Columbia, Alabama Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Columbia, AL is 0.33%, significantly lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Alabama state median of 0.47%. With the median home value in Columbia at $126,342, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $435, well below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Columbia are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions such as those for primary residences and agricultural lands. Understanding Columbia's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to substantial annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Columbia or another part of the city, grasping the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Columbia, Alabama Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.33%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$417
Ownwell’s Columbia Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Columbia with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Columbia 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 Columbia, Alabama
Property taxes in Columbia, AL, are essential for funding local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Columbia is 0.33%, which is significantly lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Columbia set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Columbia 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 Columbia's effective property tax rate to other counties in Alabama and the national median. For comparison, the highest median property tax rate in Alabama is in Shelby County at 0.61%, while the lowest median tax rate is in Crenshaw County at 0.16%. Understanding how these cities compare with Columbia provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Henry County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Columbia Tax Rate
0.33%
Average Henry County Tax Rate
0.37%
Average Alabama Tax Rate
0.47%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Columbia, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36319 | 0.18% | 0.27% | 0.33% | 0.40% | 0.74% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Columbia, Alabama
In Columbia, 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 Henry 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 Columbia, 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. The median home price in Columbia is $126,342, with tax bills ranging from $239 at the 25th percentile to $1,218 at the 90th percentile. The highest and lowest median tax bills are both $435 in zip code 36319. Being aware of these valuation processes helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Average Columbia Assessed Value
$126,342
Average Henry County Assessed Value
$118,764
Average Alabama Assessed Value
$149,600
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Columbia, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36319 | $40,420 | $70,690 | $126,342 | $214,789 | $327,612 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Columbia, Alabama
In Columbia, Henry County, AL, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is a percentage of its market value. The local tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to determine the final tax bill. For instance, the median home price in Columbia is $126,342. Homeowners in this area can expect their property tax bills to vary significantly, with the 25th percentile at $239 and the 75th percentile reaching $778. At the 90th percentile, tax bills can go up to $1,218. These tax bills are influenced by several factors, including the home's assessed value, local tax rates, and any applicable exemptions. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Columbia's property taxes are relatively moderate. Understanding these factors can help homeowners better anticipate their annual tax liabilities and budget accordingly.
Average Columbia Tax Bill
$435
Average Henry County Tax Bill
$519
Average Alabama Tax Bill
$717
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Columbia, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36319 | $125 | $239 | $435 | $778 | $1,218 |
Source: Ownwell