2026 Property Tax Trends: What Homeowners Need to Know
Written by RedTools Research Team. Updated using public state and county tax sources.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Property tax assessments across the United States continue to climb in 2026, driven by post-pandemic home price appreciation, reassessment cycles, and local government revenue needs.
National Overview
- 6.2% average assessment increase (2025–2026)
- 45% estimated over-assessment rate
- 58% protest success rate (national avg.)
Nationally, property tax assessments increased an average of 6.2% between 2025 and 2026, outpacing actual home price growth in many markets. The estimated over-assessment rate of 45% means nearly half of all residential properties are assessed above their actual market value. With an average protest success rate of 58%, the odds favor homeowners who take the time to file a well-prepared appeal.
State-by-State Assessment Trends
| State | Avg. Assessment Change | Effective Tax Rate | Protest Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | +8.4% | 1.60% | 65% |
| California | +2.0% | 0.71% | 52% |
| Florida | +7.1% | 0.80% | 55% |
| New York | +4.5% | 1.40% | 48% |
| New Jersey | +5.8% | 2.23% | 50% |
| Illinois | +6.3% | 2.07% | 60% |
| Georgia | +9.2% | 0.83% | 62% |
| Arizona | +7.8% | 0.51% | 54% |
| North Carolina | +5.5% | 0.73% | 50% |
| Pennsylvania | +3.2% | 1.49% | 47% |
Sources: State comptroller offices, county appraisal district public records, and RedTools internal analysis. Data reflects estimates as of February 2026.
Market Value vs. Assessed Value: The Gap Is Growing
One of the most important trends in 2026 is the widening gap between actual market values and assessed values in many markets. While home prices in some areas have stabilized or declined from their 2022–2024 peaks, assessments often continue to rise because reassessment cycles lag the market, revenue pressure on local governments incentivizes higher assessments, and mass appraisal models can’t account for individual property conditions.
Key Takeaways for 2026
- Protest volume is rising. Homeowners who protest save an average of $600–$1,200 per year.
- Sun Belt states are hit hardest. Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Arizona are seeing the largest assessment increases.
- Data beats emotion. Review boards consistently respond to comparable sales evidence over arguments about affordability or fairness.
- Don’t wait. Protest deadlines are fixed. Mark your calendar as soon as you receive your assessment notice.
Source References
- Texas Comptroller — Property Tax
- California State Board of Equalization — Property Tax
- Florida Department of Revenue — Property
Analyze Your 2026 Assessment
FairValue compares your assessment against real comparable sales data to determine if you’re over-assessed. Get your free analysis.