Durham County, North Carolina Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Durham County, North Carolina
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Durham County effective property tax rate: 1.31%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Durham County home value: $220,810
Median annual Durham County tax bill: $2,770, $370 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Durham County calculated?

Property taxes in Durham County 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 your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Durham or another part of Durham County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Durham County, North Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.31%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$2,893

$2,684

Ownwell’s Durham County Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Durham County with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Durham County’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a more precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Durham County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Durham County, North Carolina

Local government entities in North Carolina set tax rates, resulting in significant variations across the state. Each year, counties determine their budgetary needs to provide essential services and divide this figure by the total assessed value of all taxable properties within their jurisdiction. This process establishes the property tax rate. Although this involves votes and legislative actions, the fundamental approach remains consistent annually. In Durham County, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.31%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within the county, Chapel Hill records the highest property tax rate at 1.31%, while Timberlake has the lowest at 0.94%. When compared to the national median property tax bill of $2,400, Durham County's rate reflects a more substantial financial commitment from property owners. This comparison highlights the importance of understanding local tax dynamics and the potential for property tax appeals to manage financial obligations effectively.

Property Tax Rates Across Durham County, North Carolina

Source: Ownwell

0.94%

1.13%

1.31%

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 Durham County Tax Rate

1.31%

Median Effective North Carolina Tax Rate

0.82%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Durham County, North Carolina

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Bahama	0.91%	0.93%	0.96%	1.00%	1.04%
Chapel Hill	1.31%	1.31%	1.31%	1.32%	1.32%
Durham	1.02%	1.31%	1.31%	1.31%	1.31%
Hillsborough	0.93%	0.94%	0.96%	1.00%	1.02%
Raleigh	0.93%	0.96%	1.19%	1.19%	1.19%
Rougemont	0.86%	0.91%	0.95%	1.01%	1.09%
Timberlake	0.91%	0.92%	0.94%	0.97%	0.99%
Morrisville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wake Forest	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Durham County, North Carolina

When examining property taxes in Durham County, 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 Durham County Tax Office 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. Assessment notices: In Durham 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 Durham County. For example, the median tax bill in Durham County is $2,400, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Chapel Hill has the highest median home price at $340,384.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Durham County, North Carolina

Source: Ownwell

$164,928

$252,967

$341,005

Median Durham County Market Value

$220,810

Median North Carolina Market Value

$197,136

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Durham County, North Carolina

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Bahama	$120,473	$176,570	$247,484	$333,602	$418,788
Chapel Hill	$149,577	$220,858	$340,384	$473,582	$628,291
Durham	$115,255	$158,259	$217,050	$300,265	$400,182
Hillsborough	$158,026	$187,546	$292,565	$353,788	$420,434
Raleigh	$192,012	$198,677	$234,497	$391,739	$479,755
Rougemont	$85,165	$136,244	$198,650	$276,023	$361,463
Timberlake	$221,261	$260,221	$327,586	$432,552	$544,453
Morrisville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wake Forest	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Durham County, North Carolina

In Durham County, NC, property tax bills are determined by multiplying the assessed value of a home by the local tax rate. This assessed value is typically a percentage of the home's market value, which is evaluated periodically. The local tax rate is set by county officials and can vary based on budget needs for public services such as schools, roads, and emergency services. Homeowners in Durham County experience a range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $1,962 and the 75th percentile reaching $3,890. The tax bill at the 90th percentile is $5,212, indicating significant variance based on property value and location within the county. For instance, Chapel Hill has the highest median tax bill at $4,391, while Rougemont has the lowest at $1,840. With a median home price of $220,810, the property tax rate in Durham County can impact homeowners' budgets significantly, especially when compared to the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and median tax bill of $2,400.

Property Tax Bills Across Durham County, North Carolina

Source: Ownwell

$1,840

$3,120

$4,400

Median Durham County Tax Bill

$2,770

Median North Carolina Tax Bill

$1,615

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Durham County, North Carolina

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Bahama	$1,214	$1,716	$2,384	$3,101	$3,833
Chapel Hill	$1,981	$2,780	$4,391	$6,138	$8,165
Durham	$1,393	$1,948	$2,747	$3,858	$5,156
Hillsborough	$1,611	$1,876	$2,748	$3,341	$3,917
Raleigh	$2,129	$2,344	$2,703	$4,010	$5,240
Rougemont	$891	$1,320	$1,840	$2,578	$3,362
Timberlake	$2,180	$2,512	$3,085	$4,063	$4,930
Morrisville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wake Forest	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell