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Stephenville TX Real Estate: What the New $0.4297 City Tax Rate Means for Your Bill
If you own a home in Stephenville, or you're shopping for one, this is the week to look at your tax picture. On Sept. 22 the Stephenville City Council adopted a 2026 city property tax rate of $0.4297 per $100 of taxable value, up from $0.4000 last year. Here's what that looks like on a real tax bill and what I'd do about it.
What did Stephenville adopt for 2026?
According to the City of Stephenville's tax rate page, the council proposed a maximum rate of $0.4297 at its Aug. 4 meeting, held a public hearing on Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, and adopted the rate at a special meeting on Sept. 22. The city lists the vote as 7 for, 0 against, with one member absent.
The numbers the city published:
- Adopted rate: $0.4297 per $100
- 2025 rate: $0.4000 per $100
- No-new-revenue rate: $0.3907 per $100 (the rate that would bring in about the same property tax dollars as last year)
- Voter-approval rate: $0.4297 per $100 (the most a city can adopt without going to voters)
The city adopted a rate right at its voter-approval limit, so no election was needed. By my own arithmetic, going from $0.4000 to $0.4297 is a rate increase of about 7.4 percent. The city's page shows more than one percentage in different places, so if you need the official figure, call City Hall.
What does that mean for homeowners and buyers in Stephenville?
Property tax is your taxable value divided by 100, times the rate. A few simple examples, using the city rate only:
| Taxable value | At $0.4000 (2025) | At $0.4297 (2026) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $600.00 | $644.55 | +$44.55 |
| $200,000 | $800.00 | $859.40 | +$59.40 |
| $300,000 | $1,200.00 | $1,289.10 | +$89.10 |
Those figures assume your taxable value didn't change. Your value and your exemptions matter just as much as the rate. Your city bill is only one piece, since the county, the school district, and other taxing units each send their own share.
If you're buying, remember the seller's tax bill reflects the seller's exemptions. A homestead exemption is typically something you apply for after you own and live in the home, so your first bill may look different from the one on the listing. Ask your lender to estimate the escrow with the new rate, not last year's.
If you're selling, expect buyers to ask about taxes. Have your most recent bill and your exemption information ready.
My take: what I'd do right now
- Pull your appraisal-district record. The Erath County Appraisal District keeps your taxable value, exemptions, and the taxing units on your property. Make sure every exemption you qualify for is on there.
- Don't stop at the city. Ask your lender or title company for the total rate on your address, not just the city's piece.
- Budget for the fall bill. Property tax bills typically go out in the fall and are due by the end of January. Mark the date and plan ahead if your mortgage doesn't escrow.
- Keep it in proportion. A rate change is one factor among several. Location, condition, and price still decide whether a house is a good buy.
Tax, legal, and lending questions are best answered by your CPA, attorney, or lender, and I'm glad to help you line up the right questions.
Frequently asked questions
Did Stephenville raise property taxes in 2026?
The city adopted a rate of $0.4297 per $100, which is higher than the $0.4000 rate in 2025 and higher than the $0.3907 no-new-revenue rate. Your actual bill also depends on your property's taxable value and exemptions.
Where can I see the Stephenville tax rate?
The City of Stephenville posts it on its Tax Rate Info page. The Erath County Appraisal District can show your property's taxable value and which taxing units apply.
Do I vote on the city tax rate?
Only if a city proposes a rate above the voter-approval rate. Stephenville's adopted rate matches the voter-approval rate, so no election was required.
This Week in Stephenville (Sept. 28-Oct. 4)
Tarleton State Texans vs. Chicago State (Legends Game and Pink Out)
- When: Sat., Oct. 3, 6 p.m.
- Where: Memorial Stadium, Tarleton State University, Stephenville
- Details: Tarleton State football schedule
I could only confirm the event above on its organizer's page. For more happenings around town, check the City of Stephenville calendar.
Let's talk
Thinking about buying or selling in Stephenville and wondering how the numbers shake out? I'm happy to walk through it with you, no pressure. Call me at 682-500-1931, email karen@moorehomeandranch.com, or send a message here. You can also browse my current listings.
Sources
- City of Stephenville, Tax Rate Info, accessed Oct. 9, 2026
- Tarleton State Athletics, football schedule, accessed Oct. 9, 2026
- Erath County Appraisal District, via Texas Comptroller county directory, accessed Oct. 9, 2026
Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is for general purposes only. Karen Fox, REALTOR®, Moore Home & Ranch Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.