Property Tax to See Historic Rise in America’s Third-Largest County
Summary
Harris County in Texas, home to over 5 million people including Houston, has approved its highest property tax rate ever to address a budget shortfall of more than $180 million. The county commissioners voted 3-2 to raise the property tax rate by 7.6 percent, increasing the rate from 62 cents to 67 cents per $100 of taxable property value.Key Facts
- Harris County is the third-largest county in the U.S., after Los Angeles County and Cook County.
- The 7.6 percent tax increase aims to close a budget gap over $180 million caused by higher law enforcement pay, healthcare costs, and legal fees.
- The new rate means homeowners will pay 67 cents per $100 of property value, up from 62 cents.
- The tax increase would add about $198 to the average homeowner’s yearly property tax bill.
- The county has faced budget shortfalls for four years in a row.
- The vote was split 3 in favor and 2 against raising the tax rate.
- Democratic County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey voted against the increase.
- Texas state leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, have emphasized reducing property taxes, but local needs have driven this recent increase.
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