Highlands, Macon County, North Carolina Property Taxes
Median Highlands, NC effective property tax rate: 0.34%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the North Carolina state median of 0.82%.
Median Highlands, NC home value: $740,480
Median annual Highlands, NC tax bill: $2,524, $124 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Macon calculated?
Property taxes in Highlands, 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 Highlands’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Highlands, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Highlands, Macon County, North Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.34%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,518
$2,336
Property Tax Rates Across Highlands, Macon County, North Carolina
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. The reason for this variation lies in the annual budget estimation process. Each county calculates its required budget to provide essential services and divides it by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this is essentially the annual process.
In Highlands, located in Macon County, North Carolina, the effective property tax rate is notably lower than both the state and national medians. This can significantly impact homeowners, as a lower tax rate means reduced property tax bills compared to other regions. When comparing Highlands to other cities in North Carolina and the broader U.S., homeowners in this area benefit from this lower rate, leading to potentially substantial savings. This favorable tax environment can make Highlands an attractive option for property owners looking for financial relief in their annual tax obligations.
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 Highlands Tax Rate
0.34%
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 Macon County Tax Rate
0.38%
Median Effective North Carolina Tax Rate
0.82%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Highlands, Macon County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28741 | 0.30% | 0.30% | 0.34% | 0.40% | 0.41% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highlands, Macon County, North Carolina
When examining property taxes in Highlands, 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 Highlands.
For example, the median home price in Highlands is $740,480, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 28741 has the highest median home price at $740,480.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highlands, Macon County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$209,490
$474,985
$740,480
Median Highlands Market Value
$740,480
Median Macon County Market Value
$263,040
Median North Carolina Market Value
$197,136
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highlands, Macon County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28741 | $293,132 | $468,190 | $740,480 | $1,259,110 | $1,963,556 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Highlands, Macon County, North Carolina
In Highlands, Macon County, NC, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is determined by the county assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. For homeowners in Highlands, the median property tax bill is $2,524, slightly above the national median of $2,400. Factors such as location, property size, and market trends influence the assessed value, impacting the overall tax bill. Homeowners in Highlands can face tax bills ranging from $1,592 at the 25th percentile to $6,773 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the variability in tax burdens.
Ownwell offers a solution for homeowners looking to reduce their property tax bills. By providing expert property tax appeal services, Ownwell helps ensure that properties are assessed fairly, potentially leading to significant savings. With professional guidance, homeowners can navigate the complexities of property tax assessments and secure reductions, aligning their tax obligations more closely with their property's true market value.
Median Highlands Tax Bill
$2,524
Median Macon County Tax Bill
$945
Median North Carolina Tax Bill
$1,615
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Highlands, Macon County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28741 | $973 | $1,592 | $2,524 | $4,243 | $6,773 |
Source: Ownwell