Preston County, West Virginia Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Preston County, West Virginia
Median Preston County effective property tax rate: 0.51%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Preston County home value: $71,700
Median annual Preston County tax bill: $392, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Preston County calculated?
Property taxes in Preston 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 Preston County or another part of Preston County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Preston County, West Virginia Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.51%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$366
$339
How Does the Preston County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Preston County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Preston County's median effective tax rate of 0.51% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure used 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.
Preston County’s median effective tax rate is lower than West Virginia’s 0.71% state median and far below the 1.02% national median property tax rate. The county’s median property tax bill of $392 is also lower than the $2,400 national median property tax bill and $2,008 lower than the state median bill.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Preston County.
Property Tax Rates Across Preston County, West Virginia
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Preston County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Preston 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 Preston County's effective property tax rate to other counties in West Virginia or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Preston County's median effective rate stands at 0.51%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%. Within Preston County, the highest rate is found in Kingwood at 0.52%, while Moatsville has the lowest at 0.51%.
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 Ă· 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 Preston County Tax Rate
0.51%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· 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 West Virginia Tax Rate
0.71%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Preston County, West Virginia
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albright | 0.31% | 0.41% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 1.01% |
| Arthurdale | 0.36% | 0.38% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 0.71% |
| Aurora | 0.30% | 0.38% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 1.01% |
| Bretz | 0.26% | 0.38% | 0.51% | 1.01% | 1.01% |
| Bruceton Mills | 0.43% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 0.94% |
| Eglon | 0.28% | 0.37% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 1.01% |
| Independence | 0.31% | 0.40% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 1.01% |
| Kingwood | 0.37% | 0.51% | 0.52% | 0.73% | 1.01% |
| Masontown | 0.33% | 0.42% | 0.51% | 0.66% | 1.01% |
| Moatsville | 0.30% | 0.38% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 0.51% |
| Newburg | 0.27% | 0.39% | 0.51% | 0.66% | 1.02% |
| Parsons | 0.25% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 0.51% |
| Reedsville | 0.36% | 0.42% | 0.51% | 0.52% | 1.01% |
| Rowlesburg | 0.26% | 0.40% | 0.51% | 0.66% | 1.31% |
| Terra Alta | 0.34% | 0.47% | 0.51% | 0.70% | 1.01% |
| Thornton | 0.31% | 0.44% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 1.01% |
| Tunnelton | 0.25% | 0.37% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 1.01% |
| Morgantown | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Preston County, West Virginia
When examining property taxes in Preston 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 Preston County assessor 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 Preston County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of January.
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 Preston County.
For example, the median tax bill in Preston County is $392, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Arthurdale has the highest median home price at $124900.00.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Preston County, West Virginia
Source: Ownwell
$22,600
$73,750
$124,900
Median Preston County Market Value
$71,700
Median West Virginia Market Value
$85,200
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Preston County, West Virginia
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albright | $17,350 | $44,600 | $90,550 | $137,400 | $200,550 |
| Arthurdale | $68,800 | $100,100 | $124,900 | $146,000 | $167,000 |
| Aurora | $26,960 | $60,500 | $88,800 | $129,800 | $178,620 |
| Bretz | $5,970 | $21,075 | $47,750 | $69,850 | $97,000 |
| Bruceton Mills | $7,000 | $12,300 | $22,600 | $114,300 | $207,220 |
| Eglon | $34,680 | $65,800 | $98,300 | $136,700 | $180,180 |
| Independence | $2,360 | $38,000 | $95,700 | $152,400 | $213,340 |
| Kingwood | $19,250 | $57,375 | $96,650 | $140,900 | $201,500 |
| Masontown | $16,320 | $42,850 | $86,550 | $131,250 | $185,990 |
| Moatsville | $21,540 | $55,325 | $88,300 | $131,425 | $167,370 |
| Newburg | $7,750 | $24,400 | $54,400 | $99,850 | $147,700 |
| Parsons | $16,730 | $42,325 | $82,950 | $99,175 | $129,910 |
| Reedsville | $16,400 | $68,250 | $116,700 | $155,700 | $205,420 |
| Rowlesburg | $9,500 | $28,100 | $51,200 | $82,125 | $130,950 |
| Terra Alta | $18,000 | $50,300 | $95,800 | $154,100 | $226,600 |
| Thornton | $13,800 | $49,800 | $88,800 | $151,300 | $206,500 |
| Tunnelton | $7,620 | $28,900 | $64,300 | $106,000 | $144,220 |
| Morgantown | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Preston County, West Virginia
Property tax bills in Preston County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities. The bill is generally calculated by multiplying the property’s assessed value by the applicable rate, so homes with higher market values usually face larger tax bills. Factors such as location, property characteristics, and local levies can all affect the final amount.
For Preston County homeowners, the median home price is $71,700, which helps explain why many bills remain below national levels. The 25th percentile tax bill is $136, while the 75th percentile is $702 and the 90th percentile is $1,079. That range shows how much property taxes can vary from one home to another, even within the same county. Median tax bills also differ by city, from $141 in Bruceton Mills to $593 in Kingwood. These differences can have a meaningful impact on monthly housing costs and long-term affordability.
Median Preston County Tax Bill
$392
Median West Virginia Tax Bill
$629
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Preston County, West Virginia
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albright | $109 | $238 | $444 | $694 | $1,049 |
| Arthurdale | $274 | $406 | $507 | $739 | $942 |
| Aurora | $147 | $271 | $436 | $638 | $877 |
| Bretz | $72 | $119 | $198 | $415 | $517 |
| Bruceton Mills | $44 | $75 | $141 | $597 | $1,093 |
| Eglon | $145 | $274 | $464 | $655 | $932 |
| Independence | $105 | $251 | $445 | $737 | $1,061 |
| Kingwood | $144 | $333 | $593 | $915 | $1,298 |
| Masontown | $110 | $255 | $452 | $697 | $1,023 |
| Moatsville | $143 | $234 | $412 | $608 | $787 |
| Newburg | $70 | $153 | $296 | $540 | $792 |
| Parsons | $117 | $174 | $420 | $502 | $754 |
| Reedsville | $148 | $353 | $592 | $819 | $1,120 |
| Rowlesburg | $62 | $150 | $291 | $503 | $730 |
| Terra Alta | $131 | $286 | $517 | $813 | $1,217 |
| Thornton | $129 | $262 | $455 | $775 | $1,034 |
| Tunnelton | $77 | $160 | $321 | $523 | $759 |
| Morgantown | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | February 20 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Preston Tax Assessor | |
| Website | preston.wvassessor.com |