Austin Property Tax Calculator

How Do Austin Property Taxes Work?

In Austin, property taxes are based on the appraised value of your home as determined by the Travis Central Appraisal District or Williamson Central Appraisal District. After exemptions are applied, your taxable value is multiplied by the combined tax rates from the City of Austin, Travis County, school districts, and other special districts. Rates can vary depending on your specific location within Austin.

What is the Property Tax Rate in Austin?

Based on HomeLight’s analysis of publicly available data, the average effective property tax rate for a primary residence in Austin, Texas, is approximately 1.66% of its assessed value. This is significantly higher than the national average of 0.90%. On a $500,000 home, you might pay $8,300.

Are There Property Tax Exemptions in Austin?

Homeowners in Austin may qualify for several property tax exemptions that can lower their tax bill. These are offered through the Travis or Williamson Central Appraisal Districts, depending on your location. Common exemptions include:

• General homestead exemption: Reduces the taxable value of a primary residence by up to $40,000 for school taxes and limits annual increases in assessed value to 10%. 
• Over-65 exemption: Offers an additional exemption amount and freezes school district taxes at the amount owed in the year the homeowner qualifies.
• Disabled individual exemption: Provides an additional exemption for homeowners with disabilities, similar to the over-65 benefit.
• Disabled veteran exemption: Offers varying levels of exemption based on disability rating, with some veterans qualifying for a full exemption.
• Surviving spouse exemption: Available to some surviving spouses of disabled veterans, first responders, or active-duty service members killed in action, under certain conditions.

Homeowners must apply for these exemptions through their county appraisal district. Supporting documents, such as proof of age, disability, or veteran status, are required.

When Are Austin Property Taxes Due?

In Travis and Williamson Counties, the key deadlines for paying property taxes are:

• January 31: The final day to pay your current-year tax bill without penalties or interest. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Tax bills are typically mailed out by October 1.
• February 1: Penalties and interest begin accruing. Travis County starts with a 6% penalty, which increases monthly to 12% by July, plus 1% interest per month.

If you’re eligible for quarterly payment plans — such as exemptions for over sixty-five and disability homestead accounts — refer to your county’s schedule, as the first installment is due by January 31.

What Do Property Taxes Pay For in Austin?

Since Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, local property taxes are one of the main ways Austin pays for important local services, including:

• Public schools (like Austin ISD)
• Police, fire, and EMS services
• Roads, streets, and traffic signals
• Parks, libraries, and community centers
• City and county government operations
• Infrastructure like water, sewer, and trash services
• Repayment of local bond projects (such as transit and school improvements)

What Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Austin?

How Much House Can You Afford?

Affordability in Austin depends on your income, debt, credit score, and mortgage rate. With a median household income of around $91,000 in the Austin area, many buyers can afford a home in the $300,000–$350,000 range using standard debt-to-income guidelines. However, with Austin’s median home price exceeding $500,000, many buyers — especially in popular neighborhoods — need dual incomes or additional savings to qualify.

Use HomeLight’s Home Affordability Calculator to estimate your budget based on your income, debts, and current rates.

What Down Payment Will You Need?

According to Norada Real Estate Investments, the average down payment on a house in Austin is 18%. However, down payment amounts vary widely depending on loan type and credit score. Many buyers put down between 5% and 15%, with 3% options available for FHA and some conventional first-time buyer loans. For a $500,000 home, here’s what your down payment could look like:

• 3% down = $15,000
• 5% down = $25,000
• 10% down = $50,000
• 20% down = $100,000

Try HomeLight’s Down Payment Calculator to see how different down payments affect your monthly payment and loan size.

How Much Are Closing Costs in Austin?

Buyers in Austin can expect to pay about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. These may include:

• Loan origination and underwriting fees
• Title insurance and escrow fees
• Appraisal and inspection costs
• Prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance
• Filing and recording fees

For a $500,000 home, that means estimated closing costs of $10,000 to $25,000. Use HomeLight’s Closing Costs Calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your expected purchase price.

How To Find a Trusted Austin Real Estate Agent

Buying a home in Austin is a major investment, and working with a top-performing local agent can make all the difference. An experienced Austin agent can help you understand local tax rates, school districts, and development trends — and guide you toward neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and budget.

HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool uses data from over 27 million transactions and thousands of verified reviews to match you with Austin agents based on real performance, not paid ads.

Tell us a little about your buying plans and get matched with Austin area agents who know the neighborhoods you’re considering and can guide you from search to close.

Buying and Selling? Consider “Buy Before You Sell”

If you’re buying a new home in Austin but need to sell your current property first, HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program can simplify the entire process. This modern solution helps you unlock equity from your current home so you can make a non-contingent offer on your new home — and only move once. Watch the short video below to see how it works.