Galveston County, Texas Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Galveston County, Texas
Median Galveston County effective property tax rate: 1.19%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Galveston County home value: $307,680
Median annual Galveston County tax bill: $2,996, $596 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Galveston County calculated?
Property taxes in Galveston 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.
Why do property taxes vary across Galveston County? The tax assessed value, local rates, and available exemptions all affect what homeowners pay. How can homeowners lower their tax bill? Reviewing exemptions and appealing an incorrect assessment can reduce taxes. Why does the county’s tax burden matter? A higher tax bill can affect affordability, especially for homeowners and investors.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Galveston or another part of Galveston County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Galveston County, Texas Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.19%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,661
$3,398
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
How Does the Galveston County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Galveston County property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Galveston County's median effective tax rate of 1.19% — 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 Galveston County — scroll down to explore city-level trends and find the rate specific to your area. Galveston County’s median tax rate is higher than the Texas median tax rate of 1.48%, and the county’s median tax bill of $2,996 is higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and $596 higher than the Texas median tax bill.
If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can protest your Galveston County assessment.
Property Tax Rates Across Galveston County, Texas
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Galveston County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Galveston 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 Galveston County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Texas or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Galveston County's median effective rate stands at 1.19%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Galveston County, the highest rate is found in San Leon at 2.26%, while Kemah has the lowest at 0.51%.
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 Galveston County Tax Rate
1.19%
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 Galveston County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alvin | 0.14% | 0.39% | 1.05% | 1.86% | 1.86% |
| Bacliff | 0.21% | 0.65% | 1.49% | 1.96% | 1.96% |
| Crystal Beach | 0.88% | 1.37% | 1.37% | 1.37% | 1.37% |
| Dickinson | 0.46% | 1.06% | 1.79% | 2.41% | 3.08% |
| Friendswood | 0.51% | 1.01% | 1.44% | 1.72% | 2.04% |
| Galveston | 0.30% | 0.71% | 1.72% | 1.75% | 1.75% |
| Gilchrist | 0.73% | 1.61% | 1.61% | 1.61% | 1.61% |
| Hitchcock | 0.24% | 0.66% | 1.52% | 2.17% | 2.22% |
| Jamaica Beach | 0.64% | 1.18% | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% |
| Kemah | 0.22% | 0.36% | 0.51% | 0.72% | 0.74% |
| La Marque | 0.29% | 0.91% | 2.20% | 2.35% | 2.82% |
| League City | 0.34% | 0.49% | 0.59% | 0.74% | 1.20% |
| Port Bolivar | 0.36% | 1.18% | 1.37% | 1.37% | 1.37% |
| San Leon | 0.47% | 0.93% | 2.26% | 2.26% | 2.26% |
| Santa Fe | 0.29% | 0.68% | 1.35% | 1.86% | 2.10% |
| Texas City | 0.17% | 0.46% | 1.24% | 2.26% | 2.31% |
| Tiki Island | 1.35% | 1.69% | 2.02% | 2.38% | 2.38% |
| Arcadia | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Clear Lake Shores | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| High Island | 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 Galveston County, Texas
When examining property taxes in Galveston 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 Galveston 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 Galveston 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 Galveston County.
For example, the median tax bill in Galveston County is $2,996, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Tiki Island has the highest median home price at $765,620.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Galveston County, Texas
Source: Ownwell
$49,860
$553,088
$1,056,315
Median Galveston County Market Value
$307,680
Median Texas Market Value
$258,851
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Galveston County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alvin | $36,422 | $111,212 | $265,740 | $402,390 | $536,358 |
| Bacliff | $8,668 | $34,005 | $164,213 | $253,525 | $316,742 |
| Crystal Beach | $31,750 | $84,178 | $395,770 | $615,045 | $771,090 |
| Dickinson | $21,161 | $158,768 | $254,555 | $325,162 | $415,207 |
| Friendswood | $260,540 | $335,030 | $476,378 | $645,585 | $878,051 |
| Galveston | $182,400 | $254,710 | $375,542 | $574,255 | $850,000 |
| Gilchrist | $41,340 | $152,162 | $430,140 | $643,985 | $824,832 |
| Hitchcock | $73,301 | $135,000 | $219,905 | $367,735 | $480,431 |
| Jamaica Beach | $214,443 | $399,492 | $505,935 | $795,562 | $932,078 |
| Kemah | $161,947 | $260,040 | $374,261 | $566,360 | $905,621 |
| La Marque | $98,626 | $145,849 | $222,175 | $306,208 | $388,344 |
| League City | $222,304 | $289,970 | $375,000 | $462,620 | $560,352 |
| Port Bolivar | $176,557 | $321,015 | $462,930 | $602,488 | $800,578 |
| San Leon | $6,646 | $14,835 | $49,860 | $251,849 | $319,742 |
| Santa Fe | $39,945 | $160,600 | $277,845 | $383,125 | $492,005 |
| Texas City | $100,990 | $140,840 | $185,460 | $245,660 | $309,885 |
| Tiki Island | $511,317 | $580,930 | $765,620 | $949,000 | $1,413,396 |
| Arcadia | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Clear Lake Shores | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| High Island | 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 Galveston County, Texas
Property tax bills in Galveston County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rates set by taxing authorities. When a property’s market value rises, the assessed value can increase too, which often leads to a higher tax bill. Homeowners in the county face a wide range of bills, with the 25th percentile at $1,412 and the 75th percentile at $5,716, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. The median home price in the county is $307,680, and that value helps shape how much tax a homeowner may owe.
