Opelika, Lee County, Alabama Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Opelika, AL is 0.52%, slightly higher than the Alabama state median of 0.47% but still below the national median of 0.99%. With a median home value of $201,960, the typical annual property tax bill in Opelika amounts to $1,098, which is less than the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Opelika are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Opelika'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 Opelika 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
Opelika, Lee County, Alabama Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.52%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,050
$975
Ownwell’s Opelika Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Opelika with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Opelika 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 Opelika, Lee County, Alabama
Property taxes in Opelika, Alabama, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Opelika is 0.52%, which is higher than both the Alabama state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Opelika set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Opelika 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 Opelika's effective property tax rate to other counties in Alabama and the national median. For comparison, the 36801 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 0.52%, while the 36803 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 0.47%. Understanding how these cities compare with Opelika provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Lee County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Opelika Tax Rate
0.52%
Average Lee County Tax Rate
0.52%
Average Alabama Tax Rate
0.47%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Opelika, Lee County, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36801 | 0.46% | 0.48% | 0.52% | 1.08% | 1.08% |
| 36803 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 36804 | 0.29% | 0.41% | 0.47% | 0.52% | 0.88% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Opelika, Lee County, Alabama
In Opelika, 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 Lee 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 Opelika, 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. For example, the zip code 36803 has the highest median tax bill at $1,649, while zip code 36804 has the lowest at $987. 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 Opelika helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Opelika, Lee County, Alabama
Source: Ownwell
$121,550
$287,515
$453,480
Average Opelika Assessed Value
$201,960
Average Lee County Assessed Value
$237,000
Average Alabama Assessed Value
$149,600
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Opelika, Lee County, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36801 | $52,860 | $104,580 | $200,980 | $289,770 | $418,060 |
| 36803 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 36804 | $52,600 | $99,680 | $204,300 | $304,600 | $409,360 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Opelika, Lee County, Alabama
In Opelika, Lee County, AL, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of your home. The assessed value is a percentage of the market value, determined by the county's appraisal office. Once the assessed value is established, the local tax rate is applied to calculate the annual property tax bill. Factors such as property improvements and neighborhood changes can affect the assessed value, potentially increasing or decreasing your tax bill. For homeowners, the property tax bill can vary significantly. In Opelika, the 25th percentile of tax bills is $597, while the 75th percentile reaches $1597. The 90th percentile climbs to $2268, reflecting the higher end of the tax spectrum. Notably, the highest median tax bill in the area is $1649 in the 36803 zip code, while the lowest median tax bill is $987 in the 36804 zip code. Comparing these figures to the national median property tax rate of 0.99% highlights how local rates and property values can influence the financial burden on homeowners.
Average Opelika Tax Bill
$1,098
Average Lee County Tax Bill
$1,329
Average Alabama Tax Bill
$717
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Opelika, Lee County, Alabama
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36801 | $349 | $727 | $1,161 | $1,674 | $2,358 |
| 36803 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 36804 | $177 | $434 | $987 | $1,499 | $2,097 |
Source: Ownwell