Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, North Carolina Property Taxes
Median LAKE SANTEETLAH, NC effective property tax rate: 0.80%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the North Carolina state median of 0.82%.
Median LAKE SANTEETLAH, NC home value: $492,385
Median annual LAKE SANTEETLAH, NC tax bill: $3,908, $1,508 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Graham calculated?
Property taxes in LAKE SANTEETLAH, 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 LAKE SANTEETLAH’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in LAKE SANTEETLAH, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, North Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.8%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,939
$3,655
Property Tax Rates Across Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, North Carolina
Local government entities determine property tax rates, and these can differ significantly across a state. This is because each county calculates its budget needs for public services annually and divides this by the total value of all taxable properties within its area. This process establishes the property tax rate. Though votes and legislation play roles in determining these rates and budgets, this is the fundamental procedure each year.
In Lake Santeetlah, located in Graham County, North Carolina, the effective property tax rate stands at 0.80%, which is notably lower than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This means residents in Lake Santeetlah benefit from lower property tax rates compared to many other parts of the country. However, this rate is consistent throughout Graham County, suggesting a uniform approach to property taxation within the region. When compared to the national median property tax bill of $2400, homeowners in Lake Santeetlah can expect their property tax bills to be lower, providing a more affordable living situation relative to many other areas in the United States.
Property Tax Rates Across Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell

0.59%
0.69%
0.80%
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 Lake Santeetlah Tax Rate
0.80%
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 Graham County Tax Rate
0.59%
Median Effective North Carolina Tax Rate
0.82%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28771 | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.80% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, North Carolina
When examining property taxes in Lake Santeetlah, 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 Graham 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 Graham County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the season. 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 Lake Santeetlah. For example, the median home price in Lake Santeetlah is $492,385, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 28771 has the highest median home price at $492,385.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$121,930
$307,158
$492,385
Median Lake Santeetlah Market Value
$492,385
Median Graham County Market Value
$124,715
Median North Carolina Market Value
$197,136
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28771 | $179,800 | $225,410 | $492,385 | $861,320 | $1,242,199 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, North Carolina
Property Tax Bills Across Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$758
$2,333
$3,908
Median Lake Santeetlah Tax Bill
$3,908
Median Graham County Tax Bill
$769
Median North Carolina Tax Bill
$1,615
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Lake Santeetlah, Graham County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28771 | $1,488 | $1,857 | $3,908 | $6,985 | $9,989 |
Source: Ownwell