Hays County, Texas Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Hays County, Texas
Median Hays County effective property tax rate: 1.49%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Hays County home value: $383,244
Median annual Hays County tax bill: $5,749, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Hays County calculated?
Property taxes in Hays 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.
What makes Hays County property taxes stand out? The median effective property tax rate is 1.49%, which is also higher than the Texas median tax rate of 1.48%. The median annual tax bill is $5,749, and that is $3,349 higher than the state median tax bill.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Hays County or another part of the county, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Hays County, Texas Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.49%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,710
$5,299
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
How Does the Hays County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Hays County property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Hays County's median effective tax rate of 1.49% — 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. Hays County's median tax rate is higher than Texas's 1.48% median rate, and the median tax bill is $5,749, which is $3,349 higher than the state median bill and well above the $2,400 national median property tax bill. Rates vary across Hays County — scroll down to explore city-level trends and find the rate specific to your area.
If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can protest your Hays County assessment.
Property Tax Rates Across Hays County, Texas
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Hays County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Hays 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 Hays County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Texas or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Hays County's median effective rate stands at 1.49%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Hays County, the highest rate is found in Uhland at 1.83%, while Fischer has the lowest at 0.53%.
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 Hays County Tax Rate
1.49%
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 Hays County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | 0.71% | 1.10% | 1.51% | 1.76% | 2.21% |
| Buda | 0.72% | 1.26% | 1.62% | 2.05% | 2.55% |
| Driftwood | 0.38% | 0.80% | 1.17% | 1.44% | 1.75% |
| Dripping Springs | 0.36% | 0.71% | 1.22% | 1.64% | 2.01% |
| Fischer | 0.13% | 0.32% | 0.53% | 0.97% | 1.17% |
| Kyle | 0.59% | 1.34% | 1.72% | 2.20% | 2.54% |
| Manchaca | 0.43% | 0.65% | 1.04% | 1.34% | 1.71% |
| Maxwell | 0.30% | 0.36% | 0.89% | 1.63% | 1.81% |
| Mountain City | 0.45% | 0.65% | 0.98% | 1.11% | 1.65% |
| New Braunfels | 0.27% | 0.46% | 0.67% | 1.17% | 1.44% |
| Niederwald | 0.26% | 0.73% | 1.69% | 1.77% | 1.82% |
| Round Mountain | 0.40% | 0.67% | 1.48% | 1.58% | 1.73% |
| San Marcos | 0.49% | 0.93% | 1.47% | 1.91% | 2.16% |
| Uhland | 1.70% | 1.74% | 1.83% | 1.83% | 3.80% |
| Wimberley | 0.29% | 0.52% | 0.87% | 1.32% | 1.48% |
| Cypress Mill | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Johnson City | 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 Hays County, Texas
When examining property taxes in Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays County.
For example, the median tax bill in Hays County is $5,749, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, with Austin at the highest median tax bill of $11,544 and Maxwell at the lowest median tax bill of $1,222.
Median Hays County Market Value
$383,244
Median Texas Market Value
$258,851
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Hays County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | $545,887 | $654,825 | $782,987 | $940,848 | $1,180,092 |
| Buda | $263,240 | $332,990 | $401,220 | $500,000 | $613,930 |
| Driftwood | $362,556 | $671,645 | $889,180 | $1,125,480 | $1,534,386 |
| Dripping Springs | $314,938 | $490,110 | $677,480 | $890,620 | $1,234,956 |
| Fischer | $91,781 | $460,818 | $891,045 | $1,275,890 | $1,851,786 |
| Kyle | $106,200 | $260,820 | $313,660 | $369,572 | $458,343 |
| Manchaca | $333,035 | $427,258 | $509,825 | $681,780 | $852,990 |
| Maxwell | $218,438 | $252,030 | $287,835 | $326,344 | $363,580 |
| Mountain City | $553,407 | $591,040 | $643,045 | $723,950 | $801,060 |
| New Braunfels | $124,110 | $173,970 | $249,780 | $378,835 | $516,430 |
| Niederwald | $72,526 | $142,640 | $210,560 | $302,140 | $493,264 |
| Round Mountain | $228,902 | $274,500 | $334,410 | $485,770 | $842,948 |
| San Marcos | $103,980 | $238,750 | $328,740 | $452,730 | $630,578 |
| Uhland | $84,334 | $190,030 | $291,590 | $698,055 | $1,572,076 |
| Wimberley | $228,358 | $376,305 | $523,795 | $857,716 | $1,326,861 |
| Cypress Mill | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Johnson City | 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 Hays County, Texas
Property tax bills in Hays County are based on the assessed value of a home, not the purchase price. Local taxing authorities apply their tax rates to that assessed value to determine the final bill, so homeowners with similar homes can still owe very different amounts depending on location and exemptions.
