Bell County, TX Property Tax: $3,409/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Bell County is 1.54% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $221,100, that works out to about $3,405 per year, or $284 per month. Bell County is located in central Texas, and is home to approximately 379,811 residents.
About Bell County
Bell County covers approximately 1,053.8 square miles in Texas. The county is home to about 379,811 residents living in roughly 151,858 housing units, of which 51.2% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $66,051, and the median home was built in 1995.
Bell County borders Burnet County, Coryell County, Falls County, Lampasas County, McLennan County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Texas
Property taxes in Texas are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Texas offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Bell County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Bell County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell County, TX | 1.54% | $221,100 | $3,405 |
| Texas state average | 1.28% | — | $2,830* |
| Burnet County | 1.13% | $310,500 | $3,495 |
| Coryell County | 1.41% | $177,400 | $2,509 |
| Falls County | 1.47% | $97,300 | $1,429 |
| Lampasas County | 1.27% | $236,000 | $2,993 |
| McLennan County | 1.53% | $219,200 | $3,347 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Bell County's median home value of $221,100. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bell County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Texas?
At 1.54%, Bell County is higher than the Texas state average of 1.28%. On a home at the county median of $221,100, that means about $3,405 per year — versus $2,830 at the state average rate, a difference of $575 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Bell County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Bell County?
For a home at the county median value of $221,100, the annual property tax in Bell County is approximately $3,405 — or about $284 per month. For a home worth $331,650, expect around $5,107 per year. For a $442,200 home, approximately $6,810 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Bell County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Bell County are handled by the Bell County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Bell County?
Texas counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.54% shown here. Contact the Bell County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File