This study compares property tax levy growth with population and inflation increases in Texas’ most populous cities, counties, and school districts.

Key points

  • Property taxes are growing faster than necessary in many parts of Texas.
  • From 2018 to 2022, property taxes outstripped population and inflation in a majority of Texas’ most populous cities, counties, and school districts.
  • The delta between property tax levy growth versus population and inflation signals the need for structural tax reform and fiscal discipline.
  • An informed electorate is critical to achieving both reform and restraint.