Property Tax Resources · Dawson County, Texas
South of Lubbock in the heart of South Plains cotton country — Dawson County property owners carry a 1.57% effective tax rate on values rising faster than many expected.
🔴 2026 Protest Deadline: May 15, 2026 — or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later. Miss this date and you waive your right to protest.
Dawson County lies on the South Plains southwest of Lubbock, with Lamesa as the county seat. Cotton farming, oil and gas production, and feedlot operations have driven the local economy for generations. The county has seen population decline for decades, but recent data shows median property values in Lamesa jumped nearly 14% between 2023 and 2024 — from around $90,800 to $103,400. That means assessments are rising even as the population shrinks.
With a 1.57% effective tax rate and median bills around $1,299, Dawson County property owners have real reason to review their assessments each spring. Texas law gives every owner the right to protest annually at no cost — and statewide, 60 to 70% of protests result in a reduction.
Official CAD site — appraisal notices, exemption applications, and district contact information.
Search your property record, view current appraised value, and verify exemption status.
Dawson CAD protest procedures and deadline information for the current year.
Every taxing entity’s proposed rate, adopted rate, and public hearing schedule for Dawson County.
Enter the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed to find your exact filing deadline.
Every taxing unit in Dawson County must publish its proposed rate and hold a public hearing before adopting any rate exceeding the no-new-revenue rate. These meetings are open. Your voice is on the record.
Photo: Dawson County Courthouse, Lamesa, Texas. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
| Taxing Entity | Type | Rate (2024 approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Dawson County | County | ~$0.45/$100 |
| Lamesa ISD | School District | ~$1.10/$100 |
| O’Donnell ISD | School District | Varies by location |
| City of Lamesa | City | ~$0.51/$100 |
| Dawson County Hospital District | Special District | ~$0.10/$100 |
Rates shown are approximate 2024 adopted rates. Verify current rates at dawson.countytaxrates.com.
Search your account at dawsoncad.org. Know your Notice of Appraised Value and the deadline printed on it.
File online, by mail, or in person at Dawson County Central Appraisal District: P.O. Box 797, Lamesa, TX 79331. Deadline: May 15, 2026 or 30 days after notice was mailed.
Recent sales of comparable properties, your purchase price, photos of condition issues, and repair estimates all strengthen your case.
Before your ARB hearing, a CAD appraiser may offer to settle. Review any offer carefully before accepting.
The Appraisal Review Board is independent of the CAD. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. Most hearings run 15–30 minutes.
Disagree with the ARB ruling? You may appeal to district court, binding arbitration, or SOAH (properties over $1 million).
“No person’s particular services shall be demanded, nor property taken or applied to public use, unless by the consent of himself or his representative, without just compensation being made therefor.”
— Section 13, Declaration of Rights, Republic of Texas, 1836
Dawson County’s cotton farmers and working families have been here long before property values started climbing. When assessments go up faster than incomes, that’s the system taking from you — and the founders of this Republic were clear about where they stood on that. Look up your value. File your protest. Show up to the public hearings. Your property, your rights, your county.
For informational and educational purposes only. Property-Taxes-Texas.com is a citizen advocacy and education resource. Nothing on this site constitutes legal, financial, tax, or appraisal advice. We are not attorneys, CPAs, or licensed appraisers. Consult a licensed Texas attorney, qualified financial advisor, or certified appraiser for guidance specific to your situation. Deadlines, rates, and statutes are subject to change — verify all details with your county appraisal district or the Texas Comptroller before acting.
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