2026 Property Tax Rates in Leander TX
Leander's combined property tax rate is made up of several overlapping jurisdictions: city, county, school district, and any applicable special districts. Here's how the base rate breaks down.
| Taxing Jurisdiction | 2025–2026 Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leander ISD | 1.0392% | Largest single component; covers both Leander and Cedar Park |
| City of Leander | 0.4138% | Municipal services, roads, police, parks |
| Williamson County | 0.3144% | County services, courts, sheriff |
| Williamson County ESD #2 | 0.0622% | Emergency services district |
| Road District | ~0.02% | Where applicable |
| Base Total (no MUD) | ~2.18%–2.30% | Standard Leander rate without MUD |
MUD Districts in Leander TX: What They Are and What They Cost
Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) are special taxing entities created to fund infrastructure — water, sewer, drainage — in newly developed areas. Builders use MUDs to finance infrastructure bonds that homeowners then repay through their property taxes. They are the single biggest source of tax variation between Leander neighborhoods.
How MUD Taxes Work
- MUD taxes are levied in addition to city, county, and school district taxes
- Rates range from 0.10% to 0.40% depending on the MUD's outstanding bond debt
- As bonds are paid off (typically 15–30 years), the MUD rate declines and eventually disappears
- Newer communities have higher MUD rates; established communities have lower or no MUD rates
- MUD boundaries don't always match neighborhood boundaries — verify by address
| MUD District | Approx. Rate | Primary Neighborhoods Served | Est. Bond Payoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williamson County MUD #22 | ~0.35% | Bryson (northern sections) | 2038–2042 |
| Williamson County MUD #19 | ~0.30% | Northline, east sections | 2036–2040 |
| Williamson County MUD #25 | ~0.28% | Deerbrooke | 2037–2041 |
| Williamson County MUD #18 | ~0.25% | Larkspur (newer phases) | 2035–2039 |
| Williamson County MUD #15 | ~0.20% | Crystal Falls (later phases) | 2030–2034 |
| Williamson County MUD #12 | ~0.15% | Travisso | 2032–2036 |
| Williamson County MUD #8 | ~0.12% | Horizon Lake area | 2028–2032 |
| No MUD | — | Block House Creek, older Leander, Caballo Ranch (parts) | N/A |
Neighborhood Property Tax Rate Breakdown
Here's how the combined tax rate looks for each major Leander and Cedar Park neighborhood, accounting for base rate plus any applicable MUD or special district taxes.
Travisso
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base (city + county + LISD) | ~2.22% |
| MUD #12 | ~0.12% |
| Combined Estimated Rate | ~2.34% |
| Annual Tax on $500K Home (after homestead) | ~$9,360 |
| Monthly | ~$780 |
Travisso is a luxury master-planned community with a relatively modest MUD compared to newer developments. The Hill Country setting commands a price premium, but the tax rate is manageable for its tier. Homes here typically start at $600K+. Related: Crystal Falls guide →
Crystal Falls
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base (city + county + LISD) | ~2.22% |
| MUD #15 (later phases only) | ~0.08%–0.20% |
| Combined Estimated Rate | ~2.22%–2.42% |
| Annual Tax on $450K Home (after homestead) | ~$7,770–$8,470 |
| Monthly | ~$647–$706 |
Crystal Falls is a large community — tax rates vary significantly depending on which phase you're in. Original sections built before 2005 often have no MUD. Sections built after 2015 may carry MUD #15. Always verify the specific address. Golf course access and strong resale history make this one of Leander's most desirable communities.
Bryson
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base (city + county + LISD) | ~2.22% |
| MUD #22 | ~0.35% |
| Combined Estimated Rate | ~2.57% |
| Annual Tax on $450K Home (after homestead) | ~$8,995 |
| Monthly | ~$750 |
Bryson carries one of Leander's higher MUD rates due to its newer infrastructure. The community amenities are excellent (resort pool, fitness center, dog park), but buyers should factor the full tax burden before comparing to older neighborhoods. MUD bonds projected to mature in the late 2030s.
Larkspur
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base (city + county + LISD) | ~2.22% |
| MUD #18 (newer phases) | ~0.20%–0.28% |
| Combined Estimated Rate | ~2.42%–2.50% |
| Annual Tax on $420K Home (after homestead) | ~$7,644–$7,896 |
| Monthly | ~$637–$658 |
Larkspur offers a good balance of newer construction and mid-range MUD rates. Popular with families given its proximity to Leander ISD schools and 183A access.
Northline
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base (city + county + LISD) | ~2.22% |
| MUD #19 | ~0.30% |
| Combined Estimated Rate | ~2.52% |
| Annual Tax on $450K Home (after homestead) | ~$8,820 |
| Monthly | ~$735 |
Northline is Leander's urban-style mixed-use development near the MetroRail station. Higher MUD rate offset by walkability, retail access, and train connectivity to downtown Austin. Popular with younger buyers and commuters.
