North Carolina property taxes by county
Across North Carolina, the median owner-occupied home pays $1,896 a year in real-estate taxes on a median home value of $288,900 — an effective property-tax rate of 0.656%. That ranks North Carolina #36 of 51 states and the District of Columbia (1 = highest). This page carries all 100 North Carolina county-equivalents in the Census data — 100 with a published effective rate — sortable by rate, taxes paid, home value, income, or five-year change. 8 of them also carry a full detail card here — every median with its Census margin of error, both rankings, the six nearest counties, and the five-year change. It also sets out how property tax actually works in North Carolina: how property is assessed, which exemptions exist and who qualifies, the deadline and body for an appeal, and the payment schedule and penalties — each hand-sourced from official North Carolina sources. Figures are U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-year estimates.
- Effective tax rate
- 0.656%
- Median real-estate taxes
- $1,896 ± $8
- Median home value
- $288,900
- Median household income
- $72,388
- National rank
- #36 of 51
- County-equivalents
- 100
Median real-estate taxes ÷ median home value — a ratio of two independently-estimated medians, not a statutory (millage) rate.
How property tax varies across North Carolina
Across North Carolina's 100 county-equivalents with a published rate, the effective property-tax rate runs from 1.145% in Halifax County down to 0.343% in Jackson County — a 3.3× spread inside a single state, which is why a statewide average tells a buyer very little.
The largest median real-estate tax bill in North Carolina is $4,162 in Orange County, which ranks #10 of 100 by RATE — while the state's highest rate, 1.145%, is in Halifax County, where the median bill is $1,216. Dollars and rate are different questions and rank counties differently.
Measured against the national median effective rate of 0.937%, 6 of North Carolina's 100 ranked counties sit above it and 94 below. North Carolina as a whole ranks #36 of 51 (1 = highest).
Median home value statewide is $288,900, but within North Carolina it ranges from $461,300 in Wake County to $94,500 in Robeson County — the denominator of the effective rate, and the main reason two counties with similar bills can show very different rates.
Statewide, the median real-estate tax bill equals about 2.6% of median household income. That share is heaviest in Orange County (4.6%) and lightest in McDowell County (1.6%).
Comparing the non-overlapping Census periods 2015–2019 and 2020–2024, median real-estate taxes rose by a statistically significant amount in 94 of North Carolina's 100 counties with a comparable trend, fell significantly in 0, and showed no statistically significant change in 6.
Estimate a North Carolina property tax bill
A median-based estimate, not a quote, an assessment, or a tax bill — it cannot know your assessed value, exemptions, or special districts. How this is computed.
Every North Carolina county
All 100 North Carolina county-equivalents in the Census data (100 with a published effective rate). Click a column heading to sort. Counties in bold have a full detail card further down this page — margins of error, nearby counties, and their five-year trend.
| Halifax County | 1.145% | $1,216 | $1,455 | $1,012 | $106,200 | $45,590 | 2.7% | #1 | #823 | +24.5% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northampton County | 1.082% | $1,239 | $1,375 | $1,117 | $114,500 | $50,086 | 2.5% | #2 | #941 | +16.1% |
