Chapel Hill, Avery County, North Carolina Property Taxes
Median Chapel Hill, NC effective property tax rate: 0.40%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the North Carolina state median of 0.82%.
Median Chapel Hill, NC home value: $24,500
Median annual Chapel Hill, NC tax bill: $98, $2,302 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Avery County calculated?
Property taxes in Chapel Hill, NC 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 Chapel Hill’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Chapel Hill, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Chapel Hill, Avery County, North Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.4%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$98
$91
Property Tax Rates Across Chapel Hill, Avery County, North Carolina
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. 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 Chapel Hill’s effective property tax rate to other cities in North Carolina and the median property tax rates in North Carolina and the U.S.
Chapel Hill, located in Orange County, has a property tax rate that is notably lower than the national median. The town's effective property tax rate is a reflection of its local government's budgeting needs and the total assessed property value in the area. Compared to the statewide median, Chapel Hill's tax rate is competitive, offering residents a favorable balance between tax obligations and public services. This makes Chapel Hill an attractive location for homeowners who are seeking a balance between quality public services and manageable property tax bills.
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 Chapel Hill Tax Rate
0.40%
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 Avery County Tax Rate
0.40%
Median Effective North Carolina Tax Rate
0.82%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Chapel Hill, Avery County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
27516 | 0.40% | 0.40% | 0.40% | 0.40% | 0.40% |
27517 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Chapel Hill, Avery County, North Carolina
When examining property taxes in Chapel Hill, NC, 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 Avery 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.
In Avery 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 Chapel Hill.
For example, the median home price in Chapel Hill is $24,500, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 27516 has the highest median home price at $24,500.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Chapel Hill, Avery County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell

$2,200
$366,050
$729,900
Median Chapel Hill Market Value
$24,500
Median Avery County Market Value
$135,500
Median North Carolina Market Value
$197,136
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Chapel Hill, Avery County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
27516 | $12,300 | $18,400 | $24,500 | $40,000 | $295,260 |
27517 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Chapel Hill, Avery County, North Carolina
Median Chapel Hill Tax Bill
$98
Median Avery County Tax Bill
$540
Median North Carolina Tax Bill
$1,615
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Chapel Hill, Avery County, North Carolina
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
27516 | $49 | $74 | $74 | $116 | $826 |
27517 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell