James City County, Virginia Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across James City County, Virginia
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median James City County effective property tax rate: 0.83%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median James City County home value: $333,650
Median annual James City County tax bill: $2,739, $339 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in James City County calculated?

Property taxes in James City 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 Williamsburg or another part of James City County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

James City County, Virginia Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.83%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$2,769

$2,570

Ownwell’s James City County Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in James City County with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies James City County’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a more precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in James City County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across James City County, Virginia

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process. Below, you can compare James City County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Virginia or the U.S. median property tax rate. James City County’s rate of 0.83% is notably lower than the national median of 1.02%. This means that homeowners in James City County benefit from a lower property tax burden compared to the national average, potentially making it an attractive location for property investment. Additionally, with the highest and lowest median tax rates in the county being the same, residents experience a consistent tax rate throughout the area.

Property Tax Rates Across James City County, Virginia

Source: Ownwell

0.83%

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 James City County Tax Rate

0.83%

Median Effective Virginia Tax Rate

0.89%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across James City County, Virginia

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Lanexa	0.83%	0.83%	0.83%	0.83%	0.83%
Toano	0.83%	0.83%	0.83%	0.83%	0.83%
Williamsburg	0.83%	0.83%	0.83%	0.83%	0.83%
Barhamsville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across James City County, Virginia

When examining property taxes in James City 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 James City 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 James City County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May. 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 James City County.

For example, the median tax bill in James City County is $2785, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Williamsburg has the highest median home price at $338,200.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across James City County, Virginia

Source: Ownwell

$246,350

$299,225

$352,100

Median James City County Market Value

$333,650

Median Virginia Market Value

$298,700

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across James City County, Virginia

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Lanexa	$112,900	$173,575	$246,350	$373,225	$514,070
Toano	$184,260	$233,600	$319,400	$424,050	$531,920
Williamsburg	$176,800	$248,225	$338,200	$458,200	$602,400
Barhamsville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across James City County, Virginia

In James City County, VA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home. The local government assesses properties to determine their value, which is then multiplied by the tax rate to calculate the tax bill. The median home price in the county is $333,650, and while the national median property tax rate stands at 1.02%, local rates may vary, impacting the final bill. Homeowners in James City County face a median tax bill of $2,785, with bills ranging from the 25th percentile at $1,997 to the 90th percentile at $4,872. Williamsburg, within the county, records the highest median tax bill of $2,785, whereas Lanexa has the lowest at $2,007. These figures illustrate the variability of property tax bills within the county. A higher assessed value or tax rate can result in a significant financial burden for homeowners, influencing their overall cost of living and potentially affecting property affordability. Understanding these factors is crucial for homeowners planning their financial future.

Property Tax Bills Across James City County, Virginia

Source: Ownwell

$2,007

$2,451

$2,894

Median James City County Tax Bill

$2,739

Median Virginia Tax Bill

$2,608

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across James City County, Virginia

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Lanexa	$773	$1,374	$2,007	$3,034	$4,197
Toano	$1,471	$1,879	$2,605	$3,433	$4,302
Williamsburg	$1,425	$2,034	$2,785	$3,779	$4,971
Barhamsville	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell