Decatur, Alabama Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Decatur, AL is 0.61%, which is higher than the Alabama state median of 0.47%, yet lower than the national median of 0.99%. With a median home value of $97,400 in Decatur, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $594, significantly below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Decatur are based on the assessed value, which is often lower than the market value due to various exemptions such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. By understanding Decatur's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions, homeowners and real estate investors can achieve substantial annual savings. Whether you're residing in the heart of Decatur or in another part of Walker County, gaining insights into the local property tax system is beneficial for managing your property expenses effectively.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Decatur, Alabama Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.47%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$940
Ownwell’s Decatur Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Decatur with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Decatur to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Decatur, Alabama
Property taxes in Decatur, Alabama, are vital in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Decatur is 0.61%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Decatur set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Decatur estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. Understanding how these cities compare with Decatur provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Walker County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Decatur Tax Rate
0.61%
Average Walker County Tax Rate
0.31%
Average Alabama Tax Rate
0.47%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Decatur, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35603 | 0.61% | 0.61% | 0.61% | 0.61% | 0.61% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Decatur, Alabama
In Decatur, Alabama, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Walker County Appraisal District for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In Decatur, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Decatur helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The highest and lowest median tax bills in Decatur are both $594, found in the 35603 zip code.
Average Decatur Assessed Value
$97,400
Average Walker County Assessed Value
$97,400
Average Alabama Assessed Value
$149,600
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Decatur, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35603 | $97,400 | $97,400 | $97,400 | $97,400 | $97,400 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Decatur, Alabama
In Decatur, located in Walker County, AL, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home and the applicable tax rate. The assessed value is typically a percentage of the property's market value, which is determined by the county assessor. For homeowners in Decatur, the median home price stands at $97,400. The property tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to calculate the annual tax bill. In Decatur, the property tax bills show little variation across different percentiles, with the 25th, 75th, and 90th percentiles all reporting a tax bill of $594. This uniformity indicates a stable tax environment, making it easier for homeowners to predict their annual expenses. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Decatur's tax rates provide a relatively predictable financial landscape for homeowners. Consequently, understanding these factors can help homeowners budget more effectively and plan for their future financial needs.
Average Decatur Tax Bill
$594
Average Walker County Tax Bill
$298
Average Alabama Tax Bill
$717
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Decatur, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35603 | $594 | $594 | $594 | $594 | $594 |
Source: Ownwell