HAYS CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT
As of April 1, the Hays Central Appraisal District mailed out 2025 Appraisal Notices to most property owners, according to a press release issued by the district. Hays CAD encourages that all of the information included with the notice be reviewed carefully.
“Real estate market activity is the driving force for the changes in property values,” said Laura Raven, Hays Central Appraisal District chief appraiser. “Appraisal district values reflect that activity.”
There was a 5.95% increase in Hays County’s 2025 preliminary appraisal roll when compared to 2024. 2025’s preliminary appraisal roll was $72.28 billion, and in 2024, it was $68.22 billion. Though there was an increase, the district stated this is the smallest appraisal growth in the last five years. As of Jan. 1, 2025, new improvements contributed $3.64 billion in market value, which included 4,120 new homes and 829 enhancements to existing structures.
There was a 12% increase in the industrial real property category, which was $6.44 billion in 2025 and $5.73 billion in 2024. There was an 11% increase in the preliminary value of residential multi-family properties, which was $4.03 billion in 2024 and $4.46 billion in 2025. Over 100 residential multi-family properties were added to the tax roll last year.
A comparison of 2024 and 2025 residential average market and average taxable values are as follows: • Hays County - 2024 Residential Market Value $465,334; 2025 Market Value $476,898; 2024 Residential Taxable Value $399,179; 2025 Residential Taxable Value $425,976 • city of San Marcos 2024 RMV $357,909; 2025 RMV $360,204, 2024 RTV $312,418; 2025 RTV $324,591
• San Marcos CISD 2024 RMV $429,201, 2025 RMV $381,246, 2024 RTV $263,887; 2025 RTV $289,074 Raven pointed to new residential and commercial properties as the reason for an increase in the San Marcos preliminary property tax roll value. She added that consumers determine market values and the appraisals are just a reflection of that activity.
“The City of San Marcos value includes 475 new residential properties with a preliminary appraised value of $210 million and a preliminary taxable value of $164 million,” Raven said. “Thirteen new commercial properties were added to the preliminary roll valued at $39 million with a preliminary taxable value of $26 million.”
When it comes to the larger increase for the county as a whole than the city itself, Raven said “market areas outside of the city of San Marcos with higher values push up the numbers for the county.”
The filing deadline to protest property appraisals before the Hays County Appraisal Review Board must be filed by May 15, which is 30 days from the date the notice was mailed. The district recommends filing by using the online filing portable available on hayscad. com. It can also be sent by mail or dropped off in person to the Hays Central Appraisal District, located at 21001 North I-35 in Kyle.
“It is free and simple to do. Including dated pictures, estimates for repair, recent appraisals or recent sale information can speed up the process,” Raven said. “It’s also easy to file for a homestead exemption, if they don’t already have one. If a person lives at the property they own, has a valid Texas ID with an address that matches the property, and they don’t claim a homestead exemption anywhere else, they probably qualify. A homestead exemption can save hundreds of dollars per year. Visit hayscad.com to file online or for more information.”
According to Hays CAD, property tax assists taxing entities in funding essential services such as schools, emergency services, police/fire protection, libraries as well as many others. On Aug. 7, information on how the tax rates are set will be available on hays. countytaxrates.com. Visit hayscad.com for more information on appraisals, appeals and exemptions.
