Property Taxes in Catawba, North Carolina
Median Catawba, North Carolina effective property tax rate: 0.50%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the North Carolina state median of 0.81%.
Median Catawba, North Carolina home value: $222,100
Median annual Catawba, North Carolina tax bill: $1,161, $1,239 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Catawba calculated?
Property taxes in Catawba, North Carolina 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 Catawba's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Catawba, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
How Does the Catawba Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Catawba property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Catawba's median effective tax rate of 0.50% — based on actual property records in Catawba County — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Catawba's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.
Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Catawba: rates range from 0.50% in 28609 to 0.50% in 28609, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Catawba.
About Catawba Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in Catawba, Catawba, North Carolina
Catawba's median effective property tax rate of 0.50% is lower than the North Carolina state median of 0.81% and lower than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Catawba County base levy combined with local school district levies and special assessment districts that vary by subdivision throughout the city.
Property tax rates are not uniform across Catawba. Homeowners in the 28609 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 0.50%, while those in the lowest ZIP code pay 0.50%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Catawba County. Understanding which part of Catawba you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
Catawba homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Tax Assessor before the May 4, 2026 deadline each year.
If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.
Property Tax Rates Across Catawba, Catawba County, North Carolina
As noted earlier, 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 Catawba’s effective property tax rate to other cities in North Carolina and the median property tax rates in North Carolina and the U.S.
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 Catawba Tax Rate
0.50%
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 Catawba County Tax Rate
0.51%
Median Effective North Carolina Tax Rate
0.81%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.27%
Property Tax Rates Across Catawba, Catawba County, North Carolina
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28609 | 0.46% | 0.49% | 0.50% | 0.51% | 0.90% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Catawba, Catawba County, North Carolina
When examining property taxes in Catawba, North Carolina, 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 Catawba 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 Catawba County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month when notices are sent.
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. For example, the median home price in Catawba is $222,100, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 28609 has the highest median home price at $222,100.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Catawba, Catawba County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell
$143,650
$318,875
$494,100
Median Catawba Market Value
$222,100
Median Catawba County Market Value
$222,900
Median North Carolina Market Value
$221,500
Median United States Market Value
$274,101
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Catawba, Catawba County, North Carolina
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28609 | $26,500 | $148,325 | $222,100 | $358,875 | $642,630 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Catawba, Catawba County, North Carolina
Property tax bills in Catawba are calculated by applying the local tax rate to a home’s assessed value, which is based on the market value set by the county. The bill depends on several factors, including the home’s value, the tax rate, and any exemptions or appeals that may lower the assessed amount. For homeowners, this means that a higher assessed value can lead to a larger tax bill, while a lower assessment can reduce what is owed.
In Catawba, the median home price is $222,100, and property tax bills vary widely. The 25th percentile tax bill is $728, while the 75th percentile is $1,925 and the 90th percentile is $3,242. The median tax bill in ZIP code 28609 is $1,161. Compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400, many homeowners in Catawba pay less, though bills can still be significant depending on the home’s assessed value.
Median Catawba Tax Bill
$1,161
Median Catawba County Tax Bill
$1,362
Median North Carolina Tax Bill
$1,813
Median United States Tax Bill
$3,209
Property Tax Bills Across Catawba, Catawba County, North Carolina
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28609 | $133 | $728 | $1,161 | $1,925 | $3,242 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | May 4 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Catawba Tax Assessor | |
| Website | gis.catawbacountync.gov |