Austin Property Tax Calculator​

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.