Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina Property Taxes
Median WINSTON SALEM, NC effective property tax rate: 1.31%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the NC state median of 0.82%.
Median WINSTON SALEM, NC home value: $140,100
Median annual WINSTON SALEM, NC tax bill: $1,718, $682 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Forsyth calculated?
Property taxes in WINSTON SALEM, 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 WINSTON SALEM’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in WINSTON SALEM, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.31%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,835
$1,703
Property Tax Rates Across Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina
Local government entities in Winston Salem set property tax rates, which can vary significantly within North Carolina. This variation is due to the annual process where Forsyth County calculates its required budget to provide essential services. By dividing this budget by the total assessed value of all taxable property within the county, the property tax rate is determined. Although setting tax rates and budgets involves votes and legislation, this calculation forms the core of the process.
Winston Salem's effective property tax rate offers a point of comparison with other cities in North Carolina, as well as with the state and national medians. With a median property tax rate of 1.31%, Winston Salem aligns with Forsyth County's highest and lowest median tax rates, both at 1.31%. This rate is notably higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Understanding these figures can provide valuable insights into the property tax landscape in Winston Salem and how it compares to broader state and national trends.
Property Tax Rates Across Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell

0.78%
1.05%
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 Winston Salem Tax Rate
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 Forsyth 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 Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
27040 | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% |
27101 | 0.78% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% |
27103 | 0.97% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% |
27104 | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% |
27105 | 0.80% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% |
27106 | 0.77% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% |
27107 | 0.80% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% |
27127 | 0.75% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% |
27284 | 1.23% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% |
27045 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
NULLN | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina
When examining property taxes in Winston Salem, 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 Forsyth 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.
Assessment notices: In Forsyth 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 Winston Salem.
For example, the median home price in Winston Salem is $140,100, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 27104 has the highest median home price at $224,450.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$76,700
$217,150
$357,600
Median Winston Salem Market Value
$140,100
Median Forsyth County Market Value
$158,600
Median North Carolina Market Value
$197,136
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
27040 | $144,550 | $157,275 | $203,350 | $224,325 | $283,650 |
27101 | $27,420 | $54,600 | $112,000 | $182,100 | $299,260 |
27103 | $94,900 | $131,400 | $164,000 | $216,000 | $279,470 |
27104 | $85,700 | $132,000 | $224,450 | $373,250 | $611,170 |
27105 | $25,100 | $42,500 | $76,700 | $118,800 | $161,200 |
27106 | $90,100 | $128,300 | $189,000 | $318,000 | $509,400 |
27107 | $24,300 | $42,500 | $96,200 | $160,200 | $204,600 |
27127 | $59,500 | $89,300 | $136,000 | $170,600 | $208,700 |
27284 | $153,740 | $168,550 | $186,800 | $217,550 | $278,900 |
27045 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
NULLN | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina
Property Tax Bills Across Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$837
$1,875
$2,913
Median Winston Salem Tax Bill
$1,718
Median Forsyth County Tax Bill
$1,755
Median North Carolina Tax Bill
$1,615
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
27040 | $1,658 | $1,982 | $2,620 | $2,938 | $3,727 |
27101 | $349 | $626 | $1,230 | $2,174 | $3,411 |
27103 | $1,068 | $1,646 | $2,057 | $2,721 | $3,510 |
27104 | $1,092 | $1,704 | $2,913 | $4,873 | $7,995 |
27105 | $300 | $511 | $870 | $1,432 | $2,023 |
27106 | $1,014 | $1,531 | $2,323 | $3,919 | $6,410 |
27107 | $300 | $516 | $1,106 | $1,930 | $2,528 |
27127 | $679 | $1,076 | $1,625 | $2,134 | $2,574 |
27284 | $1,713 | $2,156 | $2,439 | $2,789 | $3,523 |
27045 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
NULLN | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell