Travis County considers 2.8% property tax rate increase for 2026

Travis County commissioners are weighing a 2026 property tax rate that would rise 2.8% to $0.386210 per $100 of taxable value. The proposal would slightly increase the county tax bill for the average homestead, while property value changes keep the increase modest.

Why it matters: - Travis County homeowners could see higher county tax bills in 2026 if commissioners approve the proposed rate. - The proposal affects only the county portion of a property owner’s bill, but it could still add to overall housing costs. - Property values and exemptions will continue to play a major role in how much individual homeowners actually pay.

What happened: - Travis County Commissioners are considering a 2026 property tax rate of $0.386210 per $100 of taxable value. - The proposed rate is up from $0.375845 in 2025, an increase of about 2.8%. - Travis County projects a total property tax levy of about $1.248 billion for 2026. - The projected levy is up $21.6 million, or 1.8%, from the previous year. - The proposed county tax bill for an average residence homestead would be about $1,942.59. - That compares with $1,936.40 under the 2025 rate, a difference of $6.19.

The details: - Travis County says the modest increase for the average homestead reflects lower taxable property values. - The average homestead taxable value fell from $515,213 in 2025 to $502,989 in 2026. - Property tax bills are based on taxable value and the applicable tax rates. - Lower taxable values can offset some of the effect of a higher tax rate. - Homeowners who qualify for exemptions may have a lower taxable value than appraised value. - The proposed rate is above the county’s no-new-revenue tax rate of $0.378179. - The proposed rate does not exceed the voter-approval tax rate of $0.386210. - Travis County is not required to hold an election on the proposed rate. - The estimate of $6.19 applies only to the county’s tax on the average residence homestead. - Individual homeowners may see different changes depending on taxable value and exemptions. - Other local taxing entities, including cities, school districts and special districts, set their own property tax rates.

Between the lines: - The county’s proposed rate sits exactly at the voter-approval threshold, which limits the policy and political room for a larger increase without a public election. - The small increase in the average bill shows how appraisal changes can soften the impact of a higher tax rate, but that relief will not look the same for every property owner. - Patrick O’Connor, president of O’Connor, said Travis County homeowners should review property values and available exemptions to make sure they are not paying more than necessary.

What's next: - Travis County commissioners will move forward with the budget and tax rate process before the 2026 rate is finalized. - Homeowners can review their property values and exemption status as the county’s process continues. - Property owners interested in appealing assessments can enroll in O’Connor’s Property Tax Protection Program. - O’Connor says enrollment takes 2 to 3 minutes online and carries no upfront fee unless the firm reduces property taxes.

The bottom line: - Travis County is considering a rate increase that is modest in percentage terms but still likely to raise county property taxes for many homeowners, depending on their taxable value and exemptions.