Tax bills can vary sharply by location, with the highest median tax bill in Tiki Island at $13,394 and the lowest in San Leon at $636. Ownwell helps homeowners lower their property tax bills by reviewing assessments, identifying potential savings, and filing appeals to challenge unfairly high valuations.
Median Galveston County Tax Bill
$2,996
Median Texas Tax Bill
$3,441
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Galveston County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alvin | $159 | $493 | $1,859 | $4,408 | $6,955 |
| Bacliff | $115 | $310 | $1,154 | $3,171 | $4,627 |
| Crystal Beach | $358 | $914 | $4,495 | $8,287 | $10,017 |
| Dickinson | $299 | $1,097 | $3,544 | $6,449 | $10,654 |
| Friendswood | $1,777 | $3,834 | $6,193 | $9,698 | $14,040 |
| Galveston | $861 | $2,305 | $4,471 | $8,036 | $13,269 |
| Gilchrist | $549 | $2,029 | $5,232 | $9,665 | $12,321 |
| Hitchcock | $247 | $916 | $2,774 | $5,182 | $8,208 |
| Jamaica Beach | $1,734 | $3,719 | $5,870 | $8,757 | $12,444 |
| Kemah | $430 | $1,083 | $1,725 | $2,630 | $4,685 |
| La Marque | $419 | $1,252 | $3,528 | $6,506 | $9,482 |
| League City | $862 | $1,493 | $2,202 | $3,277 | $5,343 |
| Port Bolivar | $989 | $2,743 | $5,486 | $7,677 | $10,197 |
| San Leon | $124 | $221 | $636 | $3,194 | $6,141 |
| Santa Fe | $345 | $959 | $2,906 | $4,975 | $7,044 |
| Texas City | $264 | $805 | $2,157 | $3,727 | $5,713 |
| Tiki Island | $9,986 | $11,655 | $13,394 | $20,111 | $24,072 |
| Arcadia | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Clear Lake Shores | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| High Island | 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 Galveston County property taxes?
How Can I Lower My Property Taxes in Galveston County?
Looking to reduce your Galveston County property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax appeal company serving Galveston County. We specialize in helping property owners in the Galveston area and beyond lower their tax bills by working directly with the Galveston County Appraisal District.
Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the Galveston 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 tax protests in Galveston County begin when homeowners review the value assigned to their property by the Appraisal District. If the assessed market value seems too high, they can file a protest and ask for a lower valuation. The appeal process is designed to give property owners a chance to challenge the assessment before taxes are finalized.
After a protest is filed, the case is reviewed through the county’s formal appeal process. Homeowners may present evidence that supports a lower market value, such as comparable sales, property condition issues, or other factors that affect value. The appeal is then heard by the board that listens to appeals, where the homeowner or their representative can explain why the assessment should be reduced.
The board reviews the evidence and decides whether the property’s value should stay the same or be lowered. If the protest is successful, the result can be a reduced assessment and potentially lower property taxes. If the board does not agree, the original value may remain in place.
Ownwell helps homeowners navigate this process from start to finish. We identify opportunities to challenge an unfair assessment, prepare the evidence needed for a strong protest, and represent homeowners through the appeal process. That support can make it easier to pursue a lower tax bill without having to manage the paperwork and deadlines alone.
For homeowners in Galveston County, the appeal deadline is May 16, 2026, so acting early is important.
Exemptions in Texas
What property tax exemption programs are available in Galveston County, Texas?
Galveston County homeowners may qualify for several property tax exemption programs, with the most important being the homestead exemption for a primary residence. This exemption is available to owners who live in the home as their main residence, and it can reduce the taxable value of that property. Additional exemptions may be available for homeowners who are age 65 or older, people with disabilities, surviving spouses of certain qualifying homeowners, and veterans or their surviving spouses, depending on eligibility rules.
What is the primary residence exemption?
The homestead exemption is the main exemption for a primary residence. It is designed for homeowners who occupy the property as their principal home, and it is often the first exemption homeowners should check for. Other exemptions are separate and may provide further tax relief if the homeowner meets the requirements.
How do homeowners apply for exemptions in Galveston County?
Homeowners typically apply through the local appraisal district by submitting the required exemption form and any supporting documents that prove eligibility. It is important to apply as soon as possible and to keep exemption records current if circumstances change.
How can Ownwell help?
Ownwell can help homeowners identify every exemption they may qualify for, prepare and file the application, and make sure primary residence and other exemptions are not overlooked.
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 | |
|---|---|
| Galveston Appraisal District | |
| Website | esearch.galvestoncad.org |