Highland County, Virginia Property Taxes
Median Highland County effective property tax rate: 0.48%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Highland County home value: $166,600
Median annual Highland County tax bill: $799, $1,601 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Highland County calculated?
Property taxes in Highland County 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 your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Monterey or another part of Highland County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Highland County, Virginia Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.48%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$800
$742
Property Tax Rates Across Highland County, Virginia
Local government entities are responsible for setting property tax rates, which can vary significantly within a state. Annually, each county calculates its required budget to provide essential services and divides that by the total assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation determines the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the annual process in a nutshell.
In Highland County, Virginia, the effective property tax rate is 0.48%, which is notably lower than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This means that property owners in Highland County enjoy a significantly lower tax burden compared to many other regions in the United States. For example, the national median property tax bill is $2,400, whereas residents in Highland County benefit from a more affordable rate. This lower tax rate can make Highland County an attractive option for property owners seeking to minimize their annual expenses while still enjoying the benefits of local government services.
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 Highland County Tax Rate
0.48%
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 Virginia Tax Rate
0.89%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Highland County, Virginia
City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Grass | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% |
Doe Hill | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% |
Head Waters | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% |
Mc Dowell | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% |
Monterey | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% |
Warm Springs | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% |
Williamsville | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% | 0.48% |
Mustoe | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highland County, Virginia
When examining property taxes in Highland County, 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 Highland 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 Highland 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 Highland County.
For example, the median tax bill in Highland County is $863, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Mc Dowell has the highest median home price at $179,800.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highland County, Virginia
Source: Ownwell

$131,400
$155,600
$179,800
Median Highland County Market Value
$166,600
Median Virginia Market Value
$298,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highland County, Virginia
City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Grass | $44,140 | $87,750 | $143,200 | $278,125 | $523,350 |
Doe Hill | $41,770 | $78,700 | $131,400 | $277,775 | $401,240 |
Head Waters | $26,600 | $56,450 | $151,500 | $272,050 | $464,820 |
Mc Dowell | $51,920 | $101,700 | $179,800 | $347,300 | $592,440 |
Monterey | $62,820 | $102,100 | $172,800 | $295,950 | $492,720 |
Warm Springs | $66,210 | $92,750 | $159,200 | $276,400 | $373,950 |
Williamsville | $47,590 | $96,675 | $152,500 | $265,025 | $397,140 |
Mustoe | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Highland County, Virginia
Median Highland County Tax Bill
$799
Median Virginia Tax Bill
$2,608
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Highland County, Virginia
City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Grass | $212 | $421 | $687 | $1,335 | $2,512 |
Doe Hill | $200 | $378 | $631 | $1,333 | $1,926 |
Head Waters | $128 | $271 | $727 | $1,306 | $2,231 |
Mc Dowell | $249 | $488 | $863 | $1,667 | $2,844 |
Monterey | $301 | $489 | $829 | $1,421 | $2,370 |
Warm Springs | $318 | $445 | $764 | $1,327 | $1,795 |
Williamsville | $228 | $464 | $732 | $1,272 | $1,906 |
Mustoe | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell