Swain County, North Carolina Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Swain County, North Carolina
Median Swain County effective property tax rate: 0.49%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Swain County home value: $146,700
Median annual Swain County tax bill: $738, $1,662 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Swain County calculated?
Property taxes in Swain 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 Swain County or another part of Swain County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Swain County, North Carolina Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.49%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$719
$667
How Does the Swain County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Swain County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Swain County's median effective tax rate of 0.49% 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. Swain County’s median effective tax rate is lower than the North Carolina median tax rate of 0.81% and far below the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. The county’s median property tax bill is $738, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2400.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Swain County.
Property Tax Rates Across Swain County, North Carolina
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Swain County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Swain 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 Swain County's effective property tax rate to other counties in North Carolina or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Swain County's median effective rate stands at 0.49%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%. Within Swain County, the highest rate is found in BRYSON CITY at 0.49%, while CHEROKEE has the lowest at 0.41%.
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 Swain County Tax Rate
0.49%
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 Swain County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almond | 0.43% | 0.44% | 0.47% | 0.50% | 0.54% |
| Bryson City | 0.41% | 0.45% | 0.49% | 0.55% | 0.61% |
| Cherokee | 0.32% | 0.41% | 0.41% | 0.44% | 0.51% |
| Robbinsville | 0.44% | 0.46% | 0.48% | 0.50% | 0.52% |
| Topton | 0.41% | 0.43% | 0.44% | 0.49% | 0.53% |
| Whittier | 0.41% | 0.45% | 0.48% | 0.54% | 0.60% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Swain County, North Carolina
When examining property taxes in Swain 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 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 Swain 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. The median tax bill in Swain County is $738, which is below the national median property tax bill of $2400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, and Topton has the highest median home price at $424,565.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Swain County, North Carolina
Source: Ownwell
$120,930
$272,748
$424,565
Median Swain County Market Value
$146,700
Median North Carolina Market Value
$221,500
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Swain County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almond | $82,124 | $165,210 | $284,580 | $430,030 | $557,770 |
| Bryson City | $58,174 | $89,652 | $150,400 | $244,128 | $374,012 |
| Cherokee | $39,420 | $88,818 | $120,930 | $164,742 | $193,105 |
| Robbinsville | $106,462 | $131,105 | $169,020 | $242,380 | $379,922 |
| Topton | $92,115 | $119,722 | $424,565 | $671,812 | $926,176 |
| Whittier | $38,382 | $82,265 | $145,110 | $213,290 | $348,702 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Swain County, North Carolina
Property tax bills in Swain County are calculated by multiplying a home’s assessed value by the local tax rate. The assessed value is based on the market value of the property, which can change with home prices, location, and other local factors. For a county with a median home price of $146,700, the tax bill can vary widely depending on where a homeowner lives and how the property is valued.
In Swain County, the tax bill is not the same for every homeowner. The 25th percentile tax bill is $473, while the 75th percentile is $1,142 and the 90th percentile is $1,708. That range shows how assessment differences can affect what homeowners pay each year. The highest median tax bill is $1,854 in Topton, compared with $573 in Cherokee. For many homeowners, a higher assessed value means a higher tax bill, which can make property taxes a significant part of annual housing costs.
Median Swain County Tax Bill
$738
Median North Carolina Tax Bill
$1,813
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Swain County, North Carolina
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almond | $474 | $792 | $1,302 | $1,978 | $2,401 |
| Bryson City | $323 | $473 | $738 | $1,142 | $1,688 |
| Cherokee | $158 | $338 | $573 | $703 | $868 |
| Robbinsville | $551 | $669 | $808 | $1,109 | $1,673 |
| Topton | $491 | $582 | $1,854 | $2,869 | $3,912 |
| Whittier | $210 | $453 | $713 | $1,038 | $1,548 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | April 7 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Swain Tax Assessor | |
| Website | www.bttaxpayerportal.com |