Property Tax Resources · King County, Texas
The second least populated county in Texas — King County has fewer than 300 residents, sits in the Rolling Plains near the 6666 Ranch, and historically carries some of the highest property tax bills relative to population in the state.
Sources: Population — U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 estimates; Effective Tax Rate & Avg Annual Bill — Ownwell (2024); Protest Success Rate — Texas Comptroller PTAD data, approximate.
🔴 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.
King County is one of the smallest populated counties in Texas, with fewer than 300 residents in 912 square miles of Rolling Plains rangeland. Guthrie is the county seat — a town synonymous with the legendary 6666 Ranch (Four Sixes), one of the most iconic cattle operations in American history. The county’s property tax base is dominated by large ranching operations whose assessed values produce significant bills despite the tiny resident population.
At 1.56%, King County’s effective rate is above the state median — and on the large ranching operations that dominate the county’s property base, the resulting bills have historically been among the highest in Texas per property. Few protests are filed in a county this small, and the property tax system here is essentially a negotiation between the appraisal district and a handful of large landowners. Your deadline is May 15, 2026.
Official CAD site — appraisal notices, exemption applications, and district contact information.
Search your property record, view current appraised value, and verify exemption status.
King County Appraisal District protest procedures, online filing portal, and deadline information for the current year.
Every taxing entity’s proposed rate, adopted rate, and public hearing schedule for King County.
Enter the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed to find your exact filing deadline.
Every taxing unit in King 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.
| Taxing Entity | Type | Rate (2024 approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| King County | County | ~$0.58/$100 |
| Guthrie Common ISD | School District | ~$1.02/$100 |
| Multiple Special Districts | Special District | Varies |
Rates shown are approximate 2024 adopted rates. Verify current rates at king.countytaxrates.com.
Search your account at kingcad.org. Know your Notice of Appraised Value and the deadline printed on it.
File online, by mail, or in person at King County Appraisal District: P.O. Box 117, Guthrie, TX 79236. Deadline: May 15, 2026 or 30 days after your 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 — you can accept or proceed to the formal hearing.
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
King County is home to some of the most storied ranch land in Texas — and the founders of the Republic wrote the Declaration of Rights with exactly this kind of large-scale property ownership in mind. No person’s property shall be taken without consent and just compensation. In a county where a handful of landowners carry the entire tax base, accurate valuations aren’t just a financial issue — they’re a constitutional one. Look up your value. File your protest. The Four Sixes country deserves fair assessment.
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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