Houston, Wharton County, Texas Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Houston, Texas

Median Houston, Texas effective property tax rate: 0.92%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Texas state median of 1.48%.
Median Houston, Texas home value: $101,763
Median annual Houston, Texas tax bill: $917, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Wharton calculated?

Property taxes in Houston, Texas 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.

Understanding Houston's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Houston, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Houston, Wharton County, Texas Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.92%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$936

$869

How Does the Houston Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Houston property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Houston's median effective tax rate of 0.92% — based on actual property records in Wharton County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Houston's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.

Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Houston: rates range from the lowest ZIP code rate to the highest ZIP code rate, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Houston.

About Houston Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Houston, Wharton, Texas

Houston's median effective property tax rate of 0.92% is lower than the Texas state median of 1.48% and lower than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Wharton County base levy combined with local school district levies and Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) that vary by subdivision throughout the city.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Houston. Homeowners in the highest ZIP code carry a median effective rate that is higher than those in the lowest ZIP code, and that spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Wharton County. Understanding which part of Houston you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Houston homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Appraisal District before the May 15, 2026 deadline each year.

If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.

Property Tax Rates Across Houston, Wharton County, Texas

As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.

Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.

While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.

Below, you can compare Houston's effective property tax rate to other cities in Texas and the median property tax rates in Texas and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across Houston, Wharton County, Texas

Source: Ownwell

0.58%

1.24%

1.90%

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 Houston Tax Rate

0.92%

Median Effective Wharton County Tax Rate

1.40%

Median Effective Texas Tax Rate

1.48%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Houston, Wharton County, Texas

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
77008	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
77009	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
77018	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
77488	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Houston, Wharton County, Texas

When examining property taxes in Houston, Texas, 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 Wharton 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 Wharton County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month when notices are sent.

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 Houston.

For example, the median home price in Houston is $101,763, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. The median tax bill is $917, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Houston, Wharton County, Texas

Source: Ownwell

$45,484

$121,063

$196,642

Median Houston Market Value

$101,763

Median Wharton County Market Value

$127,100

Median Texas Market Value

$258,851

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Houston, Wharton County, Texas

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
77008	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
77009	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
77018	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
77488	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Houston, Wharton County, Texas

How are property tax bills calculated in Houston?

Property tax bills in Houston are based on the assessed value of a home, not the price a buyer paid for it. Local taxing authorities apply their tax rates to that assessed value to determine the annual bill. For homeowners, this means a higher assessed market value usually leads to a higher tax bill, while a lower assessment can reduce what is owed.

What factors affect the bill? The home’s market value, the tax rates set by local jurisdictions, and any exemptions a homeowner qualifies for all play a role. In Wharton County, bills can vary widely: the 25th percentile is $340, the 75th percentile is $2,133, and the 90th percentile reaches $4,394. That range shows how much property taxes can differ from one homeowner to another.

With a median home price of $101,763, Houston homeowners may see property taxes that feel significant relative to home value, especially compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and national median rate of 1.02%.

Property Tax Bills Across Houston, Wharton County, Texas

Source: Ownwell

$431

$1,290

$2,148

Median Houston Tax Bill

$917

Median Wharton County Tax Bill

$1,521

Median Texas Tax Bill

$3,441

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Houston, Wharton County, Texas

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
77008	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
77009	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
77018	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
77488	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to protest!

Dates
Appeal Deadline	May 15
Tax Bill
Issued	October 1
Due Date #1	November 30
Due Date #2	June 30

Links
Wharton Appraisal District
Website	www.whartoncad.net

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Houston, Texas

How are property taxes calculated in Houston, Texas?

Property taxes in Houston, Texas are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.

How do I appeal my property taxes in Houston, Texas?

To appeal your property taxes in Houston, Texas, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.

What property tax exemptions are available in Houston, Texas?

Common property tax exemptions in Houston, Texas include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.

When are property taxes due in Houston, Texas?

Property tax deadlines in Houston, Texas vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.

How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Houston, Texas?

Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Houston, Texas. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.