10 Counties with the Lowest Property Tax Rates in North Carolina
If you are comparing property taxes across North Carolina, these 10 counties have the lowest effective rates in the state. The lowest-rate county, Jackson County, comes in at 0.37% — 0.33% lower than the North Carolina average (0.70%). The statewide effective rate is 0.70%.
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| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackson County | 0.37% | $938 | $253,900 |
| 2 | Swain County | 0.40% | $844 | $209,800 |
| 3 | Avery County | 0.41% | $966 | $233,200 |
| 4 | Watauga County | 0.41% | $1,334 | $321,500 |
| 5 | Macon County | 0.43% | $979 | $229,000 |
| 6 | Carteret County | 0.45% | $1,369 | $304,200 |
| 7 | Clay County | 0.45% | $1,188 | $263,300 |
| 8 | Currituck County | 0.46% | $1,600 | $351,200 |
| 9 | Transylvania County | 0.46% | $1,539 | $336,100 |
| 10 | Yancey County | 0.48% | $1,058 | $222,300 |
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 lowest rates in North Carolina often share a few characteristics: higher home values that compress the percentage even when dollar taxes are high.
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