Washington County, Mississippi Property Taxes

What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Washington County?

Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Washington County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.

Below, compare Washington County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Mississippi or the U.S. median of 1.02%.

Washington County's median effective rate stands at 1.92%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Washington County, the highest rate is found in Chatham at 2.00%, while Avon has the lowest at 1.11%.

These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special assessment districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.

Property tax bills in Washington County, Mississippi are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price. Local taxing authorities apply the county’s tax rate to that assessed value to determine the bill, so two homes with similar market values can still owe different amounts if their assessments differ. Factors such as location, property characteristics, and any changes to the home can all affect the final assessment.

With a median home price of $42,140, the county’s property tax bills can vary widely. The 25th percentile tax bill is $171, while the 75th percentile is $1,366 and the 90th percentile reaches $2,459. That spread shows how much a homeowner’s tax burden can change based on assessment differences and local rates.

For homeowners, this means property taxes can be a significant part of annual housing costs, especially when an assessment rises faster than expected. In Washington County, understanding how the bill is calculated is key to knowing whether a tax bill is accurate.