Houston County, AL Property Tax: $534/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Houston County is 0.30% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $178,000, that works out to about $534 per year, or $45 per month. Houston County is located in southeastern Alabama, and is home to approximately 107,628 residents.
About Houston County
Houston County covers approximately 579.8 square miles in Alabama. The county is home to about 107,628 residents living in roughly 49,774 housing units, of which 54.7% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $57,531, and the median home was built in 1984.
Houston County borders Dale County, Geneva County, Henry County, Jackson County, Early County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Alabama
Property taxes in Alabama 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 Alabama 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 Houston County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Houston County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston County, AL | 0.30% | $178,000 | $534 |
| Alabama state average | 0.34% | — | $605* |
| Dale County | 0.33% | $129,100 | $426 |
| Geneva County | 0.32% | $120,200 | $382 |
| Henry County | 0.34% | $147,800 | $506 |
| Jackson County | 0.55% | $113,900 | $625 |
| Early County | 0.82% | $130,100 | $1,069 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Houston County's median home value of $178,000. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Houston County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Alabama?
At 0.30%, Houston County is lower than the Alabama state average of 0.34%. On a home at the county median of $178,000, that means about $534 per year — versus $605 at the state average rate, a difference of $71 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Houston County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Houston County?
For a home at the county median value of $178,000, the annual property tax in Houston County is approximately $534 — or about $45 per month. For a home worth $267,000, expect around $801 per year. For a $356,000 home, approximately $1,068 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Houston County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Houston County are handled by the Houston 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 Houston County?
Alabama 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 0.30% shown here. Contact the Houston 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