Williamson County property taxes in 2026 carry effective rates from 1.9% to 2.4% of appraised value, varying by city and school district. Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Liberty Hill each operate under different combined levies from their respective ISDs, city governments, and the county. A $400,000 home in Georgetown, Round Rock, or Cedar Park carries an estimated annual tax bill of $7,200–$9,600 before exemptions. MUD districts in new construction add 0.3–0.7% more, a critical factor for buyers in rapidly growing master-planned communities.
Williamson County approximate effective property tax rates by city/ISD for 2026. Rates are estimates combining city, ISD, county, ACC, and Central Health levies. Source: WCAD, wilco.org, individual ISDs.
How WCAD Works: Williamson County Appraisal District
The Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD) is the independent governmental body responsible for appraising all taxable property in Williamson County as of January 1 each year. Like Travis County's TCAD, WCAD does not set tax rates, it establishes appraised values. Each taxing entity (school district, city, county, etc.) then independently adopts its own tax rate and applies it to the values WCAD certifies.
WCAD has faced significant pressure over the last decade as Williamson County has grown at one of the fastest rates in the nation. Georgetown, Cedar Park, and Leander are consistently among Texas's fastest-growing cities, and the influx of new construction makes annual appraisal a complex, high-volume undertaking. In practical terms, this means mass appraisal models are imperfect, and protest opportunities are abundant.
You can search your property's current appraised value, exemption status, and tax history on the WCAD website at wcad.org. Williamson County tax payment and billing information is available at wilco.org.
WCAD appraisers use the same core methodologies as other Texas appraisal districts: the sales comparison approach, the income approach (for non-residential property), and the cost approach. For residential properties, comparable sales dominate, making your protest evidence strategy straightforward if you know how to find the right comps.
Williamson County Effective Property Tax Rates 2026: By City and ISD
Williamson County encompasses several distinct cities and five major school districts, each with its own levy. As a result, two homes with identical market values but in different parts of Williamson County can have meaningfully different tax bills. The effective rate typically ranges from 1.9% to 2.4%, with outliers on both ends in unique circumstances.
| City / ISD | City Rate (approx.) | ISD Rate (approx.) | County + Other | Combined Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown / GISD | 0.374% | 1.102% | 0.448% | ~2.20% |
| Round Rock / RRISD | 0.452% | 1.092% | 0.448% | ~2.35% |
| Cedar Park / Leander ISD | 0.382% | 1.098% | 0.448% | ~2.30% |
| Leander / Leander ISD | 0.342% | 1.098% | 0.448% | ~2.25% |
| Liberty Hill / LHISD | 0.190% | 1.024% | 0.448% | ~2.05% |
| Unincorporated / GISD | 0.000% | 1.102% | 0.448% | ~1.90% |
Note: These figures are illustrative approximations based on recently adopted rates. Each entity's rate is adopted annually in September. Always verify the current adopted rate through WCAD, the relevant ISD, or the city's finance department before making purchasing decisions.
Williamson County vs Travis County: Property Tax Comparison
A common question from buyers considering suburbs north of Austin is: are property taxes higher in Williamson County than Travis County? The answer is nuanced.
The Key Insight
Williamson County's aggregate effective rate (1.9–2.4%) is often slightly higher than Travis County's (1.8–2.3%) on a percentage basis. However, because Williamson County home values are generally lower than in central Austin, many homeowners pay a similar or lower dollar amount. A $400,000 home in Round Rock may carry a similar annual bill to a $550,000 home in Austin's central ZIP codes, making Williamson County an attractive value proposition for cost-conscious buyers.
| Scenario | Home Value | Approx. Rate | Estimated Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin, TX (Travis), 78704 ZIP | $750,000 | 2.02% | ~$15,150 |
| Austin, TX (Travis), 78748 ZIP | $550,000 | 2.02% | ~$11,110 |
| Round Rock (Williamson), RRISD | $400,000 | 2.35% | ~$9,400 |
| Georgetown (Williamson), GISD | $400,000 | 2.20% | ~$8,800 |
| Cedar Park (Williamson), LISD | $400,000 | 2.30% | ~$9,200 |
| Liberty Hill (Williamson), LHISD | $400,000 | 2.05% | ~$8,200 |
Pre-exemption figures shown above. After homestead exemption (especially the $100,000 school district reduction from Prop 4), bills decrease significantly. The comparison demonstrates that while Williamson's rate is nominally higher, the lower absolute home values result in lower absolute dollar amounts for many buyers.
