Agricultural & Timber Tax Exemption in Austin County, Texas

Agricultural Exemption Requirements in Austin County

Austin County is located in the Gulf Prairies and Marshes ecoregion of Texas. The Gulf Prairies and Marshes along the Texas coast support cattle ranching, rice production, and aquaculture (including crawfish farming). Coastal agriculture faces unique challenges including hurricane risk and saltwater intrusion.

To maintain an agricultural tax valuation (1-D-1 special appraisal) in Austin County, property owners must:

• Use the land primarily for agriculture, timber, or a qualifying agricultural purpose
• Meet the Austin County Appraisal District's intensity standards for their specific land use (stocking rates, crop production minimums, etc.)
• Have been in qualifying agricultural use for at least 5 of the preceding 7 years
• File the appropriate application or renewal with the Austin County Appraisal District
• Maintain documentation of agricultural activities, expenses, and production records

Qualifying Agricultural Uses in Austin County

The following agricultural uses typically qualify for 1-D-1 special appraisal in Austin County:

• Livestock Grazing — Cattle, goats, sheep, horses, exotic livestock
• Crop Production — Row crops, grain, vegetables, cotton
• Hay Production — Coastal bermuda, native hay, alfalfa
• Beekeeping — Minimum 6 hives on 5-20 acres in most counties
• Orchard / Vineyard — Fruit trees, pecans, grapes
• Aquaculture — Fish farming, crawfish production

Each use type has specific intensity requirements set by the Austin County Appraisal District. Contact them directly for current stocking rates, minimum acreage, and production requirements in Austin County.

Austin County Appraisal District Contact Information

Intensity Standards in Austin County

Each county appraisal district sets its own intensity standards — the minimum level of agricultural activity required to qualify for special appraisal. Improved pasture typically requires 1 AU per 5-8 acres. Rice production must show active cultivation and harvest. Aquaculture operations have specific qualifying requirements.

Contact the Austin County Appraisal District at (979) 865-9157 for the exact intensity standards applicable to your property in Austin County.

Learn more about intensity standards → · Animal unit equivalents →

What Happens If You Don't Comply in Austin County?

Common triggers for rollback taxes include:

• Stocking rate dropping below the county's intensity minimum
• Failing to file required applications or renewals
• Change of use (converting ag land to residential or commercial use)
• Subdividing property below the minimum qualifying acreage
• Ownership transfer without timely reapplication

Learn more about rollback taxes →

Other Counties in the Gulf Prairies and Marshes Ecoregion