Property Tax Resources · McMullen County, Texas
South Texas brush country with the lowest effective property tax rate in Texas — McMullen County’s 0.41% rate falls on fewer than 700 residents in a county where hunting leases and ranch operations define the economy.
Sources: Population — U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 estimates; County Debt — Texas Bond Review Board (FY2025)
🔴 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.
McMullen County holds the distinction of having the lowest effective property tax rate in Texas at 0.41%, according to Census data — and it’s not hard to see why. With fewer than 700 residents in 1,100 square miles of South Texas brush country, Tilden serves as the county seat for a community built around cattle ranching, hunting leases, and occasional oil and gas activity. The county’s low rate reflects minimal government expenditure in a place where services are limited by design.
At 0.41%, McMullen County’s effective rate is among the lowest in the United States, let alone Texas. But for ranch and hunting lease operations whose values have risen with South Texas outdoor recreation demand, even a very low rate on an inflating base can produce unnecessary bills. Few protests are filed in counties this small. 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.
McMullen 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 McMullen County.
Enter the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed to find your exact filing deadline.
Every taxing unit in McMullen 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.
View McMullen County Tax Rates →| Taxing Entity | Type | Rate (2025 adopted) |
|---|---|---|
| McMullen County | County | $0.4600/$100 |
| McMullen County ISD | School District | $0.7884/$100 |
2025 adopted rates per Texas Comptroller Tax Rates & Levies (source). City, MUD, college and other special-district rates may also apply depending on your parcel. Your total depends on which districts your property falls in — verify current rates at your county appraisal district.
What your Notice means and exactly what to do — and by when — after it arrives.
How the Texas homestead exemption lowers your taxable value, including recent changes.
When a property tax consultant is worth it for protesting your appraisal.
Lesser-known special valuations that can cut the taxable value of qualifying land.
The state office that oversees appraisal districts and protects taxpayers.
Who sets your county’s values and why that role matters to your bill.
Search your account at mcmullencad.org. Know your Notice of Appraised Value and the deadline printed on it.
File online, by mail, or in person at McMullen County Appraisal District: P.O. Box 877, Tilden, TX 78072. 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, 1836McMullen County has the lowest property tax rate in Texas — a testament to a community that has kept government small and property rights paramount. The founders of the Republic wrote exactly that commitment into the Declaration of Rights: no property shall be taken without consent and just compensation. Even at 0.41%, an inaccurate appraisal is an inaccurate appraisal. Look up your value. File your protest. The lowest rate in Texas doesn’t mean every valuation is fair.