| Martin County | 1.065% | $1,168 | $1,364 | $994 | $109,700 | $48,578 | 2.4% | #3 | #972 | +10.1% |
| Edgecombe County | 1.044% | $1,306 | $1,420 | $1,185 | $125,100 | $51,265 | 2.5% | #4 | #1012 | +20.8% |
| Washington County | 0.994% | $1,252 | $1,356 | $1,072 | $125,900 | $41,813 | 3.0% | #5 | #1136 | +39.4% |
| Hertford County | 0.980% | $1,168 | $1,385 | $933 | $119,200 | $45,537 | 2.6% | #6 | #1176 | +29.6% |
| Scotland County | 0.930% | $1,068 | $1,443 | $796 | $114,900 | $45,730 | 2.3% | #7 | #1285 | +6.7% |
| Cumberland County | 0.929% | $1,850 | $1,990 | $1,586 | $199,200 | $61,291 | 3.0% | #8 | #1288 | +18.1% |
| Bladen County | 0.908% | $1,227 | $1,476 | $1,148 | $135,100 | $42,422 | 2.9% | #9 | #1327 | +37.7% |
| Orange County | 0.906% | $4,162 | $4,261 | $4,041 | $459,500 | $90,089 | 4.6% | #10 | #1339 | +15.8% |
| Richmond County | 0.890% | $1,138 | $1,282 | $969 | $127,800 | $44,883 | 2.5% | #11 | #1375 | +34% |
| Greene County | 0.887% | $1,041 | $1,089 | $1,000 | $117,400 | $53,244 | 2.0% | #12 | #1384 | +17.8% |
| Robeson County | 0.868% | $820 | $1,185 | $693 | $94,500 | $41,978 | 1.9% | #13 | #1424 | +7.5% |
| Lenoir County | 0.842% | $1,015 | $1,263 | $803 | $120,500 | $45,143 | 2.3% | #14 | #1479 | −1.1% |
| Guilford County | 0.836% | $2,174 | $2,278 | $1,951 | $259,900 | $68,642 | 3.2% | #15 | #1494 | +20.2% |
| Pitt County | 0.830% | $1,734 | $1,865 | $1,471 | $208,900 | $58,188 | 3.0% | #16 | #1508 | +26.9% |
| Tyrrell County | 0.809% | $1,331 | $1,763 | $775 | $164,500 | $41,685 | 3.2% | #17 | #1559 | +38.6% |
| Durham County | 0.794% | $3,092 | $3,110 | $3,039 | $389,400 | $82,316 | 3.8% | #18 | #1603 | +22.4% |
| Forsyth County | 0.792% | $1,984 | $2,061 | $1,861 | $250,400 | $67,165 | 3.0% | #19 | #1606 | +27.7% |
| Wilson County | 0.791% | $1,471 | $1,773 | $1,176 | $186,000 | $56,423 | 2.6% | #20 | #1613 | +9.8% |
| Bertie County | 0.790% | $778 | $1,044 | $553 | $98,500 | $48,750 | 1.6% | #21 | #1617 | +13.1% |
| Hyde County | 0.786% | $975 | $950 | $1,023 | $124,000 | $53,713 | 1.8% | #22 | #1623 | −10.3% |
| Vance County | 0.778% | $1,256 | $1,358 | $1,155 | $161,500 | $50,465 | 2.5% | #23 | #1651 | +30% |
| Anson County | 0.768% | $1,141 | $1,276 | $1,037 | $148,600 | $47,302 | 2.4% | #24 | #1682 | +33.6% |
| Columbus County | 0.767% | $1,120 | $1,293 | $978 | $146,000 | $49,442 | 2.3% | #25 | #1686 | +15.5% |
| Gates County | 0.759% | $1,296 | $1,567 | $1,145 | $170,800 | $66,333 | 1.9% | #26 | #1703 | +23.4% |
| Sampson County | 0.750% | $1,130 | $1,377 | $929 | $150,700 | $52,432 | 2.2% | #27 | #1727 | +32.3% |
| Rockingham County | 0.746% | $1,258 | $1,350 | $1,142 | $168,600 | $57,053 | 2.2% | #28 | #1740 | +15.8% |
| Gaston County | 0.745% | $1,982 | $2,260 | $1,597 | $266,000 | $67,478 | 2.9% | #29 | #1744 | +37% |
| Lee County | 0.743% | $1,785 | $1,900 | $1,592 | $240,200 | $65,387 | 2.7% | #30 | #1750 | +17.2% |
| Jones County | 0.740% | $964 | $1,092 | $825 | $130,300 | $59,641 | 1.6% | #31 | #1756 | +25.8% |
| Cabarrus County | 0.729% | $2,586 | $2,756 | $2,145 | $354,800 | $89,005 | 2.9% | #32 | #1795 | +46.5% |
| Nash County | 0.713% | $1,362 | $1,548 | $1,104 | $191,000 | $62,426 | 2.2% | #33 | #1841 | +16% |
| Chowan County | 0.711% | $1,677 | $1,765 | $1,532 | $235,800 | $53,864 | 3.1% | #34 | #1846 | +60.2% |
| Mecklenburg County | 0.710% | $2,890 | $2,896 | $2,872 | $406,800 | $87,005 | 3.3% | #35 | #1851 | +22.5% |
