Durham County, North Carolina Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Durham County, North Carolina
Median Durham County effective property tax rate: 1.39%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Durham County home value: $223,296
Median annual Durham County tax bill: $2,915, $515 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Durham County calculated?
Property taxes in Durham 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 Durham or another part of Durham County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Durham County, North Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.39%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,104
$2,880
How Does the Durham County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Durham County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Durham County's median effective tax rate of 1.39% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the appraisal district assigns for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.
Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property. Durham County's median tax rate is higher than North Carolina's 0.81% median rate, and the county's median tax bill of $2,915 is $515 higher than the state median tax bill of $2,400.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Durham County.
Property Tax Rates Across Durham County, North Carolina
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Durham County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Durham 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 Durham County's effective property tax rate to other counties in North Carolina or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Durham County's median effective rate stands at 1.39%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Durham County, the highest rate is found in Morrisville at 1.39%, while Rougemont has the lowest at 1.00%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special assessment districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
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 Durham County Tax Rate
1.39%
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 North Carolina Tax Rate
0.81%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Durham County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahama | 0.94% | 0.98% | 1.01% | 1.05% | 1.10% |
| Chapel Hill | 1.39% | 1.39% | 1.39% | 1.39% | 1.39% |
| Durham | 1.05% | 1.39% | 1.39% | 1.39% | 1.39% |
| Hillsborough | 0.98% | 0.99% | 1.01% | 1.05% | 1.07% |
| Morrisville | 1.39% | 1.39% | 1.39% | 1.39% | 1.39% |
| Raleigh | 0.98% | 1.01% | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% |
| Rougemont | 0.87% | 0.96% | 1.00% | 1.06% | 1.15% |
| Timberlake | 0.97% | 0.99% | 1.01% | 1.03% | 1.05% |
| Wake Forest | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Durham County, North Carolina
When examining property taxes in Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March.
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. Durham County’s median tax bill is $2,915, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, with Chapel Hill posting the highest median home price at $341,118.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Durham County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell
$166,681
$254,270
$341,859
Median Durham County Market Value
$223,296
Median North Carolina Market Value
$221,500
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Durham County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahama | $121,544 | $177,789 | $249,422 | $336,123 | $418,788 |
| Chapel Hill | $149,577 | $221,330 | $341,118 | $474,960 | $632,912 |
| Durham | $117,338 | $160,023 | $219,640 | $302,632 | $402,929 |
| Hillsborough | $160,109 | $188,608 | $293,332 | $354,270 | $420,559 |
| Morrisville | $80,000 | $199,110 | $255,339 | $297,704 | $321,717 |
| Raleigh | $192,012 | $198,705 | $234,497 | $392,207 | $480,971 |
| Rougemont | $88,483 | $138,065 | $200,498 | $278,138 | $367,075 |
| Timberlake | $219,114 | $252,554 | $323,966 | $408,253 | $453,799 |
| Wake Forest | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Durham County, North Carolina
Property tax bills in Durham County are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market listing price. Local tax rates are applied to that assessed value to determine the annual bill, so two homes with similar market values can still owe different amounts if their assessments differ. For homeowners, this means a higher assessed value usually leads to a larger tax bill, while a lower assessment can reduce what is owed.
Several factors influence the final amount, including the home’s value, local tax rates, and where the property is located within the county. In Durham County, the median home price is $223,296, and tax bills vary widely across communities. The 25th percentile tax bill is $2,045, while the 75th percentile reaches $4,105. At the high end, the 90th percentile is $5,489. Chapel Hill has the highest median tax bill at $4,592, while Rougemont has the lowest at $1,935.
Median Durham County Tax Bill
$2,915
Median North Carolina Tax Bill
$1,813
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Durham County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahama | $1,187 | $1,765 | $2,451 | $3,252 | $4,040 |
| Chapel Hill | $2,080 | $2,887 | $4,592 | $6,440 | $8,561 |
| Durham | $1,412 | $2,036 | $2,896 | $4,075 | $5,441 |
| Hillsborough | $1,668 | $1,942 | $2,901 | $3,524 | $4,128 |
| Morrisville | $1,116 | $2,732 | $3,540 | $4,119 | $4,461 |
| Raleigh | $1,976 | $2,266 | $2,632 | $3,956 | $5,221 |
| Rougemont | $855 | $1,341 | $1,935 | $2,727 | $3,577 |
| Timberlake | $2,296 | $2,596 | $3,237 | $4,121 | $4,402 |
| Wake Forest | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | May 8 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Durham Tax Assessor | |
| Website | taxcama.dconc.gov |