Texas Porch

Historic Courthouse

The Hays County Courthouse in San Marcos is a historic landmark

The Hays County Courthouse in San Marcos is listed in a historic district and serves as both the seat of county government and a landmark of local architecture.

Hays County History & Culture

The Hays County Courthouse in downtown San Marcos anchors the county's historic district. The Hays County Courthouse Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 10, 1992 (NRHP ref. 92001233), recognized under Criterion C for its architecture. The district encompasses Classical Revival, Prairie School, and Late Victorian buildings constructed roughly between 1875 and 1949.

County government offices are housed here and in nearby buildings. If you need to file documents, pay taxes in person, or meet with county officials, most offices are on or near the San Marcos courthouse square. Check co.hays.tx.us for specific office locations and hours before visiting.

Source to confirm: Texas Historical Commission Atlas — Hays County Courthouse Historic District

More Hays County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property taxes in Hays County

Hays County splits property tax duties between two separate offices, and knowing which one to call saves time.

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Homestead Exemption

Filing a homestead exemption lowers your tax bill in Hays County

If you own and live in your Hays County home, you can file for a homestead exemption to reduce what you owe in property taxes.

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Tax Payment Deadline

Pay your Hays County property taxes by January 31 to avoid penalties

Property tax bills in Hays County arrive in the fall, and January 31 is the last day to pay without extra fees.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farmland in Hays County can be taxed at a much lower rate through ag valuation

Land used for farming or ranching in Hays County may qualify for a special lower tax rate based on what the land can produce, not what it sells for.

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