| Warren County | 0.709% | $1,093 | $1,260 | $943 | $154,200 | $50,638 | 2.2% | #36 | #1860 | +18.9% |
| Wake County | 0.707% | $3,260 | $3,270 | $3,232 | $461,300 | $105,768 | 3.1% | #37 | #1868 | +34.5% |
| Wayne County | 0.699% | $1,249 | $1,429 | $923 | $178,700 | $59,733 | 2.1% | #38 | #1900 | +19.3% |
| Caswell County | 0.693% | $1,140 | $1,174 | $1,109 | $164,500 | $59,755 | 1.9% | #39 | #1917 | +46.3% |
| Duplin County | 0.691% | $950 | $1,190 | $761 | $137,400 | $55,148 | 1.7% | #40 | #1923 | +28.7% |
| Harnett County | 0.686% | $1,689 | $1,868 | $1,313 | $246,200 | $71,287 | 2.4% | #41 | #1939 | +24.4% |
| Burke County | 0.676% | $1,253 | $1,382 | $1,070 | $185,400 | $58,592 | 2.1% | #42 | #1974 | +30.5% |
| Beaufort County | 0.675% | $1,300 | $1,559 | $1,032 | $192,700 | $58,357 | 2.2% | #43 | #1978 | +30.4% |
| Yadkin County | 0.673% | $1,220 | $1,326 | $1,097 | $181,200 | $62,932 | 1.9% | #44 | #1988 | +8.8% |
| Granville County | 0.672% | $1,664 | $1,891 | $1,311 | $247,700 | $71,111 | 2.3% | #45 | #1993 | +17.3% |
| Randolph County | 0.672% | $1,324 | $1,452 | $1,145 | $197,100 | $61,022 | 2.2% | #46 | #1995 | +22.9% |
| Pasquotank County | 0.671% | $1,573 | $1,672 | $1,377 | $234,600 | $66,589 | 2.4% | #47 | #1999 | +15.2% |
| Hoke County | 0.668% | $1,465 | $1,681 | $931 | $219,300 | $64,912 | 2.3% | #48 | #2004 | +22% |
| Rowan County | 0.652% | $1,554 | $1,721 | $1,322 | $238,400 | $65,725 | 2.4% | #49 | #2071 | +36.2% |
| Franklin County | 0.645% | $1,834 | $2,029 | $1,329 | $284,300 | $74,240 | 2.5% | #50 | #2095 | +32.2% |
| Cleveland County | 0.643% | $1,286 | $1,433 | $1,119 | $200,000 | $58,534 | 2.2% | #51 | #2103 | +25.3% |
| Montgomery County | 0.641% | $1,037 | $1,262 | $774 | $161,700 | $57,766 | 1.8% | #52 | #2112 | +16.9% |
| Chatham County | 0.638% | $2,847 | $3,059 | $2,535 | $446,200 | $94,317 | 3.0% | #53 | #2121 | +38.5% |
| Onslow County | 0.635% | $1,502 | $1,530 | $1,431 | $236,400 | $68,148 | 2.2% | #54 | #2130 | +25.6% |
| Pender County | 0.630% | $1,883 | $2,134 | $1,474 | $299,000 | $80,396 | 2.3% | #55 | #2144 | +24.2% |
| Davie County | 0.628% | $1,595 | $1,617 | $1,568 | $253,900 | $75,057 | 2.1% | #56 | #2148 | +24.6% |
| Craven County | 0.626% | $1,450 | $1,472 | $1,411 | $231,600 | $65,873 | 2.2% | #57 | #2159 | +18.9% |
| Johnston County | 0.624% | $1,908 | $2,058 | $1,476 | $305,600 | $83,384 | 2.3% | #58 | #2165 | +35.9% |
| Person County | 0.621% | $1,328 | $1,349 | $1,226 | $213,900 | $63,300 | 2.1% | #59 | #2173 | +36.1% |
| Alamance County | 0.619% | $1,494 | $1,607 | $1,372 | $241,500 | $65,651 | 2.3% | #60 | #2186 | +21.9% |
| Iredell County | 0.607% | $1,952 | $2,272 | $1,525 | $321,400 | $81,419 | 2.4% | #61 | #2233 | +43.4% |
| Surry County | 0.603% | $1,071 | $1,222 | $935 | $177,600 | $55,656 | 1.9% | #62 | #2248 | +16.5% |
| Davidson County | 0.602% | $1,320 | $1,422 | $1,167 | $219,100 | $64,172 | 2.1% | #63 | #2254 | +28.3% |
| Alexander County | 0.599% | $1,269 | $1,334 | $1,204 | $211,800 | $65,354 | 1.9% | #65 | #2275 | +31.2% |
| Stokes County | 0.599% | $1,179 | $1,276 | $1,054 | $196,700 | $62,969 | 1.9% | #64 | #2273 | +19.7% |
| Caldwell County | 0.598% | $1,150 | $1,236 | $1,019 | $192,200 | $56,425 | 2.0% | #66 | #2277 | +30.1% |
| Wilkes County | 0.594% | $1,002 | $1,116 | $921 | $168,800 | $51,721 | 1.9% | #67 | #2293 | +10.1% |
| Perquimans County | 0.593% | $1,375 | $1,556 | $978 | $231,700 | $67,917 | 2.0% | #68 | #2294 | +15.2% |
| Rutherford County | 0.584% | $1,178 | $1,284 | $1,075 | $201,800 | $51,410 | 2.3% | #69 | #2326 | +38.6% |