Williamson County School Districts and Their Tax Impact
School district taxes represent the largest single component of your property tax bill in Williamson County, typically 45–55% of the total. Understanding each district's rate and financial position helps buyers make more informed location decisions.
Georgetown ISD (GISD)
Georgetown ISD serves the Georgetown city area and surrounding unincorporated neighborhoods. Its rate has been among the more moderate in Williamson County in recent years, benefiting from strong enrollment growth and the financial stabilization mechanisms of the state's Foundation School Program. Georgetown's rapid population growth has brought significant new commercial tax base, which helps offset residential rates. More information at georgetownisd.org.
Round Rock ISD (RRISD)
Round Rock ISD is one of the largest and most established school districts in the Austin metro area, serving Round Rock, Hutto (partially), Pflugerville (partially), and portions of north Austin in Travis County. RRISD's rate tends to run slightly higher than GISD's due to the district's size, facilities debt, and the historical cost of operating a large, mature district. However, RRISD consistently delivers strong academic performance metrics, which contributes to home value stability and appreciation in its service area. Details at roundrockisd.org.
Leander ISD (LISD)
Leander ISD serves Cedar Park and Leander, two of Texas's fastest-growing cities, as well as portions of northwest Austin in Travis County. LISD has experienced explosive enrollment growth, requiring significant capital investment in new school construction. This infrastructure spending is reflected in the district's tax rate. LISD's strong school ratings and suburban appeal contribute to some of the highest demand for homes in its service area. Information at leanderisd.org.
Liberty Hill ISD (LHISD)
Liberty Hill ISD serves the Liberty Hill area in western Williamson County, an area that has transitioned rapidly from agricultural land to master-planned residential development over the last decade. LHISD's rate is among the lowest of the five major Williamson County ISDs, partly due to the relatively lower cost base and growing commercial development along Texas 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard. However, many Liberty Hill area properties carry significant MUD tax obligations in addition to the base ISD rate.
Hutto ISD
Hutto ISD serves the Hutto area in eastern Williamson County, which has grown significantly as buyers seek affordability east of Round Rock and Georgetown. Hutto ISD's rate is competitive, and the district has invested heavily in new facilities to accommodate growth. Eastern Williamson County properties often carry lower land values but strong rental demand.
Property Tax Exemptions in Williamson County
The same Texas exemption framework that applies in Travis County governs Williamson County properties. Key exemptions include:
Homestead Exemption (Proposition 4)
The November 2023 Proposition 4 applies equally in Williamson County. Homeowners receive a $100,000 school district exemption on their primary residence, reducing the taxable value for the largest component of the tax bill. On a $400,000 home in Round Rock ISD, this exemption alone saves approximately $1,092 per year at current rates. Williamson County also extends a 20% homestead exemption on the county portion of the bill.
File your homestead exemption application with WCAD at wcad.org. There is no annual renewal required, once approved, it remains in place as long as you own and occupy the home as your primary residence. Applications are due by April 30 but can be filed any time.
Over-65 and Disabled Person Exemption
Williamson County homeowners who are 65 or older or who qualify as disabled receive a school district tax freeze, the school portion of their annual tax bill is locked at the level it was in the year they first qualified. This protection is extraordinarily valuable in a high-growth county where values (and thus tax bills) tend to rise rapidly. The freeze survives home improvements and neighborhood appreciation.
