Stafford County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Stafford is 0.95%, which is slightly below the national median of 0.99% but higher than Virginia's state median of 0.89%. With a median home value of $386,400 in Stafford, the typical annual property tax bill is approximately $3,534, surpassing the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Stafford 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 Stafford's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Stafford or another part of the county, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Stafford County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.89%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,780
Ownwell’s Stafford Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Stafford with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Stafford to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Stafford County, Virginia
Property taxes in Stafford County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Stafford County is 0.95%, which is lower than the Virginia state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Stafford County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Stafford County 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 Stafford County's effective property tax rate with other counties in Virginia and the national median. For comparison, the city of Fredericksburg has one of the higher property tax rates in Virginia at 0.95%, while the city of Midland boasts one of the lowest at 0.94%. Analyzing how Stafford County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Stafford County Tax Rate
0.95%
Average Virginia Tax Rate
0.89%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Stafford County, Virginia
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fredericksburg | 0.94% | 0.94% | 0.95% | 0.95% | 0.95% |
| Midland | 0.32% | 0.55% | 0.94% | 0.94% | 0.94% |
| Stafford | 0.94% | 0.94% | 0.95% | 0.95% | 0.95% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Stafford County, Virginia
In Stafford 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 Stafford 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 Stafford 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. In Stafford County, the city with the highest median tax bill is Midland at $4,076, while Fredericksburg has the lowest at $3,296. Being aware of these valuation processes will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Stafford County, Virginia
Source: Ownwell
$324,700
$385,700
$446,700
Average Stafford County Assessed Value
$386,400
Average Virginia Assessed Value
$298,700
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Stafford County, Virginia
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fredericksburg | $216,800 | $277,700 | $360,000 | $461,700 | $581,200 |
| Midland | $434,380 | $439,000 | $446,700 | $561,400 | $630,220 |
| Stafford | $252,000 | $324,000 | $402,600 | $510,300 | $625,680 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Stafford County, Virginia
In Stafford County, VA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, not its market value. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and reflects the estimated worth of the property for tax purposes. To calculate the property tax bill, the assessed value is multiplied by the local tax rate. Several factors influence the tax bill, including property size, location, and improvements made to the property. For example, a median home price in Stafford County is $386,400, leading to varying tax bills across different percentiles. Homeowners in the 25th percentile face a tax bill of around $2,727, while those in the 75th percentile might pay approximately $4,451. In comparison, the 90th percentile tax bill can reach up to $5,571. These tax bills can significantly impact homeowners, particularly when compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%. Higher property taxes can affect the affordability of homeownership and influence decisions on property investments and improvements.
Average Stafford County Tax Bill
$3,534
Average Virginia Tax Bill
$2,608
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Stafford County, Virginia
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fredericksburg | $1,891 | $2,518 | $3,296 | $4,240 | $5,290 |
| Midland | $1,382 | $2,392 | $4,076 | $5,232 | $5,926 |
| Stafford | $2,142 | $2,929 | $3,693 | $4,643 | $5,716 |
Source: Ownwell