| Catawba County | 0.582% | $1,407 | $1,469 | $1,287 | $241,600 | $67,864 | 2.1% | #70 | #2331 | +33.9% |
| Camden County | 0.579% | $1,952 | $2,046 | $1,858 | $337,100 | $91,078 | 2.1% | #71 | #2340 | +36.5% |
| Lincoln County | 0.578% | $1,856 | $1,999 | $1,513 | $321,000 | $80,016 | 2.3% | #72 | #2342 | +40.5% |
| Graham County | 0.574% | $979 | $1,276 | $795 | $170,600 | $49,684 | 2.0% | #74 | #2361 | +40.9% |
| Union County | 0.574% | $2,396 | $2,500 | $2,089 | $417,300 | $102,900 | 2.3% | #73 | #2360 | +24.9% |
| Stanly County | 0.571% | $1,385 | $1,542 | $1,219 | $242,400 | $60,704 | 2.3% | #75 | #2370 | +23.2% |
| Alleghany County | 0.567% | $1,217 | $1,270 | $1,152 | $214,800 | $47,172 | 2.6% | #78 | #2391 | +44.5% |
| Buncombe County | 0.567% | $2,222 | $2,350 | $2,007 | $391,800 | $74,436 | 3.0% | #76 | #2387 | +37.6% |
| Haywood County | 0.567% | $1,583 | $1,571 | $1,600 | $279,200 | $61,912 | 2.6% | #77 | #2388 | +22.7% |
| Pamlico County | 0.562% | $1,218 | $1,379 | $1,027 | $216,800 | $59,717 | 2.0% | #79 | #2414 | +18.8% |
| New Hanover County | 0.543% | $2,105 | $2,086 | $2,148 | $387,800 | $75,166 | 2.8% | #80 | #2484 | +22.7% |
| Brunswick County | 0.540% | $1,890 | $1,955 | $1,776 | $349,800 | $77,024 | 2.5% | #81 | #2497 | +42.4% |
| Polk County | 0.539% | $1,697 | $1,780 | $1,590 | $315,000 | $67,758 | 2.5% | #82 | #2504 | +25.1% |
| McDowell County | 0.532% | $911 | $1,079 | $792 | $171,100 | $57,168 | 1.6% | #83 | #2527 | +35% |
| Moore County | 0.526% | $1,849 | $1,924 | $1,679 | $351,400 | $86,080 | 2.1% | #84 | #2545 | +38.4% |
| Dare County | 0.519% | $2,391 | $2,340 | $2,480 | $460,400 | $88,994 | 2.7% | #85 | #2581 | +32.5% |
| Mitchell County | 0.518% | $1,141 | $1,324 | $1,010 | $220,100 | $57,602 | 2.0% | #86 | #2584 | +25.4% |
| Henderson County | 0.515% | $1,810 | $1,832 | $1,767 | $351,400 | $68,187 | 2.6% | #87 | #2598 | +42.1% |
| Ashe County | 0.490% | $1,190 | $1,248 | $1,139 | $243,100 | $56,866 | 2.1% | #88 | #2661 | +24.3% |
| Madison County | 0.479% | $1,362 | $1,455 | $1,287 | $284,600 | $58,531 | 2.3% | #89 | #2701 | +16.6% |
| Yancey County | 0.476% | $1,157 | $1,329 | $984 | $243,100 | $58,709 | 2.0% | #90 | #2716 | +27.1% |
| Currituck County | 0.465% | $1,760 | $1,817 | $1,565 | $378,800 | $93,511 | 1.9% | #91 | #2747 | +42.7% |
| Cherokee County | 0.458% | $1,064 | $1,160 | $990 | $232,300 | $53,628 | 2.0% | #92 | #2769 | +23.6% |
| Transylvania County | 0.448% | $1,674 | $1,747 | $1,596 | $373,600 | $66,184 | 2.5% | #93 | #2801 | +39.7% |
| Carteret County | 0.427% | $1,423 | $1,499 | $1,299 | $333,300 | $72,322 | 2.0% | #94 | #2860 | +21.2% |
| Clay County | 0.426% | $1,186 | $1,042 | $1,257 | $278,400 | $56,971 | 2.1% | #96 | #2866 | +40% |
| Macon County | 0.426% | $1,074 | $1,125 | $1,014 | $251,900 | $59,061 | 1.8% | #95 | #2864 | +38.6% |
| Swain County | 0.415% | $859 | $991 | $821 | $207,000 | $52,349 | 1.6% | #97 | #2890 | +39% |
| Watauga County | 0.386% | $1,386 | $1,510 | $1,231 | $358,900 | $51,693 | 2.7% | #98 | #2950 | +31.4% |
| Avery County | 0.380% | $1,010 | $1,211 | $866 | $265,800 | $61,428 | 1.6% | #99 | #2966 | +52.6% |
| Jackson County | 0.343% | $976 | $1,017 | $925 | $284,700 | $55,815 | 1.8% | #100 | #3017 | +11.9% |
Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 2020-2024 5-year estimates — tables B25103 (real-estate taxes), B25077 (home value), B19013 (household income) — and the 2024 Census county gazetteer. Public domain (Title 17 U.S.C. §105).