Disabled Veteran Exemption
Veterans with documented VA disability ratings receive partial-to-full property tax exemptions in Williamson County, mirroring Travis County's structure. Veterans with 100% disability or an unemployable rating receive a complete property tax exemption on their primary residence. With a significant veteran population in the Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Georgetown areas, this exemption benefits many Williamson County homeowners.
Agricultural and Open-Space Exemption
Agricultural exemptions are particularly significant in Williamson County given the large swath of agricultural and ranch land in the northern and western portions of the county. Properties used for livestock, row crops, orchards, or wildlife management may qualify for special open-space valuation under Texas Tax Code Section 23.51.
For Williamson County buyers acquiring rural land in areas like Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell, or Granger, agricultural exemptions can reduce taxable value by 70–90% on the land portion. The exemption requires demonstrated agricultural use for at least 5 of the preceding 7 years (with some exceptions for new ownership). A rollback tax applies if the property is converted from ag use, equal to 3 or 5 years of the difference between ag-value taxes and market-value taxes, plus interest. Learn more at comptroller.texas.gov.
MUD Districts in Williamson County: The Hidden Tax
Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) are more prevalent in Williamson County than almost anywhere else in Texas. The county's explosive new construction growth, particularly in master-planned communities around Georgetown, Leander, Liberty Hill, and Cedar Park, has been largely financed through MUD bond debt, which homeowners pay off through their annual MUD tax.
How MUDs Work
A developer who wants to build a community in an area without existing water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure petitions the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to create a MUD. The MUD then issues bonds to finance the infrastructure build-out. Homeowners within the MUD boundaries pay annual taxes to service that bond debt. The MUD board, initially developer-controlled, later elected by residents, manages the district's finances and operations.
MUD Tax Rates in Williamson County
In the early years of a Williamson County development, MUD rates commonly range from 0.30% to 0.70% annually on top of the base combined rate. On a $400,000 home, that adds $1,200–$2,800 per year. This is a meaningful addition to an already substantial tax bill, and it is one of the most common hidden costs that surprises new construction buyers who shop primarily on list price.
| MUD Tax Impact on $400K Home in Williamson County | Low MUD (0.30%) | Mid MUD (0.50%) | High MUD (0.70%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual MUD Tax Alone | $1,200 | $2,000 | $2,800 |
| Added to Base Rate (2.20%) | 2.50% total | 2.70% total | 2.90% total |
| Total Annual Tax (pre-exemption) | ~$10,000 | ~$10,800 | ~$11,600 |
How MUD Taxes Decrease Over Time
This is the key piece of information many buyers overlook: MUD taxes are not permanent at their initial rate. As bond debt is retired, the MUD rate decreases. A typical Williamson County MUD created in 2015–2020 with a 0.55% rate may have already declined to 0.40% by 2026 and could reach 0.20% by 2030, potentially dissolving into the city's utility system when fully paid. Some MUDs convert to city-managed utility districts after annexation, at which point the separate MUD tax disappears.
When purchasing in a MUD, ask your agent for:
- The current adopted MUD rate
- The MUD's outstanding bond balance and bond retirement schedule
- Historical MUD rate trends (has it been decreasing?)
- Whether the city has plans to annex the area (which may or may not improve the tax picture)
- The TREC MUD addendum, which is required disclosure for all sales within a MUD
Notable MUD Areas in Williamson County
MUD districts proliferate in:
- Georgetown, Teravista, Wolf Ranch, Berry Creek, Morningstar, and dozens more master-planned communities
- Liberty Hill, Santa Rita Ranch, Rancho Sienna, and newer communities along Ronald Reagan Blvd
- Leander / Cedar Park, Crystal Falls, Travisso, and communities along 1431 and 183A
- Hutto, Several eastern Williamson County developments along SH 130 and CR 130
Search for MUD districts affecting a specific parcel through WCAD's property search tool or by reviewing the property's tax certificate, which lists all applicable taxing entities.