With a median home price of $383,244, property taxes can be a major expense for Hays County homeowners. The 25th percentile tax bill is $3,293, while the 75th percentile tax bill is $8,508 and the 90th percentile reaches $12,077. In Austin, the highest median tax bill is $11,544, while Maxwell has the lowest median tax bill at $1,222.
Because property taxes are tied to assessed value, an inaccurate assessment can lead to an unnecessarily high bill. Ownwell helps homeowners appeal their property tax assessments and identify exemptions that may lower what they owe, helping them save money year after year.
Median Hays County Tax Bill
$5,749
Median Texas Tax Bill
$3,441
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Hays County, Texas
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | $5,170 | $8,577 | $11,544 | $14,569 | $18,346 |
| Buda | $2,041 | $4,677 | $6,729 | $8,961 | $10,996 |
| Driftwood | $1,923 | $5,337 | $10,029 | $13,610 | $18,093 |
| Dripping Springs | $1,598 | $4,104 | $7,712 | $11,717 | $16,617 |
| Fischer | $360 | $1,511 | $4,330 | $9,508 | $12,377 |
| Kyle | $1,043 | $3,039 | $5,134 | $7,172 | $8,865 |
| Manchaca | $1,970 | $3,134 | $5,293 | $7,542 | $10,682 |
| Maxwell | $916 | $916 | $1,222 | $5,075 | $5,903 |
| Mountain City | $2,689 | $4,184 | $6,279 | $8,124 | $10,262 |
| New Braunfels | $475 | $888 | $1,872 | $3,448 | $4,324 |
| Niederwald | $403 | $1,258 | $2,702 | $3,882 | $5,982 |
| Round Mountain | $1,370 | $1,779 | $4,062 | $6,123 | $11,292 |
| San Marcos | $791 | $2,271 | $4,481 | $6,670 | $8,970 |
| Uhland | $1,373 | $3,522 | $6,356 | $12,807 | $26,417 |
| Wimberley | $1,194 | $2,576 | $4,555 | $7,084 | $10,749 |
| Cypress Mill | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Johnson City | 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 Hays County property taxes?
How Can I Lower My Property Taxes in Hays County?
Looking to reduce your Hays County property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax appeal company serving Hays County. We specialize in helping property owners in the San Marcos area and beyond lower their tax bills by working directly with the Hays Central Appraisal District.
Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the Hays 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
Homeowners in Hays County can protest their property tax assessments if they believe their market value is too high. The process begins with a notice from the Appraisal District, which sets the assessed value used to calculate property taxes. If that value seems inaccurate, homeowners can file a protest by the appeal deadline of May 15, 2026.
The protest process usually starts with a written appeal, followed by a review of the evidence. Homeowners may present comparable sales, photos, repair estimates, or other information that supports a lower market value. If the issue is not resolved informally, the case can move to a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board, the board that listens to appeals and decides whether the assessment should change.
What can happen after an appeal? The board may lower the assessed value, leave it unchanged, or, in some cases, increase it if the evidence supports a higher value. A successful protest can reduce the tax burden for the year, while an unsuccessful one leaves the assessment in place. Because the county’s tax rate is higher than the national median, even a modest reduction in assessed value can make a meaningful difference.
Ownwell helps homeowners navigate the appeal process from start to finish. We review the assessment, identify opportunities to challenge the market value, prepare the evidence, and represent the case through the hearing process. That way, homeowners do not have to manage the paperwork, deadlines, or board presentation alone.
Exemptions in Texas
What property tax exemption programs are available in Hays County, Texas?
Homeowners in Hays County, Texas may qualify for several property tax exemptions that can reduce the assessed value of a home and lower the tax bill. The most important is the homestead exemption for a primary residence. This exemption is available to homeowners who live in the home as their main residence, and it helps protect part of the home’s value from taxation. A primary residence homestead exemption is especially valuable because it is designed for the home you actually live in, not a second home or rental property.
Other exemptions may be available for homeowners who meet specific requirements, including exemptions for seniors, people with disabilities, and certain surviving spouses. Each exemption has its own eligibility rules, and some can be combined with the homestead exemption if the homeowner qualifies. These programs are meant to provide relief for different situations, so it is important to review each one carefully.
How do homeowners apply for exemptions in Hays County, Texas? Applications are typically filed with the local appraisal district, and homeowners must provide the required documentation to prove eligibility. Ownwell can help identify which exemptions you may qualify for, prepare the application, and make sure nothing is missed so you can take full advantage of the savings available.
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 | |
|---|---|
| Hays Appraisal District | |
| Website | esearch.hayscad.com |