County detail — 8 North Carolina counties in depth
Full figures for the North Carolina counties most searched for, each with the Census margin of error on every median, both rankings, the five-year change, and the six nearest county-equivalents by centroid distance — nearby, not necessarily bordering, and cross-state neighbours included. For any individual property's assessed value, exemptions and bill, use that county's own assessor or appraisal district; per-county assessor URLs are never guessed here (why).
Cumberland County 0.929% · median tax $1,850 · #1288 nationally
- Median taxes — all owner-occupied
- $1,850 ± $30
- With a mortgage
- $1,990 ± $47
- Without a mortgage
- $1,586 ± $53
- Median home value
- $199,200 ± $3,438
- Median household income
- $61,291 ± $990
- Taxes as share of income
- 3.0%
- Effective rate
- 0.929%
- Rank in North Carolina
- #8 of 100
- National rank
- #1288 of 3,135
- Estimated tax on a $200,000 home
- $1,858
Median real-estate taxes rose 18.1% over five years ($1,567 → $1,850) — a statistically significant increase at 90% confidence. The effective tax rate fell 0.229 percentage points (1.158% → 0.929%), a change that is itself statistically significant at 90% confidence. Median home value moved $135,300 → $199,200 (+47.2%), and the rate changed −0.229 percentage points.
Nearest counties to Cumberland County:
- Harnett County, NC — 0.686%, median tax $1,689, 36 km away
- Hoke County, NC — 0.668%, median tax $1,465, 38 km away
- Sampson County, NC — 0.750%, median tax $1,130, 42 km away
- Robeson County, NC — 0.868%, median tax $820, 52 km away
- Lee County, NC — 0.743%, median tax $1,785, 57 km away
- Bladen County, NC — 0.908%, median tax $1,227, 57 km away
Guilford County 0.836% · median tax $2,174 · #1494 nationally
- Median taxes — all owner-occupied
- $2,174 ± $45
- With a mortgage
- $2,278 ± $53
- Without a mortgage
- $1,951 ± $93
- Median home value
- $259,900 ± $6,113
- Median household income
- $68,642 ± $1,579
- Taxes as share of income
- 3.2%
- Effective rate
- 0.836%
- Rank in North Carolina
- #15 of 100
- National rank
- #1494 of 3,135
- Estimated tax on a $260,000 home
- $2,174
Median real-estate taxes rose 20.2% over five years ($1,809 → $2,174) — a statistically significant increase at 90% confidence. The effective tax rate fell 0.247 percentage points (1.083% → 0.836%), a change that is itself statistically significant at 90% confidence. Median home value moved $167,000 → $259,900 (+55.6%), and the rate changed −0.247 percentage points.
Nearest counties to Guilford County:
- Rockingham County, NC — 0.746%, median tax $1,258, 34 km away
- Alamance County, NC — 0.619%, median tax $1,494, 35 km away
- Randolph County, NC — 0.672%, median tax $1,324, 41 km away
- Forsyth County, NC — 0.792%, median tax $1,984, 43 km away
- Davidson County, NC — 0.602%, median tax $1,320, 49 km away
- Caswell County, NC — 0.693%, median tax $1,140, 53 km away
Durham County 0.794% · median tax $3,092 · #1603 nationally
- Median taxes — all owner-occupied
- $3,092 ± $70
- With a mortgage
- $3,110 ± $81
- Without a mortgage
- $3,039 ± $157
- Median home value
- $389,400 ± $6,104
- Median household income
- $82,316 ± $1,930
- Taxes as share of income
- 3.8%
- Effective rate
- 0.794%
- Rank in North Carolina
- #18 of 100
- National rank
- #1603 of 3,135
- Estimated tax on a $390,000 home
- $3,097
Median real-estate taxes rose 22.4% over five years ($2,526 → $3,092) — a statistically significant increase at 90% confidence. The effective tax rate fell 0.339 percentage points (1.133% → 0.794%), a change that is itself statistically significant at 90% confidence. Median home value moved $223,000 → $389,400 (+74.6%), and the rate changed −0.339 percentage points.
