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

Virginia Property Tax Rates by County

Highest and lowest effective rates within Virginia

Property Tax Calculator — Virginia

Pre-loaded with Virginia's 0.82% effective rate and $421,882 median price

Property Tax by City in Virginia

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

Virginia Homestead Exemption

How Virginia Assesses Property Values

Assessment cycle: Annual assessment in most jurisdictions to 100% of fair market value. Some smaller jurisdictions assess every 2–4 years. Northern Virginia localities reassess annually.

Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost

On a $421,882 home in Virginia

Property tax represents 9% of the true monthly cost in Virginia.

Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — Virginia

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

How Virginia's Property Tax Affects Affordability

$288/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 Virginia

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 Virginia?

Virginia's effective property tax rate is 0.82%, ranking #30 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $3,459 ($288/month). Rates range from 0.28% in Bath County to 1.13% in Manassas City. Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024.

Does Virginia have a homestead exemption?

Yes — Virginia offers a homestead exemption for primary residences. No general state homestead exemption. Localities may offer exemptions for elderly (65+) and disabled homeowners with qualifying income and net worth limits. Some jurisdictions offer partial real property tax exemptions for rehabilitated properties.. Apply through your county assessor's office after purchasing your home.

How often is property reassessed in Virginia?

Virginia reassesses property on a annual assessment in most jurisdictions to 100% of fair market value. some smaller jurisdictions assess every 2–4 years. northern virginia localities reassess annually. 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 Virginia?

Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In Virginia, the effective rate is 0.82% of market value. On a $421,882 home: $421,882 × 0.82% = $3,459/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Virginia?

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 Virginia?

Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $288/month ($3,459/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 Virginia counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?

Virginia's highest effective rate is in Manassas City at 1.13%. The lowest is Bath County at 0.28%. That's a 0.85% spread — on a $421,882 home, the difference is $3,586/year.