Property Taxes in Clifton, Virginia
Median Clifton, Virginia effective property tax rate: 1.16%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the Virginia state median of 0.90%.
Median Clifton, Virginia home value: $846,145
Median annual Clifton, Virginia tax bill: $9,768, $7,368 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Fairfax calculated?
Property taxes in Clifton, Virginia 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 Clifton's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Clifton, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
How Does the Clifton Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Clifton property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Clifton's median effective tax rate of 1.16% — based on actual property records in Fairfax 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 Clifton's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.
Clifton's tax rate is higher than Virginia's 0.90% median rate and the median property tax bill of $9,768 is $7,368 higher than the state median. Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Clifton, but the median tax bill is $9,768 in 20124.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Clifton.
About Clifton Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in Clifton, Fairfax, Virginia
Clifton’s median effective property tax rate of 1.16% is lower than the Virginia state median of 0.90% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Fairfax 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 Clifton. Homeowners in the 20124 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.16%, while those in the lowest ZIP also pay 1.16%. This reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Fairfax County. Understanding which part of Clifton you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
Clifton homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the Tax Assessor before the April 1, 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 Clifton, Fairfax County, Virginia
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 Clifton's effective property tax rate to other cities in Virginia and the median property tax rates in Virginia 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 Clifton Tax Rate
1.16%
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 Fairfax County Tax Rate
1.16%
Median Effective Virginia Tax Rate
0.90%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.27%
Property Tax Rates Across Clifton, Fairfax County, Virginia
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20124 | 1.16% | 1.16% | 1.16% | 1.16% | 1.16% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Clifton, Fairfax County, Virginia
When examining property taxes in Clifton, Virginia, 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. Fairfax County 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 Fairfax County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of February.
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 Clifton.
For example, the median home price in Clifton is $846,145, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 20124 has the highest median home price at $846,145.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Clifton, Fairfax County, Virginia
Source: Ownwell
$210,000
$779,880
$1,349,760
Median Clifton Market Value
$846,145
Median Fairfax County Market Value
$672,555
Median Virginia Market Value
$323,500
Median United States Market Value
$274,101
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Clifton, Fairfax County, Virginia
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20124 | $473,647 | $767,542 | $846,145 | $1,004,520 | $1,269,839 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Clifton, Fairfax County, Virginia
Property tax bills in Clifton are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by Fairfax County and other taxing authorities. When a property’s market value rises, the assessed value can increase as well, which often leads to a higher tax bill. Homeowners in Clifton should also expect the bill to reflect any exemptions or adjustments that may apply to their property.
For many homeowners, the median home price of $846,145 helps explain why property tax bills are substantial in this area. The tax burden is also notable compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. In Clifton, the median tax bill is $9,768, with bills ranging from $8,827 at the 25th percentile to $11,574 at the 75th percentile and reaching $14,635 at the 90th percentile. These costs can have a significant impact on monthly housing expenses and long-term affordability for homeowners.
Median Clifton Tax Bill
$9,768
Median Fairfax County Tax Bill
$7,877
Median Virginia Tax Bill
$2,852
Median United States Tax Bill
$3,209
Property Tax Bills Across Clifton, Fairfax County, Virginia
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20124 | $5,358 | $8,827 | $9,768 | $11,574 | $14,635 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | June 1 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Fairfax Tax Assessor | |
| Website | icare.fairfaxcounty.gov |