Lockhart, Texas
Lockhart is the seat of Caldwell County, situated on the blackland prairie of Central Texas about 27 miles south of Austin and 15 miles east of San Marcos. The town is best known for its smoked-meat tradition and has been recognized by the Texas Legislature as the Barbecue Capital of Texas, drawing visitors to its long-established meat-market barbecue joints around the courthouse square. Its historic downtown and surviving 19th-century architecture have also made it a frequent filming location.
Property here runs through the Caldwell Central Appraisal District and the county tax office — the homestead exemption, the appraisal cap, protests, and any MUD, PID, or special districts all sit at the parcel level. The Caldwell County notes below cover the practical details, with the official county directory for the appraisal district and tax office.
Caldwell County notes
What to know around Lockhart
Property Tax Basics
Two different offices handle your property taxes
In Caldwell County, the appraisal district sets your property value and also handles tax collection — the Tax Assessor-Collector office does not collect property taxes here.
Local Tax Districts
Your tax bill may include charges from several local districts
A Caldwell County tax bill can include county, school, city, utility, emergency, water, or college taxes. The mix depends on the parcel.
Vehicle Registration
Register your vehicle at the Tax Assessor-Collector in Lockhart
Caldwell County vehicle registration and title transfers are handled at the Tax Assessor-Collector's office on South Main Street in Lockhart.
Flood Risk
New FEMA flood maps for Caldwell County took effect in 2026
Updated federal flood maps for Caldwell County have an effective date of June 10, 2026, which could affect flood insurance requirements for some properties.
Septic Systems
Homes outside city limits need a permitted septic system
A Caldwell County septic job starts with the county Sanitation Department's OSSF packet, including the site evaluation, permit review, and inspection steps.
Groundwater
A local water district oversees groundwater in the county
The Plum Creek Conservation District and Gonzales County Underground Water Conservation District both operate in parts of Caldwell County and regulate water wells.
Nearby
Places near Lockhart
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Hays County
39 local notes · Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country
Travis County
65 local notes · Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country
Guadalupe County
39 local notes · San Antonio / South Central
Bastrop County
13 local notes · Austin / Central Texas / Hill Country
Gonzales County
6 local notes · San Antonio / South Central
Comal County
28 local notes · San Antonio / South Central
Next steps for Lockhart
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Model school and local rates, the homestead exemption, and the appraisal cap.
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Property tax, land, outdoors, vehicles, rules, and history for the county.
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