Jefferson County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Jefferson County is 0.70%, which is lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the West Virginia state median of 0.72%. With the median home value in Jefferson County, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $2,072, which is below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Jefferson County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Jefferson County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Charles Town or another part of Jefferson County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Jefferson County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.72%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,440
Ownwell’s Jefferson County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Jefferson County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, West Virginia
Property taxes in Jefferson County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Jefferson County is 0.70%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Jefferson County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Jefferson 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. The following data compares Jefferson County's effective property tax rate with other areas in West Virginia and the national median. For comparison, the city of Ranson has one of the higher property tax rates in West Virginia at 0.85%, while the city of Bluemont boasts one of the lowest at 0.70%. Analyzing how Jefferson County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Jefferson County Tax Rate
0.70%
Average West Virginia Tax Rate
0.72%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Jefferson County, West Virginia
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berryville | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% |
| Bluemont | 0.62% | 0.63% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% |
| Charles Town | 0.63% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.84% | 1.40% |
| Halltown | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% |
| Harpers Ferry | 0.62% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 1.40% |
| Kearneysville | 0.57% | 0.67% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 1.40% |
| Millville | 0.56% | 0.64% | 0.70% | 1.40% | 1.40% |
| Ranson | 0.68% | 0.70% | 0.85% | 0.85% | 1.70% |
| Rippon | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% |
| Shenandoah Junction | 0.62% | 0.67% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% |
| Shepherdstown | 0.63% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 1.40% |
| Summit Point | 0.60% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Jefferson County, West Virginia
In Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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, Shepherdstown has the highest median tax bill at $2,646, while Halltown has the lowest at $929. Being aware of these valuation processes in Jefferson County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Jefferson County, West Virginia
Source: Ownwell
$121,900
$238,400
$354,900
Average Jefferson County Assessed Value
$267,800
Average West Virginia Assessed Value
$80,900
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Jefferson County, West Virginia
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berryville | $315,800 | $317,150 | $319,400 | $321,650 | $323,000 |
| Bluemont | $254,250 | $262,250 | $296,200 | $310,450 | $366,810 |
| Charles Town | $149,150 | $217,100 | $300,300 | $403,600 | $494,400 |
| Halltown | $132,500 | $132,500 | $132,500 | $132,500 | $132,500 |
| Harpers Ferry | $72,240 | $165,025 | $247,300 | $354,750 | $456,600 |
| Kearneysville | $86,220 | $135,000 | $223,700 | $339,700 | $461,900 |
| Millville | $47,080 | $94,600 | $121,900 | $191,000 | $248,240 |
| Ranson | $115,240 | $160,600 | $219,700 | $277,300 | $368,260 |
| Rippon | $166,190 | $176,675 | $205,000 | $230,150 | $234,920 |
| Shenandoah Junction | $131,400 | $209,650 | $348,500 | $463,375 | $568,650 |
| Shepherdstown | $188,200 | $248,000 | $354,900 | $463,100 | $576,940 |
| Summit Point | $102,600 | $179,900 | $308,300 | $411,900 | $490,000 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Jefferson County, West Virginia
In Jefferson County, WV, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the county assessor. The assessed value typically represents a percentage of the property's market value. Several factors influence this valuation, including the home's location, size, and condition, as well as recent sales of comparable properties in the area. Homeowners in Jefferson County can expect their tax bills to vary significantly. For instance, the tax bill at the 25th percentile is $1,391, while at the 75th percentile, it rises to $2,916. Those in the 90th percentile face an even higher tax bill of $3,677. The highest median tax bill in the county is found in Shepherdstown at $2,646, whereas Halltown has the lowest median tax bill at $929. These property tax rates can impact homeowners by influencing their overall housing costs, potentially affecting affordability and long-term financial planning. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Jefferson County's rates highlight the variability within the region.
Average Jefferson County Tax Bill
$2,072
Average West Virginia Tax Bill
$607
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Jefferson County, West Virginia
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berryville | $2,214 | $2,223 | $2,239 | $2,255 | $2,264 |
| Bluemont | $1,755 | $1,808 | $1,936 | $2,158 | $2,360 |
| Charles Town | $1,181 | $1,697 | $2,356 | $3,098 | $3,843 |
| Halltown | $929 | $929 | $929 | $929 | $929 |
| Harpers Ferry | $579 | $1,216 | $1,838 | $2,639 | $3,367 |
| Kearneysville | $628 | $993 | $1,589 | $2,421 | $3,278 |
| Millville | $402 | $663 | $992 | $1,497 | $2,504 |
| Ranson | $952 | $1,329 | $1,953 | $2,532 | $3,438 |
| Rippon | $1,164 | $1,238 | $1,437 | $1,613 | $1,646 |
| Shenandoah Junction | $969 | $1,528 | $2,438 | $3,211 | $3,982 |
| Shepherdstown | $1,352 | $1,831 | $2,646 | $3,392 | $4,290 |
| Summit Point | $748 | $1,310 | $2,128 | $2,866 | $3,457 |
Source: Ownwell