64,000 | $80,000 | $265,902 | $435,818 | $507,425 |
| Waxahachie | $80,000 | $229,174 | $339,040 | $461,360 | $593,869 |
| Alma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Blooming Grove | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Duncanville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kennedale | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lancaster | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mansfiel | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Oak Leaf | 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 Ellis County, Texas
Property tax bills in Ellis County, Texas are based on the assessed value of a home, not the market price alone. Local taxing authorities apply their tax rates to that assessed value to determine the final bill, so a higher assessment can mean a higher property tax bill. For homeowners, that can create a wide range of outcomes: the 25th percentile tax bill is $1,644, while the 75th percentile is $6,311 and the 90th percentile reaches $8,375. The median home price in the county is $321,547, and tax bills vary significantly across cities, from $629 in Bardwell to $9,246 in Cedar Hill.
Because property taxes are tied to assessment accuracy, homeowners may pay more than they should if their home is overvalued. Ownwell helps homeowners review their assessments, identify opportunities to appeal, and pursue exemptions that may lower their property tax bills. That can lead to meaningful savings and a fairer tax bill.
Median Ellis County Tax Bill
$3,981
Median Texas Tax Bill
$3,441
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Ellis County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon | $144 | $302 | $639 | $1,533 | $2,677 |
| Bardwell | $151 | $356 | $629 | $1,990 | $3,305 |
| Cedar Hill | $3,026 | $6,267 | $9,246 | $12,424 | $16,710 |
| Ennis | $477 | $1,011 | $2,788 | $4,547 | $6,205 |
| Ferris | $220 | $583 | $1,741 | $3,562 | $6,431 |
| Forreston | $154 | $318 | $1,011 | $2,284 | $3,474 |
| Glenn Heights | $1,010 | $3,094 | $4,722 | $6,097 | $7,083 |
| Grand Prairie | $1,215 | $6,175 | $8,234 | $9,808 | $10,754 |
| Grandview | $1,098 | $7,508 | $8,433 | $10,382 | $11,749 |
| Italy | $380 | $856 | $1,947 | $3,449 | $4,620 |
| Mansfield | $1,607 | $4,670 | $6,782 | $8,778 | $10,878 |
| Maypearl | $547 | $1,290 | $3,038 | $4,929 | $6,292 |
| Midlothian | $1,155 | $2,552 | $5,068 | $7,290 | $9,509 |
| Milford | $187 | $435 | $848 | $1,890 | $2,647 |
| Ovilla | $1,877 | $3,959 | $7,028 | $9,005 | $10,523 |
| Palmer | $423 | $1,044 | $2,297 | $3,887 | $5,574 |
| Prairie Ridge | $1,612 | $1,612 | $1,612 | $1,909 | $9,892 |
| Red Oak | $855 | $1,896 | $4,358 | $6,577 | $8,324 |
| Venus | $366 | $1,605 | $4,394 | $9,060 | $11,392 |
| Waxahachie | $829 | $1,924 | $4,257 | $6,328 | $8,104 |
| Alma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Blooming Grove | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Duncanville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kennedale | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lancaster | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mansfiel | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Oak Leaf | 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 Ellis County property taxes?
How Can I Lower My Property Taxes in Ellis County?
Looking to reduce your Ellis County property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax appeal company serving Ellis County. We specialize in helping property owners in the Waxahachie area and beyond lower their tax bills by working directly with the Ellis County appraisal district.
Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the Ellis 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 property tax burden.
Property Tax Protests in Texas
Property tax protests in Ellis County begin when homeowners review their property tax assessment from the Appraisal District and decide whether the assessed value is too high. If the assessment does not reflect the market value of the home, the owner can file a protest and ask for a review. The appeal process is designed to give homeowners a chance to challenge the valuation before taxes are finalized.
Once a protest is filed, the case is reviewed through the county’s appeal process, which may include presenting evidence that supports a lower assessed value. Homeowners can use comparable sales, photos, repair records, or other documentation to show why the assessment should be reduced. The appeal is heard by the board that listens to property tax disputes, and that board considers the evidence before making a decision.
The possible outcomes include a reduced assessment, no change, or in some cases a different adjustment based on the evidence presented. If the board agrees that the home was overassessed, the homeowner may receive a lower tax burden. If the board does not change the value, the original assessment remains in place.
Ownwell helps homeowners navigate the property tax protest process by reviewing assessments, identifying potential savings, and preparing a strong appeal. We handle the details, organize the evidence, and guide homeowners through each step so they can challenge their property taxes with confidence. In Ellis County, where the appeal deadline is May 15, 2026, acting on time is essential.
Exemptions in Texas
What property tax exemption programs are available in Ellis County, Texas?
Homeowners in Ellis County, Texas may qualify for several property tax exemption programs that can reduce the assessed value of their home and lower their property tax bill. The most important exemption for many residents is the homestead exemption on a primary residence. This exemption is available to homeowners who occupy the property as their main home, and it is designed to provide relief on the place where they live full time. Other common exemptions may include exemptions for homeowners who are age 65 or older, disabled homeowners, and surviving spouses who meet the county and state requirements.
How do these exemptions work?
Each exemption is separate and should be reviewed on its own. A homestead exemption applies only to a primary residence, while age-based, disability, and survivor exemptions depend on the homeowner’s personal eligibility. Some exemptions may reduce the taxable value of the home, while others may provide additional relief based on the homeowner’s circumstances.
How can homeowners apply for exemptions?
Homeowners usually apply through the local appraisal district by submitting the required exemption form and supporting documents. It is important to file as soon as eligible and to keep records current.
Ownwell can help homeowners identify which exemptions they may qualify for, prepare the application, and make sure they do not miss valuable savings opportunities.
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 | |
|---|---|
| Ellis Appraisal District | |
| Phone | (972) 825-5150 |
| Website | www.elliscad.com |