Otsego County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Otsego County is 0.90%, which is lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Michigan state median of 1.07%. With the median home value in Otsego County at $166,800, the typical annual property tax bill is approximately $1,490, significantly below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Otsego County are calculated based on the assessed value, which is often lower than the market value due to various property tax exemptions, such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding Otsego County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide substantial annual savings. Whether you live in Gaylord or another part of Otsego County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Otsego County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.9%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,501
Ownwell’s Otsego County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Otsego County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Otsego County to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Otsego County, Michigan
Property taxes in Otsego County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Otsego County is 0.90%, which is lower than the Michigan state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Otsego County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Otsego County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. For comparison, the city of Grayling has one of the higher property tax rates in Michigan at 1.18%, while the city of Gaylord boasts one of the lowest at 0.86%. Analyzing how Otsego County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Otsego County Tax Rate
0.90%
Average Michigan Tax Rate
1.07%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Otsego County, Michigan
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmira | 0.64% | 0.74% | 0.88% | 1.30% | 1.62% |
| Frederic | 0.62% | 0.70% | 1.05% | 1.39% | 1.66% |
| Gaylord | 0.52% | 0.66% | 0.86% | 1.34% | 1.70% |
| Grayling | 0.61% | 0.66% | 1.18% | 1.25% | 1.59% |
| Johannesburg | 0.67% | 0.77% | 1.09% | 1.43% | 1.76% |
| Lewiston | 0.68% | 0.83% | 1.09% | 1.45% | 1.84% |
| Vanderbilt | 0.58% | 0.65% | 0.88% | 1.22% | 1.69% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Otsego County, Michigan
In Otsego County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Otsego County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, 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. Assessment notices in Otsego County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. For instance, Lewiston has the highest median tax bill at $2,203, while Grayling has the lowest at $630. Being aware of these valuation processes in Otsego County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Average Otsego County Assessed Value
$166,800
Average Michigan Assessed Value
$177,800
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Otsego County, Michigan
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmira | $81,620 | $130,700 | $183,500 | $259,650 | $336,500 |
| Frederic | $49,000 | $105,800 | $151,600 | $251,300 | $356,960 |
| Gaylord | $51,800 | $115,200 | $175,000 | $255,000 | $367,600 |
| Grayling | $25,100 | $58,700 | $77,300 | $93,000 | $134,500 |
| Johannesburg | $31,740 | $78,950 | $144,200 | $217,450 | $312,780 |
| Lewiston | $80,880 | $126,400 | $198,200 | $316,800 | $425,280 |
| Vanderbilt | $32,480 | $69,400 | $125,000 | $193,200 | $290,080 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Otsego County, Michigan
In Otsego County, MI, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is typically 50% of its market value. For instance, a home with a market value of $166,800 would have an assessed value of approximately $83,400. The local tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to determine the tax bill. Factors such as property location, improvements, and exemptions can influence the assessed value and, consequently, the tax bill. Homeowners in Otsego County experience a range of tax bills. The 25th percentile tax bill is around $900, while the 75th percentile reaches $2,337. At the higher end, the 90th percentile tax bill can be as much as $3,520. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Otsego County's tax rates reflect regional economic conditions and local government funding needs. For context, the highest median tax bill in the county is found in Lewiston at $2,203, while the lowest is in Grayling at $630, illustrating the variability within the region.
Average Otsego County Tax Bill
$1,490
Average Michigan Tax Bill
$1,795
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Otsego County, Michigan
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elmira | $716 | $1,184 | $1,737 | $2,478 | $3,520 |
| Frederic | $525 | $952 | $1,468 | $2,607 | $3,975 |
| Gaylord | $499 | $953 | $1,542 | $2,377 | $3,550 |
| Grayling | $360 | $466 | $630 | $849 | $1,235 |
| Johannesburg | $387 | $810 | $1,410 | $2,268 | $3,541 |
| Lewiston | $893 | $1,264 | $2,203 | $3,505 | $4,544 |
| Vanderbilt | $329 | $611 | $1,033 | $1,724 | $2,751 |
Source: Ownwell