Calculating 2026 Property Taxes in Highland Park, TX

The median sale price for a home in Highland Park, TX sits at roughly $2,720,000 as of mid-2026. Buyers entering this market quickly realize that the annual tax bill requires as much planning as the mortgage payment itself.

Local rates, county assessments, and school district levies all combine to determine your annual obligation. Knowing how the Dallas Central Appraisal District evaluates homes and which exemptions apply helps homeowners manage their long-term carrying costs.

2026 Property Tax Rates in Highland Park

The combined property tax rate for Highland Park residents is approximately 1.57 percent of the home's assessed value.

This total percentage comes from several different taxing authorities. The Town of Highland Park municipal tax rate is $0.199296 per $100 of assessed value. This funds local town services, infrastructure, and public safety.

The largest portion of the tax bill goes to the local school system. The Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD) assesses a tax rate of roughly $0.834700 per $100 of valuation.

Dallas County adds its own levy to the total. The county rate is $0.215500 per $100, alongside smaller additional rates for Parkland Hospital and Dallas College. Homeowners should multiply their final assessed value by the combined 1.57 percent rate to estimate their annual tax payments.

Property Valuations and the Dallas Central Appraisal District

The Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) determines the market value for all real and business personal property in the county every year.

The county appraisal district mails appraisal notices to property owners in the spring. These notices detail the assessed value of the property based on recent sales data and market conditions. With local homes selling at 98.7 percent of their list price on average, DCAD valuations often track closely with rising market prices.

Homeowners have the right to protest this valuation if they believe it exceeds the true market value. The deadline to file a protest is typically May 15, or 30 days after receiving the official notice.

Filing a protest triggers a review by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). During an ARB hearing, the property owner presents evidence, such as recent comparable sales or repair estimates, to support a lower taxable value.

Tax Exemptions for Highland Park Homeowners

The Town of Highland Park offers an optional 20 percent homestead exemption, which directly lowers the taxable value of a property.

To qualify for the standard Texas Homestead Exemption, the house must be your primary residence on January 1 of the tax year. Investment properties and second homes do not qualify for this reduction. Property owners submit their exemption applications directly to the Dallas Central Appraisal District.

Beyond the standard homestead allowance, certain homeowners qualify for additional relief.

• Over-65 Exemption: Homeowners aged 65 and older receive a $50,000 reduction in taxable value from the town, along with specific tax ceilings from the school district.
• Disabled Veteran Exemption: Veterans with service-connected disabilities qualify for reductions based on their disability rating percentage.

Highland Park Taxes Compared to the Dallas Metroplex

The City of Dallas charges a municipal rate of roughly $0.698800 per $100 of assessed value, whereas Highland Park charges just $0.199296.

This lower municipal levy stands out when comparing Highland Park to the broader Dallas-Fort Worth area. Neighboring University Park also maintains a lower municipal rate, sitting at about $0.218565 per $100.

A lower tax rate does not automatically mean a low tax bill. Because the median home value in Highland Park exceeds $2.7 million, the actual dollar amount paid in taxes remains substantial.

Buyers relocating from other parts of the state of Texas often notice this dynamic. The municipal efficiency keeps the percentage rate down, but the premium real estate market ensures total tax payments align with luxury property ownership.

Location Features Influencing Highland Park Property Values

Highland Park homes currently spend a median of just 15 days on the market before going under contract.

High demand for this specific location keeps property values elevated, which in turn impacts annual tax assessments. The property address dictates access to major commuting routes, with the Dallas North Tollway providing a direct line to downtown Dallas and northern employment centers.

Retail and commercial amenities also factor into the area's real estate pricing. Proximity to Highland Park Village offers immediate access to luxury shopping and dining, maintaining high buyer interest.

Outdoor spaces add further value to the local housing inventory. Homes near the Katy Trail or Lakeside Park command premium prices, and DCAD incorporates these location advantages into their annual property tax assessment models.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are property taxes in Highland Park, Texas?

The combined property tax rate in Highland Park is approximately 1.57 percent of a home's assessed value. For a home valued at $2 million, this translates to an annual tax bill of roughly $31,400 before any exemptions.

When are property taxes due in Highland Park, Texas?

Property tax bills are typically mailed in October and must be paid by January 31 of the following year. Payments made after this deadline incur penalties and interest.

What property tax exemptions are available for homeowners in Highland Park, Texas?

Residents can apply for a 20 percent local homestead exemption, provided the house is their primary residence. Additional reductions exist for residents over the age of 65 and disabled veterans.

How can I protest or lower my property taxes in Highland Park, Texas?

Homeowners can file a formal protest with the Dallas Central Appraisal District by May 15 each year. You will need to provide comparable sales data or repair estimates during your Appraisal Review Board hearing to prove the assessed value is too high.

How do Highland Park property tax rates compare to the rest of the Dallas Metroplex?

Highland Park has a much lower municipal tax rate ($0.199296 per $100) compared to the City of Dallas ($0.698800 per $100). However, the high median home prices in Highland Park mean the total dollar amount paid is often higher than in surrounding suburbs.

Do assessors go inside your home for property tax appraisal in Highland Park, Texas?

DCAD appraisers generally do not enter a home to determine its value. They rely on exterior inspections, aerial photography, and local MLS data to assess the property's condition and market worth.