Growth & Demographics

Hays County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States

Hays County's population has grown from about 65,000 in 1990 to more than 185,000 by the mid-2010s, putting pressure on roads, water, and services.

Hays County Home & Property

The Handbook of Texas counted 65,614 people in Hays County in 1990. By 2014, that number had reached 185,025. Cities like Kyle, Buda, and San Marcos have added people fast. Many new residents work in Austin but live south and west of it along the IH-35 corridor.

Fast growth can change a lot in a short time. Property values go up. Tax rates shift. Roads get congested. Schools fill up. If you are buying property in Hays County, check how recent the comparable sales data is. Look at road and utility plans for your area. The county's Development Services and transportation departments handle many of these issues.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Hays County

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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