Waycross, Georgia Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Waycross, GA is 1.16%, higher than both the national median of 0.99% and Georgia's state median of 1.08%. With a median home value of $80,976 in Waycross, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $739, which is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Waycross are calculated based on the tax assessed value, often lower than the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Waycross's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Waycross or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Waycross, Georgia Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.16%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$939
$912
Ownwell’s Waycross Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Waycross with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Waycross 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 Waycross, Georgia
Property taxes in Waycross, Georgia, are essential for funding local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Waycross is 1.16%, which is higher than both the Georgia state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Waycross set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Waycross 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. The data below compares Waycross's effective property tax rate to other counties in Georgia and the national median. For comparison, the 31501 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.59%, while the 31503 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 1.15%. Understanding how these areas compare with Waycross provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Ware County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Waycross Tax Rate
1.16%
Average Ware County Tax Rate
1.15%
Average Georgia Tax Rate
1.08%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Waycross, Georgia
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31501 | 0.41% | 0.86% | 1.59% | 1.60% | 1.60% |
| 31503 | 0.30% | 0.60% | 1.15% | 1.16% | 1.60% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waycross, Georgia
In Waycross, Georgia, 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 Ware 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 Waycross, 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. For instance, the highest median tax bill in Waycross is $796 in the 31501 zip code, while the lowest is $689 in the 31503 zip code. Being aware of these valuation processes helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Average Waycross Assessed Value
$80,976
Average Ware County Assessed Value
$82,583
Average Georgia Assessed Value
$231,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waycross, Georgia
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31501 | $23,430 | $38,854 | $80,246 | $140,625 | $206,675 |
| 31503 | $25,302 | $41,788 | $81,742 | $154,120 | $230,145 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Waycross, Georgia
In Waycross, located in Ware County, GA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is typically a percentage of its market value. The median home price in Waycross is $80,976. Property taxes are then determined by applying the local tax rate to this assessed value. For instance, homeowners in the 25th percentile can expect a tax bill around $411, while those in the 75th percentile might see bills closer to $1,331. At the 90th percentile, tax bills can reach up to $2,089. Factors such as the property’s location within specific zip codes also play a role. For example, the highest median tax bill in Waycross is $796 in the 31501 zip code, whereas the lowest is $689 in the 31503 zip code. These property taxes directly impact homeowners, influencing their overall housing costs and potentially affecting their financial planning. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Waycross offers relatively affordable property tax rates, making it an appealing location for homeowners.
Average Waycross Tax Bill
$739
Average Ware County Tax Bill
$742
Average Georgia Tax Bill
$2,212
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Waycross, Georgia
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31501 | $260 | $455 | $796 | $1,454 | $2,216 |
| 31503 | $159 | $378 | $689 | $1,240 | $1,948 |
Source: Ownwell