Nearest counties to Durham County:
- Orange County, NC — 0.906%, median tax $4,162, 22 km away
- Wake County, NC — 0.707%, median tax $3,260, 34 km away
- Granville County, NC — 0.672%, median tax $1,664, 36 km away
- Person County, NC — 0.621%, median tax $1,328, 40 km away
- Alamance County, NC — 0.619%, median tax $1,494, 47 km away
- Chatham County, NC — 0.638%, median tax $2,847, 50 km away
Gaston County 0.745% · median tax $1,982 · #1744 nationally
- Median taxes — all owner-occupied
- $1,982 ± $51
- With a mortgage
- $2,260 ± $57
- Without a mortgage
- $1,597 ± $86
- Median home value
- $266,000 ± $5,555
- Median household income
- $67,478 ± $1,710
- Taxes as share of income
- 2.9%
- Effective rate
- 0.745%
- Rank in North Carolina
- #29 of 100
- National rank
- #1744 of 3,135
- Estimated tax on a $265,000 home
- $1,974
Median real-estate taxes rose 37% over five years ($1,447 → $1,982) — a statistically significant increase at 90% confidence. The effective tax rate fell 0.258 percentage points (1.003% → 0.745%), a change that is itself statistically significant at 90% confidence. Median home value moved $144,200 → $266,000 (+84.5%), and the rate changed −0.258 percentage points.
Nearest counties to Gaston County:
- Lincoln County, NC — 0.578%, median tax $1,856, 22 km away
- Mecklenburg County, NC — 0.710%, median tax $2,890, 32 km away
- Cleveland County, NC — 0.643%, median tax $1,286, 35 km away
- York County, SC — 0.482%, median tax $1,740, 36 km away
- Catawba County, NC — 0.582%, median tax $1,407, 41 km away
- Cherokee County, SC — 0.432%, median tax $614, 48 km away
Wake County 0.707% · median tax $3,260 · #1868 nationally
- Median taxes — all owner-occupied
- $3,260 ± $35
- With a mortgage
- $3,270 ± $42
- Without a mortgage
- $3,232 ± $67
- Median home value
- $461,300 ± $3,848
- Median household income
- $105,768 ± $1,626
- Taxes as share of income
- 3.1%
- Effective rate
- 0.707%
- Rank in North Carolina
- #37 of 100
- National rank
- #1868 of 3,135
- Estimated tax on a $460,000 home
- $3,252
Median real-estate taxes rose 34.5% over five years ($2,423 → $3,260) — a statistically significant increase at 90% confidence. The effective tax rate fell 0.153 percentage points (0.860% → 0.707%), a change that is itself statistically significant at 90% confidence. Median home value moved $281,700 → $461,300 (+63.8%), and the rate changed −0.153 percentage points.
Nearest counties to Wake County:
- Durham County, NC — 0.794%, median tax $3,092, 34 km away
- Johnston County, NC — 0.624%, median tax $1,908, 40 km away
- Franklin County, NC — 0.645%, median tax $1,834, 47 km away
- Harnett County, NC — 0.686%, median tax $1,689, 51 km away
- Orange County, NC — 0.906%, median tax $4,162, 52 km away
- Chatham County, NC — 0.638%, median tax $2,847, 55 km away
Union County 0.574% · median tax $2,396 · #2360 nationally
- Median taxes — all owner-occupied
- $2,396 ± $52
- With a mortgage
- $2,500 ± $60
- Without a mortgage
- $2,089 ± $131
- Median home value
- $417,300 ± $6,990
- Median household income
- $102,900 ± $1,953
- Taxes as share of income
- 2.3%
- Effective rate
- 0.574%
- Rank in North Carolina
- #73 of 100
- National rank
- #2360 of 3,135
- Estimated tax on a $415,000 home
- $2,382
Median real-estate taxes rose 24.9% over five years ($1,918 → $2,396) — a statistically significant increase at 90% confidence. The effective tax rate fell 0.22 percentage points (0.795% → 0.574%), a change that is itself statistically significant at 90% confidence. Median home value moved $241,400 → $417,300 (+72.9%), and the rate changed −0.22 percentage points.
