Rutherford County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Rutherford County is 0.45%, which is significantly lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the North Carolina state median of 0.82%. With a median home value of $123,100, the typical annual property tax bill in Rutherford County is $516, far below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes here are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding Rutherford County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide substantial annual savings. Whether you reside in Forest City or another part of Rutherford County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Rutherford County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.45%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$554
Ownwell’s Rutherford County Property Tax Bill Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes with ease. By simply entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Rutherford County to provide an accurate estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable insight helps you understand your potential tax liabilities better. For more detailed information on property tax trends at the city level, scroll down to explore our localized informational pages. Your property's assessed value is determined by the county and includes any exemptions you may have, ensuring an accurate calculation for tax purposes.
Property Tax Rates Across Rutherford County, North Carolina
Property taxes in Rutherford play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Rutherford is 0.45%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Rutherford set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Rutherford 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 Rutherford's effective property tax rate with other areas and the national median. For comparison, the city of Caroleen has one of the higher property tax rates in the region at 0.62%, while the city of Union Mills boasts one of the lowest at 0.40%. Analyzing how Rutherford's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Rutherford County Tax Rate
0.45%
Average North Carolina Tax Rate
0.82%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Rutherford County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Mountain | 0.36% | 0.38% | 0.41% | 0.48% | 0.49% |
| Bostic | 0.20% | 0.33% | 0.41% | 0.51% | 0.72% |
| Caroleen | 0.44% | 0.51% | 0.62% | 0.67% | 0.70% |
| Casar | 0.21% | 0.39% | 0.46% | 0.57% | 0.60% |
| Chimney Rock | 0.45% | 0.52% | 0.61% | 0.89% | 0.93% |
| Cliffside | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% | 0.59% |
| Ellenboro | 0.22% | 0.36% | 0.43% | 0.53% | 0.87% |
| Forest City | 0.27% | 0.38% | 0.48% | 0.67% | 1.00% |
| Harris | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% |
| Henrietta | 0.16% | 0.29% | 0.47% | 0.54% | 0.64% |
| Lake Lure | 0.32% | 0.42% | 0.62% | 0.75% | 0.99% |
| Marion | 0.39% | 0.41% | 0.46% | 0.85% | 1.08% |
| Mill Spring | 0.24% | 0.27% | 0.37% | 0.44% | 0.49% |
| Mooresboro | 0.20% | 0.34% | 0.43% | 0.53% | 0.77% |
| Rutherfordton | 0.21% | 0.34% | 0.42% | 0.55% | 0.81% |
| Spindale | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Union Mills | 0.17% | 0.31% | 0.40% | 0.48% | 0.70% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Rutherford County, North Carolina
In Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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. Chimney Rock has the highest median tax bill at $1690, while Caroleen has the lowest at $182. Being aware of these valuation processes in Rutherford 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 Rutherford County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell
$7,500
$137,850
$268,200
Average Rutherford County Assessed Value
$123,100
Average North Carolina Assessed Value
$197,136
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Rutherford County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Mountain | $127,800 | $146,400 | $248,800 | $273,600 | $316,860 |
| Bostic | $35,880 | $80,200 | $120,400 | $164,100 | $236,260 |
| Caroleen | $19,920 | $21,900 | $25,200 | $74,950 | $104,800 |
| Casar | $56,860 | $102,100 | $154,300 | $195,000 | $264,160 |
| Chimney Rock | $127,150 | $157,300 | $266,100 | $530,325 | $713,070 |
| Cliffside | $59,700 | $59,700 | $59,700 | $59,700 | $59,700 |
| Ellenboro | $35,450 | $74,500 | $115,450 | $150,750 | $198,000 |
| Forest City | $42,580 | $81,600 | $116,500 | $154,000 | $203,700 |
| Harris | $7,500 | $7,500 | $7,500 | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| Henrietta | $36,100 | $45,750 | $69,600 | $92,600 | $97,600 |
| Lake Lure | $70,650 | $134,525 | $268,200 | $587,075 | $978,050 |
| Marion | $46,460 | $56,900 | $74,300 | $111,800 | $134,300 |
| Mill Spring | $49,080 | $90,500 | $123,700 | $184,500 | $442,760 |
| Mooresboro | $27,540 | $66,300 | $111,300 | $148,000 | $188,760 |
| Rutherfordton | $39,150 | $87,375 | $128,450 | $180,100 | $245,800 |
| Spindale | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Union Mills | $44,550 | $79,300 | $121,800 | $181,900 | $285,710 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Rutherford County, North Carolina
Property tax bills in Rutherford County, NC, are calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is determined by the county assessor. This value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. The median home price in Rutherford County stands at $123,100, which helps set a baseline for property valuations. Homeowners in the county can expect their tax bills to vary significantly, with the 25th percentile tax bill at $340 and the 75th percentile at $783. For those at the higher end of the spectrum, the 90th percentile tax bill reaches $1,382. Comparatively, Chimney Rock has the highest median tax bill at $1,690, whereas Caroleen residents enjoy the lowest median tax bill at $182. These variations can impact homeowners' financial planning, as higher property taxes can increase the overall cost of homeownership. Understanding these factors is crucial for homeowners to budget effectively and anticipate their annual property tax obligations.
Average Rutherford County Tax Bill
$516
Average North Carolina Tax Bill
$1,615
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Rutherford County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Mountain | $491 | $610 | $1,051 | $1,411 | $1,450 |
| Bostic | $148 | $316 | $465 | $655 | $979 |
| Caroleen | $129 | $149 | $182 | $338 | $431 |
| Casar | $299 | $349 | $643 | $791 | $858 |
| Chimney Rock | $696 | $847 | $1,690 | $3,265 | $4,967 |
| Cliffside | $354 | $354 | $354 | $354 | $354 |
| Ellenboro | $155 | $332 | $468 | $637 | $864 |
| Forest City | $215 | $352 | $522 | $774 | $1,217 |
| Harris | $37 | $37 | $37 | $37 | $37 |
| Henrietta | $41 | $142 | $333 | $404 | $457 |
| Lake Lure | $362 | $610 | $1,427 | $3,816 | $6,605 |
| Marion | $371 | $415 | $488 | $520 | $539 |
| Mill Spring | $245 | $298 | $346 | $811 | $1,998 |
| Mooresboro | $137 | $274 | $429 | $604 | $822 |
| Rutherfordton | $157 | $325 | $508 | $749 | $1,328 |
| Spindale | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Union Mills | $123 | $299 | $487 | $722 | $1,192 |
Source: Ownwell