Property Tax Resources · McLennan County, Texas
Waco and Baylor country at the heart of Central Texas — McLennan County’s 1.79% effective rate and $3,809 median annual bill reflect strong growth driven by Baylor University, Chip and Joanna Gaines’s Magnolia empire, and I-35 corridor expansion.
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.
McLennan County anchors Central Texas along the I-35 corridor, with Waco as its county seat and Baylor University as its anchor institution. Waco has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade — from a city that struggled with national perception after the 1990s to a destination city driven by Magnolia Market, Baylor’s national championship football program, and a genuine renaissance in downtown investment and residential growth. Property values have risen sharply with that transformation.
At 1.79%, McLennan County’s effective rate is well above the state median. On properties whose values have climbed with Waco’s growth, the $3,809 median annual bill represents a real burden. More than 60% of those who protested in 2024 achieved reductions — one of the higher success rates in Central Texas. The informal settlement process at McLennan CAD is worth pursuing if your notice showed a significant jump.
Official CAD site — appraisal notices, exemption applications, and district contact information.
Search your property record, view current appraised value, and verify exemption status.
McLennan 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 McLennan County.
Enter the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed to find your exact filing deadline.
Every taxing unit in McLennan 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.) |
|---|---|---|
| McLennan County | County | ~$0.44/$100 |
| Waco ISD | School District | ~$0.97/$100 |
| Midway ISD | School District | ~$0.93/$100 |
| La Vega ISD | School District | ~$0.92/$100 |
| City of Waco | City | ~$0.44/$100 |
| Multiple Special Districts | Special District | Varies |
Rates shown are approximate 2024 adopted rates. Verify current rates at mclennan.countytaxrates.com.
Search your account at mclennancad.org. Know your Notice of Appraised Value and the deadline printed on it.
File online, by mail, or in person at McLennan County Appraisal District: 315 S. 26th St., Waco, TX 76710. 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
Waco’s renaissance has been remarkable — and the homeowners and business owners who invested in the city through its harder years deserve a property tax system that treats their rising appraisals with accuracy and fairness. The founders of the Republic wrote that no property shall be taken without consent and just compensation. A 1.79% rate on values that have doubled with the Magnolia effect is a real burden worth challenging. Look up your value. File your protest. Waco’s growth shouldn’t come at the expense of 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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