Nearest counties to Union County:
- Lancaster County, SC — 0.502%, median tax $1,657, 37 km away
- Anson County, NC — 0.768%, median tax $1,141, 38 km away
- Mecklenburg County, NC — 0.710%, median tax $2,890, 40 km away
- Stanly County, NC — 0.571%, median tax $1,385, 43 km away
- Cabarrus County, NC — 0.729%, median tax $2,586, 44 km away
- Chesterfield County, SC — 0.419%, median tax $487, 52 km away
Buncombe County 0.567% · median tax $2,222 · #2387 nationally
- Median taxes — all owner-occupied
- $2,222 ± $56
- With a mortgage
- $2,350 ± $54
- Without a mortgage
- $2,007 ± $99
- Median home value
- $391,800 ± $8,308
- Median household income
- $74,436 ± $2,206
- Taxes as share of income
- 3.0%
- Effective rate
- 0.567%
- Rank in North Carolina
- #76 of 100
- National rank
- #2387 of 3,135
- Estimated tax on a $390,000 home
- $2,211
Median real-estate taxes rose 37.6% over five years ($1,615 → $2,222) — a statistically significant increase at 90% confidence. The effective tax rate fell 0.111 percentage points (0.678% → 0.567%), a change that is itself statistically significant at 90% confidence. Median home value moved $238,200 → $391,800 (+64.5%), and the rate changed −0.111 percentage points.
Nearest counties to Buncombe County:
- Henderson County, NC — 0.515%, median tax $1,810, 31 km away
- Madison County, NC — 0.479%, median tax $1,362, 33 km away
- Yancey County, NC — 0.476%, median tax $1,157, 37 km away
- Haywood County, NC — 0.567%, median tax $1,583, 41 km away
- McDowell County, NC — 0.532%, median tax $911, 44 km away
- Polk County, NC — 0.539%, median tax $1,697, 49 km away
New Hanover County 0.543% · median tax $2,105 · #2484 nationally
- Median taxes — all owner-occupied
- $2,105 ± $68
- With a mortgage
- $2,086 ± $93
- Without a mortgage
- $2,148 ± $128
- Median home value
- $387,800 ± $7,095
- Median household income
- $75,166 ± $2,054
- Taxes as share of income
- 2.8%
- Effective rate
- 0.543%
- Rank in North Carolina
- #80 of 100
- National rank
- #2484 of 3,135
- Estimated tax on a $390,000 home
- $2,118
Median real-estate taxes rose 22.7% over five years ($1,716 → $2,105) — a statistically significant increase at 90% confidence. The effective tax rate fell 0.162 percentage points (0.704% → 0.543%), a change that is itself statistically significant at 90% confidence. Median home value moved $243,600 → $387,800 (+59.2%), and the rate changed −0.162 percentage points.
Nearest counties to New Hanover County:
- Pender County, NC — 0.630%, median tax $1,883, 37 km away
- Brunswick County, NC — 0.540%, median tax $1,890, 37 km away
- Columbus County, NC — 0.767%, median tax $1,120, 72 km away
- Onslow County, NC — 0.635%, median tax $1,502, 73 km away
- Bladen County, NC — 0.908%, median tax $1,227, 77 km away
- Duplin County, NC — 0.691%, median tax $950, 84 km away
Comparing the non-overlapping Census periods 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 — consecutive 5-year estimates share survey sample and are never compared here.
How property tax works in North Carolina
Most of what follows is North Carolina law and applies to every county in the table above. Where a rule is set locally rather than statewide, the jurisdiction whose published rule this is appears beside it — treat those as a worked example, not a statewide figure. Each fact is taken from an official government source and linked to it.
