Property Tax in Tennessee (2026): Rates, Exemptions, and Real Numbers

Tennessee Property Tax Rates by County

Highest and lowest effective rates within Tennessee

Property Tax Calculator — Tennessee

Pre-loaded with Tennessee's 0.46% effective rate and $313,544 median price

Property Tax by City in Tennessee

Annual and monthly property tax by city, based on local median prices and the statewide effective rate

Tennessee Homestead Exemption

How Tennessee Assesses Property Values

Assessment cycle: Reappraisal every 4–6 years depending on county (4-year cycle for most urban counties; 6-year for rural). Residential property assessed at 25% of appraised value.

Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost

On a $313,544 home in Tennessee

Property tax represents 5% of the true monthly cost in Tennessee.

Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — Tennessee

See your full PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment

How Tennessee's Property Tax Affects Affordability

$120/month in property tax reduces the home price you can afford. Use the affordability calculator to see the real impact.

Property Tax After Refinancing in Tennessee

Refinancing changes your P&I but not your property tax. If your home was reassessed at a higher value, your tax bill increases regardless of your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Tennessee?

Tennessee's effective property tax rate is 0.46%, ranking #46 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $1,442 ($120/month). Rates range from 0.30% in Pickett County to 0.72% in Shelby County (Memphis). Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024.

Does Tennessee have a homestead exemption?

Yes — Tennessee offers a homestead exemption for primary residences. Property Tax Relief for elderly (65+) and disabled homeowners with income below $31,600: state reimburses a portion of county taxes. Tax Freeze program available in many counties — freezes taxable value for qualifying seniors. Assessment ratio for residential property is 25% of appraised value.. Apply through your county assessor's office after purchasing your home.

How often is property reassessed in Tennessee?

Tennessee reassesses property on a reappraisal every 4–6 years depending on county (4-year cycle for most urban counties; 6-year for rural). residential property assessed at 25% of appraised value. basis. When your property is reassessed, your tax bill changes based on the new assessed value multiplied by the applicable rate. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal — most counties allow 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice.

How is property tax calculated in Tennessee?

Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In Tennessee, the effective rate is 0.46% of market value. On a $313,544 home: $313,544 × 0.46% = $1,442/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Tennessee?

Yes. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can file an appeal with your county assessment board. Steps: (1) Get your assessment notice, (2) Research comparable recent sales, (3) File an appeal by the deadline (typically 30-90 days from assessment notice). Studies show 20-40% of appeals result in a reduction. The process is free and you represent yourself — no attorney required.

Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment in Tennessee?

Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $120/month ($1,442/year ÷ 12) along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. If your loan-to-value is below 80%, you may be able to opt out of escrow and pay taxes directly. Note: if your assessed value rises, your escrow payment adjusts and your total monthly cost increases.

What Tennessee counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?

Tennessee's highest effective rate is in Shelby County (Memphis) at 0.72%. The lowest is Pickett County at 0.30%. That's a 0.42% spread — on a $313,544 home, the difference is $1,317/year.