Total Tax Bill Comparison: Georgetown vs Round Rock vs Cedar Park
To bring this data to life, let's compare the estimated annual property tax obligations for a $400,000 home in three Williamson County communities, with and without a MUD, and after homestead exemption.
| City / ISD | Home Value | Base Rate | MUD Rate | Taxable Value (post-exemption) | Est. Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown / GISD (no MUD) |
$400,000 | 2.20% | — | ~$280,000 | ~$6,160 |
| Georgetown / GISD (with MUD at 0.45%) |
$400,000 | 2.20% | 0.45% | ~$280,000 | ~$7,420 |
| Round Rock / RRISD (no MUD) |
$400,000 | 2.35% | — | ~$280,000 | ~$6,580 |
| Round Rock / RRISD (with MUD at 0.40%) |
$400,000 | 2.35% | 0.40% | ~$280,000 | ~$7,700 |
| Cedar Park / LISD (no MUD) |
$400,000 | 2.30% | — | ~$280,000 | ~$6,440 |
| Cedar Park / LISD (with MUD at 0.50%) |
$400,000 | 2.30% | 0.50% | ~$280,000 | ~$7,840 |
Taxable value estimate: Post-homestead exemption taxable value approximated as $400K minus the $100K school district exemption, minus 20% county exemption ($80K) = $220,000–$280,000 depending on the entity. Figures rounded for clarity. Actual bills vary; always confirm with WCAD and the relevant tax office.
How to Protest Your Williamson County Appraisal
The protest process in Williamson County closely mirrors Travis County's, but operates through WCAD and the Williamson County Appraisal Review Board (ARB), entirely separate from Travis County's ARB. Williamson County processes a large volume of protests each year, and the informal conference stage resolves a substantial portion of them.
Step 1: Watch for Your Notice of Appraised Value
WCAD mails Notices of Appraised Value each spring, typically in April. The notice shows your proposed 2026 appraised value. You can also check your value at any time on wcad.org. If your appraised value increased significantly, particularly if it outpaced comparable sales in your neighborhood, consider protesting.
Step 2: File Your Protest by May 15
File a Notice of Protest with WCAD by May 15 or within 30 days of the mailing date on your notice, whichever is later. You can file online through WCAD's portal, by mail, or in person at the WCAD office in Georgetown. When filing, check both "value over market value" and "unequal appraisal", checking both preserves your options for the hearing.
Step 3: Gather Comparable Sales Evidence
For a Williamson County protest, your strongest evidence is recent comparable sales (within 12 months, within your neighborhood or within 1 mile, similar size and age). WCAD publishes its own sales data, and you can also access sales through Zillow, Redfin, or a licensed real estate agent. Other powerful evidence:
- Your purchase price if you bought within the past 12 months
- A licensed appraisal report
- Photos and repair estimates for property defects
- Evidence of functional obsolescence (outdated floor plan, poor access)
Step 4: Attend the Informal Conference
Most protesters are offered an informal conference with a WCAD appraiser, either by phone, video, or in person. Present your comparable sales and any other evidence. Many Williamson County protests resolve at this stage, often with a reduction of 3–10% of appraised value. If you've done your homework, informal conferences are very productive.
Step 5: Formal ARB Hearing
If the informal conference doesn't yield a satisfactory result, proceed to the formal Appraisal Review Board hearing. Williamson County's ARB operates similarly to Travis County's, a panel of independent citizens hears both sides and renders a binding decision on WCAD. Be prepared to present your evidence concisely (most hearings last 15–20 minutes).
Step 6: Arbitration or District Court
If the ARB rules against you and your property value is $5 million or less, you may file for binding arbitration through the Texas Comptroller's office within 60 days. For higher-value properties or legally complex cases, district court in Williamson County is the final avenue. The process mirrors Travis County's. Full guidelines at comptroller.texas.gov.
