Houston property tax calculator

Harris County effective tax rate is 2.13%. See annual and monthly amount.

Harris County's effective property-tax rate is 2.13%, meaning a $270,000 home (the Houston median) pays approximately $5,751 per year. Lenders escrow this monthly along with your homeowners insurance, so it shows up directly in your mortgage payment.

Effective rate is the actual tax paid divided by full market value, after exemptions. It's the most useful number for comparison because assessed value and millage rate vary too much to compare directly across counties.

Worked examples

Real numbers for common scenarios. These are estimates - your final closing disclosure will reflect the exact fees your specific loan and property require.

Scenario

$270,000 home in Houston, TX (Harris County)

Inputs

Home value: $270,000
Effective tax rate: 2.13% (Harris County)

Estimate

Annual property tax: $5,751
Monthly (escrowed): $479

Effective rate is actual tax paid divided by full market value. Assessed value, exemptions, and millage rate vary year to year.

Scenario

$405,000 home in Houston, TX (Harris County)

Inputs

Home value: $405,000
Effective tax rate: 2.13% (Harris County)

Estimate

Annual property tax: $8,627
Monthly (escrowed): $719

Effective rate is actual tax paid divided by full market value. Assessed value, exemptions, and millage rate vary year to year.

Run your own numbers

The calculator gives you the same itemized breakdown for any price, down payment, loan type, and location.

Open the calculator

Frequently asked questions

Are these numbers exact?+

No. They are estimates built from public-record averages: median home price (Zillow ZHVI), effective property-tax rate (Tax Foundation), state-level homeowners-insurance averages. Your final Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure are the authoritative figures.

Why does the same loan amount cost so much more here than in other states?+

Two big drivers: state and county taxes (transfer, recording, intangible) and homeowners-insurance pricing. Florida and Texas pay heavier insurance. New Jersey and Illinois pay heavier property taxes. Nevada and Washington layer on real-estate excise taxes. The calculator shows each line item so you can see where the money goes.

Who pays which costs at closing?+

Most line items are negotiable but follow strong local custom. In Florida, the seller pays doc stamps on the deed and the owner's title policy. The buyer pays doc stamps on the note plus intangible tax. In California, the seller pays the owner's title policy in Northern CA but the buyer pays it in Southern CA. In Texas, the seller customarily pays the owner's title policy. Always confirm with your title officer.

All numbers shown are estimates for planning purposes. Closing costs, taxes, and fees vary by lender, title company, county, and individual transaction. LoanElk is not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. Your final Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure are the authoritative figures.