Property Tax Resources · Sterling County, Texas
Remote Rolling Plains ranch and oil country — Sterling County’s 0.68% effective rate falls on fewer than 1,400 residents, where Sterling City serves ranching operations in one of the least populated counties in West Texas.
Sources: Population — U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 estimates; Effective Tax Rate & Avg Annual Bill — Ownwell / Census ACS 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.
Sterling County lies in the Rolling Plains of West Texas with Sterling City as its county seat — a small community of fewer than 1,000 people in a county with a total population of about 1,300. The county’s economy runs on cattle ranching, some oil and gas production, and limited commercial activity. The North Concho River drains the county, providing water for livestock in terrain that receives modest and variable rainfall.
At 0.68%, Sterling County’s effective rate is well below both the state and national medians. But even in the most remote Texas counties, accurate appraisals are a right. Few protests are ever filed in Sterling County — which means errors can persist for years without challenge. 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.
Sterling 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 Sterling County.
Enter the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed to find your exact filing deadline.
Every taxing unit in Sterling 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.) |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling County | County | ~$0.30/$100 |
| Sterling City ISD | School District | ~$0.86/$100 |
| Multiple Special Districts | Special District | Varies |
Rates shown are approximate 2024 adopted rates. Verify current rates at sterling.countytaxrates.com.
Search your account at sterlingcad.org. Know your Notice of Appraised Value and the deadline printed on it.
File online, by mail, or in person at Sterling County Appraisal District: P.O. Box 489, Sterling City, TX 76951. 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
Sterling County is Rolling Plains ranching at its simplest — a small community, modest property values, and a way of life built on honest work with cattle. The founders of the Republic wrote the Declaration of Rights for all Texans, and Sterling City’s 1,300 residents have the same right to accurate appraisals as anyone in Houston or Dallas. Look up your value. File your protest. Remote doesn’t mean unprotected.
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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