Lee County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Lee County is 0.85%, which is lower than the national median of 0.99% but slightly higher than the North Carolina state median of 0.82%. With a median home value of $171,800 in Lee County, the typical annual property tax bill is around $1,542, significantly below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Lee County are calculated based on the assessed value, which is often less than the market value due to various exemptions such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding Lee County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide substantial annual savings. Whether you live in Sanford or another part of Lee County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Lee County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.85%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,460
$1,355
Ownwell’s Lee County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Lee County with just two data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Lee County to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Lee County, North Carolina
Property taxes in Lee County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Lee County is 0.85%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Lee County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Lee County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares Lee County's effective property tax rate with other areas in North Carolina and the national median. For comparison, the city of Broadway has one of the higher property tax rates in North Carolina at 1.20%, while the city of Cameron boasts one of the lowest at 0.78%. Analyzing how Lee County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Lee County Tax Rate
0.85%
Average North Carolina Tax Rate
0.82%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Lee County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway | 0.79% | 0.97% | 1.20% | 1.20% | 1.20% |
| Cameron | 0.54% | 0.72% | 0.78% | 0.85% | 1.05% |
| Lemon Springs | 0.82% | 0.82% | 0.82% | 0.82% | 0.82% |
| Sanford | 0.62% | 0.76% | 0.85% | 1.30% | 1.42% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lee County, North Carolina
In Lee County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Lee County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, 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. Assessment notices in Lee County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. For instance, Broadway has the highest median tax bill at $2,174, while Cameron has the lowest at $1,024. Being aware of these valuation processes in Lee County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lee County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell
$31,500
$113,250
$195,000
Average Lee County Assessed Value
$171,800
Average North Carolina Assessed Value
$197,136
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lee County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway | $30,000 | $135,075 | $195,000 | $267,375 | $328,880 |
| Cameron | $27,500 | $80,200 | $136,800 | $240,700 | $346,640 |
| Lemon Springs | $148,100 | $148,100 | $148,100 | $148,100 | $148,100 |
| Sanford | $25,000 | $84,500 | $171,500 | $268,800 | $373,900 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lee County, North Carolina
In Lee County, NC, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the county assessor. The assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. Factors such as the property's location, size, and market conditions can influence its assessed value. For example, the median home price in Lee County is $171,800. Homeowners in Lee County experience a range of property tax bills. The tax bill at the 25th percentile is $799, while at the 75th percentile, it rises to $2,665. The 90th percentile tax bill can go as high as $3,763. The city of Broadway has the highest median tax bill in the county at $2,174, whereas Cameron has the lowest at $1,024. These variations reflect differences in property values and local tax rates across different areas within the county. For homeowners, understanding these factors is crucial as they directly impact their annual financial obligations.
Average Lee County Tax Bill
$1,542
Average North Carolina Tax Bill
$1,615
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Lee County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadway | $360 | $1,162 | $2,174 | $2,962 | $3,855 |
| Cameron | $272 | $553 | $1,024 | $1,759 | $2,533 |
| Lemon Springs | $1,213 | $1,213 | $1,213 | $1,213 | $1,213 |
| Sanford | $224 | $801 | $1,541 | $2,675 | $3,784 |
Source: Ownwell