Fort Bend County has one of the highest effective property tax rates in Texas, according to a 2026 Yahoo Finance report. However, its total property tax levy remains far below that of larger counties like Harris. Fort Bend’s total levy has nevertheless grown significantly over the past decade.
As property values and tax bills have risen across Texas, tax relief has become a priority for many homeowners. Yet many eligible Texans are missing out on potential savings. A recent report by The Texas Tribune found that hundreds of thousands of Texans who may qualify for a homestead exemption haven’t claimed it, leaving substantial tax relief on the table.
Homestead exemptions help reduce a homeowner’s taxable property value, but they are only part of the equation. Rising market values and local tax rates also drive what property owners pay, contributing to growing statewide concerns over property tax costs.
According to data compiled by O’Connor, total property taxes levied across Texas grew substantially between 2014 and 2024, highlighting the scale of growth in the state’s overall property tax levy.
Still, growth rates vary significantly by region. Comparing total property taxes levied in 2014 and 2024 provides a closer look at how these changes have played out in Harris, Dallas, Travis, and Bexar counties, four of Texas’s largest metropolitan areas.
How Much Have Texas Property Taxes Increased Since 2014?
Over the 10-year period from 2014 to 2024, total property taxes levied in Texas increased by nearly $77 billion, a 160% jump from $48.06 billion to $125.05 billion.
To clarify, total property taxes levied refers to the combined amount of property taxes collected by local taxing units across the state. It is not the same as a property tax rate or an individual homeowner’s bill, which depends on a property’s taxable value and local tax rates.
Although statewide figures show the big picture, county-level data illustrates where property taxes have grown the most.
How Property Taxes Have Changed in Four Major Texas Counties
While property taxes have increased statewide, growth rates vary by county. Comparing total property taxes levied in 2014 and 2024 reveals significant differences in both the amount collected and the pace of growth across Harris, Dallas, Travis, and Bexar counties.
Harris County levied approximately $13.47 billion in property taxes in 2024, up from $9.51 billion in 2014—a 42% increase. Although Harris had the largest total levy, its percentage growth was lower than Dallas, Travis, and Bexar counties. The Texas Tribune reported that an estimated 113,000 Harris County homeowners may qualify for a homestead exemption but haven’t claimed it.
Dallas County saw total property taxes increase from $4.93 billion in 2014 to $8.58 billion in 2024—a 74% increase (about $3.65 billion). An estimated 57,000 properties may be eligible for a homestead exemption with nearly $310 million in potential tax relief left unclaimed.
Travis County experienced the fastest growth, climbing from $3.09 billion in 2014 to $6.36 billion in 2024—a 106% increase that more than doubled its levy. Roughly 60,000 homeowners may also be missing out on homestead savings.
Bexar County increased from $2.88 billion in 2014 to $5.00 billion in 2024—a 74% increase, mirroring Dallas County. Roughly 60,000 homeowners may be eligible but aren’t claiming the exemption.
Fort Bend County saw its total levy grow from $1.44 billion in 2014 to $2.55 billion in 2024—an increase of approximately $1.11 billion, or 77%. Although that was below Travis County’s 106% growth, it exceeded the increases recorded in Dallas and Bexar counties.
“`html| County | 2014 | 2024 | Dollar increase | 10-year increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harris | $9.51 billion | $13.47 billion | $3.96 billion | 42% |
| Dallas | $4.93 billion | $8.58 billion | $3.65 billion | 74% |
| Travis | $3.09 billion | $6.36 billion | $3.27 billion | 106% |
| Bexar | $2.88 billion | $5.00 billion | $2.12 billion | 74% |
| Ford Bend | $1.44 billion | $2.55 billion | $1.11 billion | 77% |
Which County Has the Highest Property Taxes?
Harris County had the highest total property taxes levied among the four major metros in 2024. However, total taxes levied reflect the amount of property tax revenue collected across all properties in a county, not necessarily the highest property tax rate or an individual homeowner’s bill. Travis County experienced the largest percentage increase between 2014 and 2024, with its total levy more than doubling.
Why Have Property Taxes Increased in Texas?
Several factors contribute to rising property taxes across the state.
Rising property values expand the overall tax base as local real estate markets gain value. However, a higher appraisal does not automatically trigger a proportional increase in a property owner’s tax bill, as exemptions and local tax rate adjustments affect the final amount.
Population growth and new construction also expand the tax base. As communities grow, new residential and commercial developments can increase the total amount of property taxes collected across a county.
Finally, local government budgets and tax rates shape overall collections. Because Texas has no state property tax, local taxing entities, including school districts, counties, cities, and special districts, set their own rates to fund public services like schools, roads, and emergency response.
What Rising Property Taxes Mean for Homeowners
O’Connor’s concierge service provides personalized, on-site property support to help homeowners manage their property taxes. Clients receive a dedicated client success consultant, assistance identifying eligible exemptions, access to a secure portal to track protests and manage documents, and the ability to schedule on-site consultations with property tax experts.
Review Your Property Taxes and Protest Annually
Rising property taxes highlight the importance of reviewing your property’s appraised value each year. While homeowners cannot control market trends or local tax rates, they can take action to ensure their property is assessed fairly.
Check your annual notice of appraised value for errors and consider filing a property tax protest if you believe the appraisal exceeds market value.
Thousands of Texas homeowners may be missing out on property tax relief because they haven’t claimed a homestead exemption. Homeowners should check their eligibility with their county appraisal district, as eligible homeowners may be able to apply retroactively and receive refunds for previously paid property taxes.
O’Connor Offers Premium Support for Property Taxes
In addition to exemptions, Texans can appeal their property taxes, which allows them the chance to challenge the values set by the appraisal district. While they were once rare, appeals are becoming commonplace, with over 33% of homeowners in Travis County protesting their appraisals in 2025. Appeals require both grounds and evidence to be successful, and the process can be difficult depending on the jurisdiction. That is where professionals, such as us at O’Connor, come in.
O’Connor helps Texas property owners review appraisals and navigate the protest process to help reduce their property tax burden. We use data-driven techniques to dissect your appraisal, looking for issues that can be protested. We then help gather the evidence and use our advanced databases to find comparable properties that best demonstrate your property’s true value. We will represent you in hearings, and even run your lawsuit if the case warrants it. We also provide world-class service, including our one-of-a-kind concierge service. Enroll with O’Connor today to manage your annual property tax costs. There is no cost to join, and you will only be charged if we lower your taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much have property taxes increased in Texas over the past 10 years?
A: According to O’Connor’s data, total property taxes levied in Texas increased from approximately $48.06 billion in 2014 to $125.05 billion in 2024, an increase of about 160%.
Q: Which Texas county has the highest property taxes?
A: Among Harris, Dallas, Travis, and Bexar counties, Harris County had the highest total property taxes levied in 2024, at approximately $13.47 billion. However, the total levy does not necessarily mean homeowners in that county pay the highest individual tax bills.
Q: Why have property taxes increased in Texas?
A: Rising property values, population growth, new construction, and local government budgets can all contribute to higher property tax collections. Tax rates and exemptions also affect how much individual property owners pay.
Q: How can Texas homeowners reduce their property taxes?
A: Homeowners can check whether they qualify for property tax exemptions, review their notice of appraised value for errors, and consider filing a property tax protest if they believe their appraised value is too high.
Q: Can a homestead exemption lower property taxes in Texas?
A: Yes. A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of an eligible homeowner’s primary residence, which can lower their property tax bill. Eligible homeowners should contact their county appraisal district to learn how to apply.