Deerbrooke
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base (city + county + LISD) | ~2.22% |
| MUD #25 | ~0.28% |
| Combined Estimated Rate | ~2.50% |
| Annual Tax on $430K Home (after homestead) | ~$8,255 |
| Monthly | ~$688 |
Deerbrooke is one of Leander's newer master-planned communities. Still building out, which means MUD rates are near their peak. Buyers who purchase now will benefit as bonds are paid down over the next 15+ years.
Caballo Ranch
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base (city + county + LISD) | ~2.22% |
| MUD (where applicable) | ~0.10%–0.18% |
| Combined Estimated Rate | ~2.22%–2.40% |
| Annual Tax on $400K Home (after homestead) | ~$6,660–$7,200 |
| Monthly | ~$555–$600 |
Caballo Ranch is a Cedar Park/Leander border community with relatively modest tax exposure. Some sections fall within Cedar Park's jurisdiction rather than Leander's — which can affect the city component of the rate. Verify the exact address.
Block House Creek (Cedar Park)
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Leander ISD | ~1.04% |
| City of Cedar Park | ~0.3788% |
| Williamson County | ~0.3144% |
| No MUD | — |
| Combined Estimated Rate | ~2.10%–2.18% |
| Annual Tax on $420K Home (after homestead) | ~$6,614–$6,866 |
| Monthly | ~$551–$572 |
Block House Creek is one of the best property tax values in the greater Leander area. Established infrastructure means no MUD, Cedar Park's slightly lower city rate, and still within Leander ISD. Popular with families who want top schools at a lower tax cost.
2026 Williamson County Property Tax Exemptions
Texas offers several property tax exemptions that can substantially reduce your annual bill. Here's every exemption available to Williamson County homeowners in 2026, with specific savings estimates.
General Homestead Exemption
The most important exemption. Removes $100,000 from your school district (Leander ISD) taxable value. This is the 2023 legislative increase from the previous $40,000.
| Home Value | Taxable After Exemption | Est. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| $350,000 | $250,000 | ~$1,039/yr |
| $400,000 | $300,000 | ~$1,039/yr |
| $500,000 | $400,000 | ~$1,039/yr |
| $600,000 | $500,000 | ~$1,039/yr |
How to apply: File Form 50-114 with WCAD between Jan 1 – April 30. File once; it renews automatically. Must own and occupy as primary residence as of January 1.
Over-65 Exemption + Tax Ceiling
Homeowners 65+ receive an additional $10,000 exemption on school district taxes. More importantly, your school district tax bill is frozen — it cannot increase as long as you own and live in the home, even if values rise.
- Additional $10,000 off school district taxable value
- School district tax permanently frozen at year of filing
- Surviving spouse (55+) can continue the freeze
- Applies automatically when you turn 65 mid-year for that full tax year
Disabled Person Exemption
Same $10,000 additional exemption and tax ceiling as the over-65 exemption, available to homeowners with a qualifying disability under the Social Security Act. Cannot be combined with the over-65 exemption — claim whichever benefits you more.
100% Disabled Veteran Exemption
Veterans rated 100% disabled by the VA receive a complete property tax exemption — $0 property tax on their primary residence. This applies across all taxing units including city, county, and school district.
| VA Disability Rating | Exemption Amount |
|---|---|
| 100% (or Unemployable) | Full exemption — $0 property tax |
| 70–99% | $12,000 off appraised value |
| 50–69% | $10,000 off appraised value |
| 30–49% | $7,500 off appraised value |
| 10–29% | $5,000 off appraised value |
Surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans may qualify to maintain the exemption. Contact WCAD for documentation requirements.
Agricultural (1-d-1 Open Space) Valuation
Qualifying agricultural land is taxed on productivity value rather than market value — typically reducing the taxable value by 70–90%. Applies to acreage actively used for farming, ranching, wildlife management, or timber. Relevant for larger rural properties on the Leander/Liberty Hill fringe.
Estimate Your 2026 Property Tax Bill
Use this quick formula to estimate your annual property tax in Leander or Cedar Park.
The Formula
The $100,000 deduction applies only to the school district (LISD) portion. For a quick estimate, subtract it from your full appraised value before multiplying.
| Home Value | After Homestead | No MUD (2.22%) | With MUD 0.20% | With MUD 0.35% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $350,000 | $250,000 | $5,550/yr | $6,050/yr | $6,425/yr |
| $400,000 | $300,000 | $6,660/yr | $7,260/yr | $7,710/yr |
| $450,000 | $350,000 | $7,770/yr | $8,470/yr | $8,995/yr |
| $500,000 | $400,000 | $8,880/yr | $9,680/yr | $10,280/yr |
| $600,000 | $500,000 | $11,100/yr | $12,100/yr | $12,850/yr |
| $700,000 | $600,000 | $13,320/yr | $14,520/yr | $15,420/yr |
Leander Property Tax vs Other Austin-Area Cities
Leander vs Cedar Park
| Leander (no MUD) | Leander (MUD 0.30%) | Cedar Park (no MUD) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Rate | ~2.22% | ~2.52% | ~2.12% |
| On $450K (after homestead) | $7,770/yr | $8,820/yr | $7,420/yr |
| Monthly Difference | — | +$87.50 vs base | −$29/mo vs Leander base |
| School District | Leander ISD | Leander ISD | Leander ISD |
| City Rate | 0.4138% | 0.4138% | 0.3788% |
Cedar Park runs slightly cheaper than base Leander and significantly cheaper than MUD-burdened Leander neighborhoods. Both share Leander ISD. Cedar Park has more established infrastructure with fewer active MUD districts. Full Cedar Park vs Leander comparison →
Leander vs Round Rock
| Leander (no MUD) | Round Rock | |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Rate | ~2.22% | ~1.90%–2.05% |
| School District | Leander ISD | Round Rock ISD or Pflugerville ISD |
| On $450K (after homestead) | $7,770/yr | $6,650–$7,175/yr |
| Annual Savings vs Leander | — | $595–$1,120/yr cheaper |
Round Rock runs notably cheaper than Leander — often $600–$1,100/year on a comparable home. The trade-off: Round Rock ISD is solid but generally doesn't rank as high as Leander ISD, and the commute patterns favor different parts of Austin.
