The vast majority of U.S. homeowners are feeling the squeeze of rising property taxes, with 64% reporting they were “shocked” or surprised by their most recent tax bill, according to recent industry data.

A national survey of 2,500 homeowners conducted in March, published Monday by Ownwell, a property tax appeal service, found 76% of respondents say their tax bills have recently exceeded their household budgets. This represents a 10-point jump from the company’s 2025 survey.

Despite 90% of homeowners expressing concern over the long-term financial impact of these rising costs, an overwhelming 74% have never formally appealed local tax assessments, per the company’s study.

The primary reason for this inaction is a knowledge gap among taxpayers. Of the 74% who have never appealed their property taxes, 57% stated they did not even realize they had the legal right to protest the bill.

Even among the minority who were aware of the appeals process but chose not to act, friction points such as process uncertainty, time constraints and lack of confidence in a successful outcome kept them from filing.

Ownwell’s survey reveals a wider problem afflicting homeowners: contending with unanticipated costs of homeownership. In addition to the unpleasant surprise of their tax bill, many homeowners report affordability concerns around insurance and maintenance costs. A Zillow analysis found that these average annual hidden costs of homeownership, including property taxes, have climbed to nearly $16,000 nationwide.

Beyond the immediate sticker shock of tax burdens, Ownwell’s data highlights a deep-seated dislike of the local appraisal process itself. A full 84% of respondents believe their county’s tax assessment system negatively impacts homeowners, with 33% strongly agreeing with that sentiment.

When asked about their primary concerns, 22% said the total tax amount is simply unaffordable, while 19% said the valuation and appraisal process feels unfair and arbitrary. Fewer than 1 in 10 homeowners reported being unconcerned about their property taxes.

The financial pressure from local tax assessments is growing consequential enough to influence domestic migration patterns. According to the report, 40% of surveyed homeowners admit they have considered relocating to escape high property taxes.

The study, conducted via Pollfish, polled homeowners across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. It is Ownwell’s second annual national property tax sentiment report, which seeks to track year-over-year shifts in taxpayer awareness, systemic frustration and financial pressure.