Douglas County, Georgia

Harris County's population grew by only about 1% over the past year, according to Rice University political science professor Mark Jones, who says the modest growth is driven almost entirely by natural births and international migration. Without immigration, he says, the county's population would already be shrinking.

Harris County Commissioners Court voted 3-1 to approve a $3.1 billion budget that raises the combined property tax rate about 7.9%, to a cap of 67 cents per $100 of taxable value, effective October 1, 2026. The county estimates the average homeowner will pay roughly $193 more per year. Commissioners Adrian Garcia, Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones supported the hike, blaming state and federal policy under President Trump and Governor Abbott for shifting about $250 million in costs onto the county, including unfunded mandates and Medicaid non-expansion. Commissioner Tom Ramsey voted against it; Judge Lina Hidalgo abstained, warning the increase won't fix long-term finances. Jones warns slower growth means the tax burden falls on fewer residents, risking further migration to Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Southwest Houston businesses report declining sales tied to immigration enforcement fears.