Texas has no state income tax — a major financial advantage for anyone relocating from California, New York, or New Jersey. But Texas funds local government through property taxes instead, and those rates can surprise buyers who aren't expecting them. Here's a clear breakdown of what to expect in North Houston.
How Texas Property Taxes Work
Your annual bill = assessed value × combined tax rate. That combined rate includes levies from the county, school district, municipal utility district (MUD), and any special district assessments.
Example: A $450,000 home in Cypress TX with a 2.4% combined rate = $10,800 per year in property taxes, or roughly $900/month added to your mortgage payment via escrow.
Approximate Tax Rates by Area (2025–2026)
| Area | County | Approx. Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cypress TX | Harris | 2.2%–2.6% | Harris County rates vary by MUD |
| Conroe TX | Montgomery | 2.0%–2.4% | Generally lower than Harris County |
| The Woodlands TX | Montgomery | 1.9%–2.2% | Among the lowest rates in the metro |
| Magnolia TX | Montgomery | 2.0%–2.3% | Varies by subdivision |
MUD (Municipal Utility District) fees add a line item to your tax rate to cover infrastructure costs in new construction communities. MUD rates typically decrease over time as the district pays off its bonds — sometimes dramatically. Always ask Christine about the MUD rate and trajectory for any property you're considering.
The Homestead Exemption: Your Most Important Tax Break
Texas law provides a homestead exemption for your primary residence that reduces taxable value:
- General exemption: Removes $100,000 from appraised value for school district taxes (2023 legislation)
- County optional exemption: Many counties offer an additional 20% exemption
- Age 65+ / Disability: Additional exemptions and a tax ceiling that freezes school district taxes
- Must be applied for — it's not automatic. Deadline: April 30 for the current tax year
File with Harris County Appraisal District (hcad.org) or Montgomery Central Appraisal District (mcad-tx.org) within 12 months of your closing date. This must be done manually — it doesn't happen automatically when you buy.
Texas vs. Other States: The Real Math
| State | State Income Tax | Avg Property Tax | Combined Burden |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 0% | ~1.7% avg | Lower for most households |
| California | up to 13.3% | ~0.75% | Higher for most households |
| New York | up to 10.9% | ~1.72% | Significantly higher |
| Illinois | 4.95% flat | ~2.27% | Comparable or higher |
How to Research the Exact Rate for a Property
Christine pulls the exact tax rate breakdown for any property before you make an offer using county appraisal district records. You can also look up rates at hcad.org (Harris County / Cypress) or mcad-tx.org (Montgomery County / Conroe, The Woodlands, Magnolia). Always ask the seller for their most recent tax bill — it's a standard disclosure item in Texas.