Columbia, Alabama Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Columbia, AL is 0.34%, significantly lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Alabama state median of 0.47%. With a median home value of $81,700 in Columbia, the typical annual property tax bill is around $314, which is 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 properties. 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 Houston County, 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
0.34%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$278
$258
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, Alabama, play a crucial role in funding essential local services, including public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Columbia is 0.34%, significantly lower than both the Alabama state median and 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 the region is found in ZIP code 01069, with a rate of 0.34%, while the lowest median tax rate is also in ZIP code 01069 at 0.34%. Understanding how these figures compare with Columbia provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Houston County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Columbia Tax Rate
0.34%
Average Houston County Tax Rate
0.36%
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 | 0.25% | 0.30% | 0.34% | 0.72% | 0.78% |
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 Houston 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. Being aware of these valuation processes in Columbia helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The highest median tax bill in Columbia is $314, found in zip code 36319, which is also the lowest median tax bill, reflecting the uniformity in property values within the area.
Average Columbia Assessed Value
$81,700
Average Houston County Assessed Value
$117,800
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 | $21,940 | $45,900 | $81,700 | $127,650 | $196,300 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Columbia, Alabama
In Columbia, Houston County, AL, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is a percentage of its market value. The median home price in Columbia is $81,700. Property tax rates are applied to this assessed value to determine the annual tax bill. Factors such as property location, home improvements, and local tax rates play a crucial role in this calculation. For homeowners, the tax bill can vary significantly. The 25th percentile tax bill in Columbia is $182, while the 75th percentile tax bill is $511, and the 90th percentile tax bill reaches up to $796. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Columbia's tax bills are relatively modest, reflecting the area's lower home values. Understanding these factors helps homeowners anticipate their tax obligations and budget accordingly. Accurate assessment and awareness of local tax rates ensure that homeowners in Columbia are well-prepared for their annual property tax bills.
Average Columbia Tax Bill
$314
Average Houston County Tax Bill
$515
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 | $85 | $182 | $314 | $511 | $796 |
Source: Ownwell