Agricultural Exemptions: A Williamson County Advantage
Agricultural exemptions (formally "open-space special valuation") are more common in Williamson County than in Travis County, reflecting the county's larger rural land base. Significant opportunities exist for buyers of 10+ acre properties in areas like Florence, Jarrell, Granger, Georgetown's outer ring, and Liberty Hill.
Under Texas Tax Code Section 23.51, qualifying land is appraised at its productive agricultural value rather than its market value. In practice, this means a 20-acre parcel worth $1.2 million on the open market might be appraised at only $60,000–$120,000 for tax purposes if it carries a valid agricultural exemption. The annual tax savings can be $15,000–$25,000 or more on larger parcels.
Qualifying uses include:
- Row crops, hay production, or orchards
- Livestock grazing (cattle, horses, goats, sheep)
- Beekeeping (Texas allows honeybee colonies to qualify, even on small acreage)
- Wildlife management (for land that previously had a traditional ag exemption)
- Timber production (rare in Williamson County but applicable in some eastern areas)
The exemption requires a documented history of agricultural use for 5 of the preceding 7 years before application. New landowners who purchase ag-exempt land can apply to maintain the exemption if use continues uninterrupted. Consult a licensed property tax consultant or CPA experienced in agricultural law before purchasing land with an existing ag exemption, the rollback tax liability can be substantial if use is ever interrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions: Williamson County Property Taxes 2026
What is the effective property tax rate in Williamson County for 2026?
The effective property tax rate in Williamson County typically ranges from 1.9% to 2.4% of appraised value in 2026, depending on which city and school district your property falls within. Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander each have different combined rates from their city, ISD, and county levies. Unincorporated rural properties (no city levy) sit at the lower end of this range. MUD districts in new construction areas add 0.3% to 0.7% on top of the base rate, pushing some bills above 2.7% in their early years.
How does Williamson County property tax compare to Travis County?
Williamson County's aggregate effective rate (1.9–2.4%) is often slightly higher than Travis County's (1.8–2.3%) on a percentage basis. However, because Williamson County home values are generally lower than in central Austin, many homeowners pay a similar or lower dollar amount in absolute terms. For example, a $400,000 home in Georgetown may carry a similar or lower annual bill than a $550,000 home in south Austin, making Williamson County an attractive value proposition for cost-conscious buyers. MUDs in new construction can shift this calculus, so always compare actual parcel-level tax estimates.
What is WCAD and how do I protest my Williamson County appraisal?
WCAD stands for Williamson Central Appraisal District, the independent governmental body that appraises all taxable property in Williamson County. To protest, file a Notice of Protest by May 15 (or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later) at wcad.org. You can then present evidence at an informal conference with a WCAD appraiser, and if not satisfied, proceed to a formal ARB hearing before Williamson County's Appraisal Review Board. Most protests resolve at the informal stage with proper documentation.
Do MUD taxes apply in Williamson County and how much do they add?
Yes, MUD (Municipal Utility District) taxes are extremely prevalent in Williamson County, particularly in the rapidly growing new construction corridors around Georgetown, Leander, Liberty Hill, and Cedar Park. MUD rates typically add 0.3% to 0.7% annually on top of base property taxes. On a $400,000 home, that means an additional $1,200 to $2,800 per year. The good news: MUD rates decrease over 20–30 years as bond debt is retired and eventually may dissolve entirely after city annexation. Always verify whether a property sits within a MUD before purchasing, and request the MUD's current rate and bond retirement schedule.
Which city in Williamson County has the lowest property tax rate?
Among the major Williamson County cities, Liberty Hill and unincorporated areas served by Liberty Hill ISD often carry lower combined rates (~2.05%) than Round Rock (~2.35%) or Georgetown (~2.20%), primarily because the city levy and LHISD rate are both modest. However, many Liberty Hill area properties carry significant MUD taxes in new subdivisions, which can offset the base rate savings substantially. Unincorporated rural Williamson County properties with no city levy and agricultural exemptions can achieve the lowest effective rates of all, sometimes under 0.5% on the land portion with a valid ag exemption.
