Travis County sees rise in appraised home values

Travis County sees rise in appraised home values

By Rob Heidrick Wednesday, 06 May 2009

Home values increased by 5 percent in Travis County over the last year as neighboring Williamson County experienced a 1.3 percent decline.

Travis County’s average homestead appraisal rose from $281,623 in 2008 to $295,747 in 2009. The average value in the Williamson Central Appraisal District is $188,523 this year, compared with an average of $191,072 last year.

The figures are based on each home’s value as of Jan. 1. WCAD officials have been conducting evaluations in recent months and began mailing appraisal notices to homeowners April 24.

Patrick Brown, chief appraiser for the Travis Central Appraisal District, said the disparity between the two counties could be due to a lag between the Austin housing market and that of the surrounding communities.

“When the real estate economy expands, it’s like throwing rock in pond,” Brown said. “The first ripple is in the center, and then it moves out to the periphery. The reverse is true if we’re in a contraction.”

Home values within the City of Austin rose at a faster pace than the county as a whole, increasing by 5.45 percent. Pflugerville ISD, which borders Williamson County, grew at a slightly slower rate, 4 percent. Meanwhile, Round Rock ISD values declined by 1.69 percent, the largest decrease across both counties.

Travis County homeowners with questions about their appraisals, including those who would like to file protests, may meet with appraisal district staff at the TCAD office, 8314 Cross Park Drive in Austin. Walk-in appointments will be accepted until May 15, after which all meetings must be scheduled in advance. Protest forms are attached to the bottom of each appraisal notice and must be filed by June 1.

Average home values by area

• Williamson County
  • 2008: $191,072
  • 2009: $188,523
  • (-1.33 percent)
• Travis County
  • 2008: $281,623
  • 2009: $295,747
  • (5.02 percent)
• City of Austin
  • 2008: $263,564
  • 2009: $277,940
  • (5.45 percent)
• Georgetown ISD
  • 2008: $215,499
  • 2009: $213,622
  • (-0.87 percent)
• Hutto ISD
  • 2008: $152,506
  • 2009: $150,072
  • (-1.6 percent)
• Leander ISD
  • 2008: $190,017
  • 2009: $187,554
  • (-1.3 percent)
• Pflugerville ISD
  • 2008: $161,740
  • 2009: $168,151
  • (3.96 percent)
• Round Rock ISD
  • 2008: $198,726
  • 2009: $195,375
  • (-1.69 percent)
• Taylor ISD
  • 2008: $96,700
  • 2009: $95,189
  • (-1.56 percent)

Sources: Williamson Central Appraisal District, Travis Central Appraisal District

More information on home appraisals: Williamson Councy Property Appraisals.