Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina Property Taxes
Median Morganton, NC effective property tax rate: 0.69%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the NC state median of 0.82%.
Median Morganton, NC home value: $148,084
Median annual Morganton, NC tax bill: $984, $1,416 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Burke County calculated?
Property taxes in Morganton, NC are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding Morganton’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Morganton, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.69%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,022
$948
Property Tax Rates Across Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina
Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Each year, counties estimate their required budget to provide essential services and then divide that by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the annual process in a nutshell.
In Morganton, located in Burke County, the effective property tax rate is 0.69%, which is notably lower than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This lower rate can result in significant savings for property owners in Morganton compared to other parts of the country. Comparing Morganton's rate to other cities in North Carolina, it stands out as an attractive option for homeowners looking for lower property taxes. The median property tax rate in North Carolina is also lower than the national average, making the state a favorable location for property investment.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Morganton Tax Rate
0.69%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Burke County Tax Rate
0.72%
Median Effective North Carolina Tax Rate
0.82%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28655 | 0.58% | 0.62% | 0.69% | 0.74% | 0.85% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina
When examining property taxes in Morganton, NC, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Burke County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
In Burke County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Morganton. For example, the median home price in Morganton is $148,084, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 28655 has the highest median home price at $148,094.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$112,237
$281,582
$450,926
Median Morganton Market Value
$148,084
Median Burke County Market Value
$144,639
Median North Carolina Market Value
$197,136
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28655 | $48,021 | $91,778 | $148,094 | $230,237 | $351,908 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina
Median Morganton Tax Bill
$984
Median Burke County Tax Bill
$1,021
Median North Carolina Tax Bill
$1,615
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28655 | $361 | $617 | $984 | $1,508 | $2,267 |
Source: Ownwell