10 Counties with the Highest Property Tax Rates in Tennessee
If you are comparing property taxes across Tennessee, these 10 counties have the highest effective rates in the state. The highest-rate county, Shelby County, comes in at 1.03% — 0.49% higher than the Tennessee average (0.55%). The statewide effective rate is 0.55%.
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| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shelby County | 1.03% | $2,376 | $229,700 |
| 2 | Haywood County | 0.71% | $854 | $119,600 |
| 3 | Lake County | 0.71% | $758 | $107,000 |
| 4 | Gibson County | 0.68% | $1,016 | $149,700 |
| 5 | Montgomery County | 0.67% | $1,671 | $248,300 |
| 6 | Hamilton County | 0.67% | $1,888 | $282,100 |
| 7 | Carroll County | 0.66% | $809 | $122,100 |
| 8 | Lauderdale County | 0.66% | $808 | $122,100 |
| 9 | Hardeman County | 0.65% | $762 | $116,800 |
| 10 | Crockett County | 0.65% | $865 | $134,100 |
How this ranking is calculated
The effective property tax rate is the median annual property tax paid divided by the median home value in each county, expressed as a percentage. It is the most practical way to compare property tax burden between counties because it neutralizes differences in home values.
Counties with the highest rates in Tennessee often share a few characteristics: lower home values and/or higher millage rates driven by school and local service funding needs.
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