Leander vs Pflugerville
| Leander (no MUD) | Pflugerville | |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Rate | ~2.22% | ~2.10%–2.30% |
| School District | Leander ISD | Pflugerville ISD |
| On $450K (after homestead) | $7,770/yr | $7,350–$8,050/yr |
| Location | NW Austin | NE Austin |
Pflugerville's tax rate is comparable to base Leander. The bigger distinction is location — they serve opposite sides of the metro. Pflugerville is better for I-35 and east Austin commuters; Leander is better for 183A and north Austin commuters. Full Leander vs Pflugerville comparison →
Leander vs Hutto
| Leander (no MUD) | Hutto | |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Rate | ~2.22% | ~2.40%–2.65% |
| School District | Leander ISD | Hutto ISD |
| On $450K (after homestead) | $7,770/yr | $8,400–$9,275/yr |
| Annual Cost vs Leander | — | $630–$1,505/yr more |
Hutto tends to run higher than Leander, driven by aggressive new development infrastructure and MUD districts throughout the city. Hutto ISD is growing but smaller than Leander ISD. For buyers attracted to Hutto's lower home prices, the higher tax rate often offsets much of the savings.
Summary: Austin-Area Tax Rate Ranking (Low to High)
| City | Approx. Combined Rate | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Round Rock | ~1.90%–2.05% | ✓ Lowest |
| Cedar Park | ~2.10%–2.22% | ✓ Low |
| Leander (no MUD) | ~2.18%–2.30% | — Mid |
| Pflugerville | ~2.10%–2.30% | — Mid |
| Leander (with MUD) | ~2.40%–2.57% | ↑ Higher |
| Hutto | ~2.40%–2.65% | ↑ Higher |
How to Protest Your Williamson County Property Tax Appraisal
If WCAD's appraisal of your home is higher than market value, you have the right to protest — and winning is more common than most homeowners realize.
Step-by-Step Process
- Receive your Notice of Appraised Value — WCAD mails these in April. You have until May 15 (or 30 days after notice, whichever is later) to file a protest.
- File your protest online at wcad.org or submit Form 50-132 by mail. State your grounds: "Value is over market value" and/or "Unequal appraisal."
- Gather comparable sales — Find 3–5 homes that sold in the last 12 months near yours with similar square footage, age, and condition but lower assessed values. MLS data, Zillow, or HAR.com work.
- Attend the informal hearing — A WCAD appraiser will review your evidence and often settle before a formal ARB hearing. Come prepared with printed comps.
- Request a formal ARB hearing if the informal offer is unsatisfactory. The Appraisal Review Board is independent of WCAD.
- Consider binding arbitration or district court for high-value homes where the potential savings justify the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the property tax rate in Leander TX in 2026?
The combined rate ranges from approximately 2.18% to 2.57% depending on the neighborhood and MUD district. Base rate without a MUD is around 2.18%–2.30%. Add 0.10%–0.40% for MUD-burdened communities like Bryson, Northline, and Deerbrooke.
How do I find out if my home is in a MUD district?
Go to wcad.org, search your property address, and view the tax rate breakdown by jurisdiction. Any "MUD" or "Utility District" line item confirms you're in a MUD. You can also call WCAD at (512) 930-3787.
When is the homestead exemption deadline in Texas?
April 30 of the tax year you're applying for. If you bought your home in 2024 and haven't filed, you can still file for 2025. The exemption applies from the year you file forward.
Does the homestead exemption apply to Cedar Park homes?
Yes. Cedar Park is in Williamson County and within Leander ISD. The $100,000 homestead exemption applies to all qualifying Texas homeowners regardless of city.
Can I protest my property taxes every year?
Yes. You can protest annually. If your home's appraised value increases, file a protest before May 15. You don't need a professional service to do it — many homeowners win with basic comp research.
Do property taxes change when I buy a home?
The new owner must re-file for the homestead exemption after purchase. WCAD may also update the appraised value based on the sale price in the year following purchase. Budget for a potential first-year increase if the home was previously owner-occupied with a frozen value.