Harris County Approves 7.6% Property Tax Rate Increase

O’Connor discusses how Harris County approved 7.6% as property tax rate increase.

HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, September 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ —

Harris County Commissioners voted 3-1-1 Thursday to increase the county’s combined property tax rate by approximately 7.6%, from $0.6241 to $0.6715 per $100 of taxable value.

The increase comes after commissioners approved a $3.1 billion budget for the 2027 fiscal year amid a projected budget shortfall of roughly $180 million.

The combined rate includes four separate taxing entities: Harris County, Harris County Flood Control District, Harris Health System and Port of Houston Authority.

According to the Harris County Office of Management and Budget, the increase is expected to cost the average homeowner about $198 more in property taxes this year.

“This tax rate increase will add to the property tax burden for Harris County homeowners at a time when many property owners are already facing higher costs. Homeowners should review their property values and exemptions to make sure they are not paying more than necessary,” said Patrick O’Connor, President of O’Connor.

The new rate is the highest combined county property tax rate since at least 2006, surpassing the $0.63998 rate recorded that year.

The tax rate increase comes as the county works to address the projected budget shortfall while funding county operations and services for the upcoming fiscal year.

The combined rate reflects the property taxes associated with the four taxing entities under the Commissioners Court’s jurisdiction. Each entity has its own tax rate, which together make up the combined rate used in the comparison.

The increase doesn’t mean each homeowner will see the same change in their property tax bill. The amount a property owner pays depends on factors including the property’s taxable value and any exemptions that apply.

The $198 estimate from the Harris County Office of Management and Budget represents the expected additional cost for the average homeowner. Individual property owners may see a different increase depending on their property and applicable exemptions.

For property owners, the increase in the combined rate means a higher tax rate will be used when calculating the county-related portion of their property tax obligations.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who stepped away before the vote, criticized the newly approved budget Thursday, describing it as “irresponsible” and “unsustainable” and saying the county missed an opportunity to address its structural deficit.

About O’Connor:
O’Connor is one of the largest property tax consulting firms, representing 185,000 clients in 49 states and Canada, handling about 295,000 protests in 2024, with residential property tax reduction services in Texas, Illinois, Georgia, and New York. O’Connor’s possesses the resources and market expertise in the areas of property tax, cost segregation, commercial and residential real estate appraisals. The firm was founded in 1974 and employs a team of 1,000 worldwide. O’Connor’s core focus is enriching the lives of property owners through cost effective tax reduction.

Property owners interested in assistance appealing their assessment can enroll in O’Connor’s Property Tax Protection Program ™. There is no upfront fee, or any fee unless we reduce your property taxes, and easy online enrollment only takes 2 to 3 minutes.

Patrick O’Connor, President
O’Connor
+1 713-375-4128
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