Property Taxes in Head Waters, Virginia
Median Head Waters, Virginia effective property tax rate: 0.44%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Virginia state median of 0.90%.
Median Head Waters, Virginia home value: $189,700
Median annual Head Waters, Virginia tax bill: $835, $1,565 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Highland calculated?
Property taxes in Head Waters, 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 Head Waters's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Head Waters, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
How Does the Head Waters Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Head Waters property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Head Waters' median effective tax rate of 0.44% — based on actual property records in Highland County — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local assessment system uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Head Waters' 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 Head Waters: rates range from 0.44% in 24442 to 0.44% in 24442, 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 Head Waters.
About Head Waters Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in Head Waters, Highland, Virginia
Head Waters' median effective property tax rate of 0.44% is lower than the Virginia state median of 0.90% and lower than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Highland 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 Head Waters. Homeowners in the 24442 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 0.44%, while those in the lowest ZIP also pay 0.44%. This spread shows how local assessment districts are drawn across Highland County. Understanding which part of Head Waters you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
Head Waters homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the Tax Assessor before the May 15, 2024 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 Head Waters, Highland 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 Head Waters'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 Head Waters Tax Rate
0.44%
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 Highland County Tax Rate
0.44%
Median Effective Virginia Tax Rate
0.90%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.27%
Property Tax Rates Across Head Waters, Highland County, Virginia
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24442 | 0.44% | 0.44% | 0.44% | 0.44% | 0.44% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Head Waters, Highland County, Virginia
When examining property taxes in Head Waters, 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. The Highland County assessment office 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 Highland County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month.
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 Head Waters.
For example, the median home price in Head Waters is $189,700, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 24442 has the highest median home price at $189,700.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Head Waters, Highland County, Virginia
Source: Ownwell
$170,100
$201,275
$232,450
Median Head Waters Market Value
$189,700
Median Highland County Market Value
$214,000
Median Virginia Market Value
$323,500
Median United States Market Value
$274,101
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Head Waters, Highland County, Virginia
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24442 | $28,300 | $74,500 | $189,700 | $384,700 | $551,760 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Head Waters, Highland County, Virginia
How are property tax bills calculated in Head Waters?
Property tax bills in Head Waters are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set for Highland County. The assessed value is tied to the market value of the property, so changes in the housing market can affect what homeowners owe. A higher assessment usually leads to a higher tax bill, while a lower assessment can reduce it.
What factors are considered when determining the bill?
Local taxing authorities use the property’s value, exemptions, and the applicable tax rate to calculate the final amount. In Head Waters, the median home price is $189,700, and the median property tax bill is $835, which is well below the national median property tax bill of $2,400. That means many homeowners here pay less than the typical U.S. homeowner, though bills can still vary widely.
How does this affect homeowners?
Property taxes can influence monthly housing costs and long-term affordability. Homeowners with higher assessed values may see larger bills, while those with qualifying exemptions or lower assessments may pay less.
Median Head Waters Tax Bill
$835
Median Highland County Tax Bill
$943
Median Virginia Tax Bill
$2,852
Median United States Tax Bill
$3,209
Property Tax Bills Across Head Waters, Highland County, Virginia
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24442 | $125 | $328 | $835 | $1,693 | $2,428 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | May 15 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Highland Tax Assessor | |
| Website | www.webgis.net |