Taxing entities in Sabine County have seen notable changes over the past three years, with rising property appraisals driving increased revenues despite stable or declining tax rates.
This isn’t uncommon in our comprehensive review of property tax rates and average valuations across Texas for the three-year window of 2019 to 2022.
As with many counties, there are outliers raising rates and appraisals. In Sabine County, that distinction goes to Shelbyville Independent School District, which was the only taxing entity to raise its tax rate during this period, compounding the impact of rising appraisals on taxpayers.
Sabine County and the county hospital district maintained relatively stable tax rates over the same period. The county’s rate decreased slightly, from 0.40 in 2019 to 0.384 in 2022, while the hospital district held its rate steady at 0.195. However, average taxable values rose significantly, leading to higher overall tax bills.
For example, Sabine County’s average taxable value increased from $58,343 in 2019 to $70,868 in 2022, resulting in a 16.72 percent rise in average tax bills despite the flat rates. Similarly, the hospital district saw a 21.57 percent increase in tax bills due to rising property values.
Shelbyville ISD stood out as the only taxing entity to raise its tax rate, which climbed from 1.23 in 2019 to 1.24 in 2022. Combined with rising property appraisals, this resulted in the sharpest increase in tax burdens among all local entities.
Lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session will again contemplate property taxes. This levy has recently been equated to an unrealized gains tax, since taxes are collected on the projected worth of an asset that has not been sold (in which case the owner would realize a gain).
One of the main problems Texans have with the tax is that even if rates are checked, appraisals can eat up savings. That’s what happened in both Hemphill ISD and West Sabine ISD.
Both lowered their tax rates slightly over the three years reviewed, but property appraisal growth still caused average tax bills to rise. West Sabine ISD saw fluctuations in taxable values, with a temporary dip in 2021 before rebounding in 2022.
In May 2024, West Sabine ISD held a $12,335,000 bond election to fund a new welding lab. The bond failed to pass with 191 votes in favor and 233 votes against.
Across all entities, rising property values significantly impacted tax bills. Average appraisals in Sabine County increased by 21.47 percent over the three-year period, highlighting the growing challenge for residents as tax burdens climb, even when rates remain flat.
From now until tax day in 2025, Texas Scorecard will report on counties across the state, highlighting local officials who are working to lighten—or at the very least not increase—property taxpayers’ burdens.
Conversely, public servants who have added to taxpayers’ already burdensome loads will also come under scrutiny.