- How property is assessed
- County assessors list, appraise and assess property under the Machinery Act, General Statute 105, Subchapter II. G.S. 105-286 requires every county to reappraise real property at least every eight years; a growing segment of counties uses a four-year cycle, and at least 11 of the 100 counties conduct a countywide reappraisal each year. Personal property is appraised annually as of January 1 at its true value in money. source →
- Exemptions & credits as published by Mecklenburg County
- The elderly or disabled homestead exclusion removes the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the taxable value of a qualifying owner's permanent residence. The applicant must be a North Carolina resident, at least 65 or totally and permanently disabled, named on the deed or title as of January 1, and have income no greater than $38,800. Apply on Form AV-9 by June 1; disabled applicants file Form AV-9A certification. source →
- Appealing an assessment
- Taxpayers first seek an informal resolution with the county tax office. Unresolved appeals go to the county Board of Equalization and Review, which begins deliberations around the first week of April. Its written decision may be appealed to the State Board of Equalization and Review, known as the Property Tax Commission, which meets monthly in Raleigh, and then to the state Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. source →
- Payment schedule & penalties as published by Mecklenburg County
- Counties bill and collect. In Mecklenburg County real estate tax is due September 1, based on value as of January 1, and no interest accrues until the first week of the following January. A 2% interest fee is assessed once the bill becomes delinquent in early January, then 0.75% each additional month until paid in full. Delinquent taxpayers are notified in February and advertised in March or April. source →
- Why rates vary within the state
- Values are largely frozen between reappraisals. In non-reappraisal years G.S. 105-287 lets the assessor change a real property value only to correct a clerical or mathematical error, correct a misapplied appraisal schedule, or recognize change from causes other than normal physical depreciation, county-wide economic conditions, or minor improvements such as repainting or landscaping. Counties reappraise on different cycles, so assessed values reflect different market dates. source →
- What makes this state's system distinctive
- The state-level appeal body, the Property Tax Commission, is a trial court. It must follow the North Carolina Rules of Evidence, the appealing taxpayer carries the burden of proof, evidence is presented as sworn testimony or documents, and the county may cross-examine witnesses. A business entity may represent itself through a non-attorney officer, manager or member-manager, or an employee whose income is reported on IRS Form W-2. source →
Hand-sourced from official government sources — not a substitute for your own assessor's notice, and not legal or tax advice. Where a fact isn't confirmed on an official source, it is left off rather than guessed, which is why some states show fewer rows than others.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the average property tax rate in North Carolina?
- Statewide, North Carolina's effective property-tax rate is 0.656% — the state median real-estate taxes ($1,896) divided by the state median home value ($288,900), from the Census ACS 2020-2024 5-year estimates. The national figure is about 0.937%, which puts North Carolina at #36 of 51 (1 = highest). Individual counties vary widely; the table above shows every one.
- Which North Carolina county has the highest property taxes?
- By effective rate, Halifax County is highest in North Carolina at 1.145% (median bill $1,216), and Jackson County is lowest at 0.343% (median bill $976). Ranked by dollars paid rather than rate the order changes, because home values differ so much across the state — the table above shows both columns and sorts on either.
- What property tax exemptions are available in North Carolina?
- The elderly or disabled homestead exclusion removes the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the taxable value of a qualifying owner's permanent residence. The applicant must be a North Carolina resident, at least 65 or totally and permanently disabled, named on the deed or title as of January 1, and have income no greater than $38,800. Apply on Form AV-9 by June 1; disabled applicants file Form AV-9A certification. Eligibility and filing are handled by your county assessor, and the exemption you qualify for changes your bill far more than the county you are in — the rates above are county medians and do not account for any exemption.
- How do I appeal a property tax assessment in North Carolina?
- Taxpayers first seek an informal resolution with the county tax office. Unresolved appeals go to the county Board of Equalization and Review, which begins deliberations around the first week of April. Its written decision may be appealed to the State Board of Equalization and Review, known as the Property Tax Commission, which meets monthly in Raleigh, and then to the state Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Missing the deadline usually means waiting a full year, so check the date on your own assessment notice rather than relying on a general figure.
- When are property taxes due in North Carolina?
- Counties bill and collect. In Mecklenburg County real estate tax is due September 1, based on value as of January 1, and no interest accrues until the first week of the following January. A 2% interest fee is assessed once the bill becomes delinquent in early January, then 0.75% each additional month until paid in full. Delinquent taxpayers are notified in February and advertised in March or April. If your taxes are paid through a mortgage escrow account, your servicer pays on this schedule on your behalf.
- How is property assessed in North Carolina?
- County assessors list, appraise and assess property under the Machinery Act, General Statute 105, Subchapter II. G.S. 105-286 requires every county to reappraise real property at least every eight years; a growing segment of counties uses a four-year cycle, and at least 11 of the 100 counties conduct a countywide reappraisal each year. Personal property is appraised annually as of January 1 at its true value in money. This is why an effective rate computed from market value — as every rate on this page is — will not match the millage rate printed on your bill: the two are applied to different bases.
Compare & explore
See the national highest and lowest property-tax rates, or read the methodology behind every figure. The national median effective rate is 0.937%; North Carolina's statewide figure is 0.656%.