Houston, TX town hall & government
Houston spent $6.8 billion in the year to June 30, 2024, about $2,966 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Houston's government.
Who runs Houston
From public records (Open States and Wikidata), which can lag behind an election. If a name is out of date, tell us: when two neighbors agree, it's hidden until the records catch up.
Where Houston's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Property taxes 24%
- Fees & charges 23%
- Sales taxes 15%
- Utility sales 12%
- Interest, fines & other 9%
- From the federal government 6%
- From the state 5%
- From other local governments 4%
- Other taxes & licenses 2%
Who works for Houston
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2023. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Houston Independent School District
Houston's K–12 school district, shared with Bellaire, Southside Place, West University Place and Jacinto City. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from Texas districts overall: 51% local, 36% state, 13% federal
- Local 64%
- State 12%
- Federal 24%
Of the $13,950 per pupil, $8,130 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Also serving Houston: Aldine Independent School District ($14,243 per pupil) · Katy Independent School District ($11,756 per pupil) · Humble Independent School District ($11,419 per pupil).
Which schools Houston kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Houston pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Houston's government
Who represents Houston
Houston is represented in Congress by Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and Representatives Christian D. Menefee, Al Green, Sylvia R. Garcia, Wesley Hunt, Lizzie Fletcher, Dan Crenshaw, Brian Babin, Morgan Luttrell and Troy E. Nehls. Greg Abbott is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.