For most owners, the biggest recurring cost of living in University Park is the property tax bill. For tax year 2025, the combined rate from the five taxing units on a typical University Park home was about $1.59 per $100 of taxable value before exemptions. On top of that come monthly city bills for water, sewer, stormwater and sanitation.
Here is how those pieces fit together, using the city's, the school district's and Dallas County's own published numbers. We leave out home price averages on purpose: Texas does not require sale prices to be disclosed in public records, so any single "typical price" figure deserves skepticism.
Which property tax rates apply to a University Park home?
Five taxing units levy a rate on most University Park homes. These are the adopted tax year 2025 rates per $100 of taxable value (Dallas County Tax Office, 2025 Tax Rates):
- Highland Park ISD: $0.8347 (about $0.6647 for maintenance and operations and $0.17 for debt service)
- City of University Park: $0.218565
- Dallas County: $0.2155
- Parkland Hospital: $0.212
- Dallas College: $0.106575
Added together, that is roughly $1.587 per $100, before exemptions. The school district is the largest piece. The city has said its own share is only about 14 percent of the combined bill, based on 2024 rates (City of University Park, FY2026 Budget Memo).
Rates reset every year. The University Park City Council adopted the 21.8565 cent rate on September 16, 2025, a cut of just under 5 percent from the prior year, alongside a $72.4 million budget (People Newspapers, September 2025). For the 2026 to 2027 school year, the Highland Park ISD board adopted a total rate of $0.8128 per $100 on August 18, 2026, made up of $0.6428 for maintenance and operations and $0.17 for debt service (Highland Park ISD, Budget Basics). Always check the current year's rates before you budget.
How much is the city portion of the bill?
The city publishes its own estimate. In its FY2026 budget memo, University Park estimated the average homeowner's city property tax bill at $5,489, up $294 from the prior year, after the average home appreciated 11.16 percent and assuming the 20 percent homestead exemption (City of University Park, FY2026 Budget Memo). Remember that this is only the city's slice. The school district, county, hospital district and college district bills come on top.
What homestead exemptions can lower the bill?
Exemptions matter more than rate changes for many owners. Once the home is your principal residence, you apply through the Dallas Central Appraisal District.
- City homestead exemption: University Park exempts 20 percent of a homestead's assessed value from the city tax (City of University Park, Tax Information).
- City over-65 and disabled exemptions: The city offers an additional exemption, adjusted each year, that it sets at roughly 25 percent of the prior year market value of an average single-family home.
- School district exemption: Texas school districts must exempt $140,000 of a homestead's appraised value, plus another $60,000 for owners who are 65 or older or disabled (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts).
Dallas County, Parkland and Dallas College set their own exemption policies, so check each on your appraisal district account. Our post on claiming the Texas homestead exemption after a year-end purchase covers timing. A CPA or tax professional should handle questions about your specific situation.
What city services do University Park residents pay for monthly?
The city bills monthly for water, sewer, stormwater, and sanitation and recycling (City of University Park, Utility Services). A few details help with budgeting:
- Water: The city buys treated water wholesale from a regional municipal utility district and distributes it. Wastewater is treated under a contract with Dallas Water Utilities.
- Sanitation: Trash is collected twice a week from the alley side of each home. Cans must be out by 7 a.m. and sit on private property next to the alley (City of University Park, Residential Collection). The posted residential rate effective October 1, 2023 was $32.24 a month.
- Rate changes: For FY2026 the city raised water and wastewater rates 4 percent, sanitation rates 9 percent and stormwater fees 50 percent (People Newspapers, September 2025).
- Starting service: A water meter deposit is required before service begins. For a homeowner-occupied home with a standard meter, the posted deposit is $75 (City of University Park, New Water Service).
Electricity is purchased from a retail provider you choose, and the city points residents to the state's Power to Choose site. Natural gas service comes from Atmos Energy.
What other costs should a University Park budget include?
Beyond taxes and utilities, owners commonly plan for:
- Homeowners insurance, which varies by home age, roof and coverage
- Maintenance on older homes, from foundations to sewer lines
- Permits and inspections for any remodel, handled by the city's Community Development Department
- Private school tuition, if you choose it over Highland Park ISD
We do not quote typical figures for these because they vary too widely by house. A lender and an insurance agent can give you real numbers for a specific property.
How can The Agency Dallas help in University Park?
The Agency Dallas represents buyers and sellers in University Park and across North Texas. If you are buying, send us your budget, timing and must-haves, and we will help you estimate the full carrying cost of the homes on your list, including taxes and exemptions. If you own a home there, request a home valuation for a pricing view based on recent sales. Start on our University Park neighborhood page or call (469) 839-6020. We follow up within one business day. The Agency Dallas helps relocating buyers compare University Park with nearby areas before they commit, and our University Park guide is a good next read.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total property tax rate in University Park?
For tax year 2025, the five main taxing units on a typical University Park home added up to about $1.587 per $100 of taxable value before exemptions, according to the Dallas County Tax Office. Highland Park ISD was the largest share. Rates are reset every fall, so confirm the current year's figures before you budget.
Does University Park offer a homestead exemption?
Yes. The city exempts 20 percent of a homestead's assessed value from the city portion of the tax. It also offers an over-65 and disabled exemption that is adjusted annually. The school district exemption is separate and set by state law. You apply through the Dallas Central Appraisal District once the home is your principal residence.
Who collects property taxes in University Park?
The Dallas County Tax Office collects property taxes for the City of University Park, as well as for Dallas County and Highland Park ISD, according to the city. Appraised values come from the Dallas Central Appraisal District, which is also where you file for exemptions or protest a value you disagree with.
How often is trash collected in University Park?
The city collects residential trash twice a week from the alley side of each home. Containers must be out by 7 a.m. on collection days and placed on private property next to the alley right-of-way. Extra bags are allowed only on collection day. Sanitation charges appear on the monthly city utility bill.
Where does University Park get its water?
The city buys treated water wholesale from a regional municipal utility district and runs its own distribution system. Wastewater is treated under a contract with Dallas Water Utilities. Water, sewer, stormwater and sanitation all appear on one monthly bill from the city's Utility Billing Office at 3800 University Boulevard.
Sources
- Dallas County Tax Office, 2025 Tax Rates
- City of University Park, Tax Information; Utility Services; Residential Collection; New Water Service; FY2026 Budget Memo
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Residence homestead exemptions (Tax Code Section 11.13)
- People Newspapers, UP City Council Approves $72 Million Budget (September 2025)
- Highland Park ISD, Budget Basics (2026 to 2027 adopted tax rate)
Verified October 2026.
