Wilmington, Pender County, North Carolina Property Taxes
Median Wilmington, NC effective property tax rate: 0.88%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but higher than the North Carolina state median of 0.82%. Median Wilmington, NC home value: $264,574. Median annual Wilmington, NC tax bill: $2,386, $14 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Pender County calculated? Property taxes in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Wilmington, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Wilmington, Pender County, North Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.88%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,328
$2,161
Property Tax Rates Across Wilmington, Pender County, North Carolina
Local government entities determine property tax rates, which can differ significantly across a state. Each year, counties calculate their necessary budget to fund services and divide this by the total assessed value of all taxable property within their area, resulting in the property tax rate. Although the process involves votes and legislation to establish tax rates and budgets, this is the essence of the annual procedure.
In Wilmington, located in Pender County, the effective property tax rate is 0.88%, slightly below the national median of 1.02%. This rate is consistent with the lowest median tax rate in the region, found in the 28411 zip code. Conversely, the highest median tax rate within Wilmington is 0.96%, located in the 28401 zip code. When compared to the state median tax rate, Wilmington remains competitive, offering a favorable environment for property owners. Understanding these rates helps property owners make informed decisions and potentially save on taxes.
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 Wilmington Tax Rate
0.88%
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 Pender County Tax Rate
0.88%
Median Effective North Carolina Tax Rate
0.82%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Wilmington, Pender County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28401 | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.96% | 1.09% | 1.19% |
28411 | 0.83% | 0.86% | 0.88% | 0.90% | 0.93% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Wilmington, Pender County, North Carolina
When examining property taxes in Wilmington, 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 Pender 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 Pender County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March. 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 Wilmington.
For example, the median home price in Wilmington is $264,574, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 28411 has the highest median home price at $268,374.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Wilmington, Pender County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$75,914
$253,666
$431,418
Median Wilmington Market Value
$264,574
Median Pender County Market Value
$183,803
Median North Carolina Market Value
$197,136
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Wilmington, Pender County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28401 | $19,210 | $52,327 | $91,192 | $154,018 | $193,449 |
28411 | $125,779 | $219,094 | $268,374 | $346,146 | $466,800 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Wilmington, Pender County, North Carolina
Median Wilmington Tax Bill
$2,386
Median Pender County Tax Bill
$1,515
Median North Carolina Tax Bill
$1,615
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Wilmington, Pender County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
28401 | $163 | $658 | $987 | $1,464 | $1,859 |
28411 | $1,537 | $2,039 | $2,421 | $3,057 | $4,064 |
Source: Ownwell