Two homes in the same state can have very different tax bills. Counties and cities set their own millage rates, and voters approve bonds for schools and infrastructure. The result is a patchwork of local rates layered on top of state rules.
Consider a state with a 1.20% effective rate:
Set the Local Multiplier to 1.12×, 0.92×, or 0.79× to approximate these examples.
School or infrastructure bonds appear as separate line-items. They can add meaningful variation among nearby cities even inside the same county.
Then apply that as your Local Multiplier on the home estimator.
Two homes a mile apart can sit in different jurisdictions: city, county, and independent school districts layer separate millage rates.
Bonds for libraries, roads, and parks add time‑limited levies that fade when paid off.
| Jurisdiction | Mills |
|---|---|
| County | 16.5 |
| City | 8.2 |
| School District | 20.0 |
| Special (Bond/Park) | 3.1 |
Total = 47.8 mills → 4.78% of assessed value (not market value unless assessment ratio = 100%).
School district edges, annexed city pockets, and special improvement zones can move your total rate by more than a full percentage point.
Ask for a parcel map overlay from the county GIS to confirm your districts before you buy.
| Area | Assessment | Total Rate | Annual Tax on $300k |
|---|---|---|---|
| County A (Uninc.) | 100% | 1.05% | $3,150 |
| City B | 100% | 1.42% | $4,260 |
| SID C + County | 100% | 1.68% | $5,040 |