Georgia Property Tax

Effective Property Tax Rate

81.13%

Median Annual Tax

$2,214

Median Home Value

$272,900

Georgia Property Tax Overview

This article presents data on the Georgia property tax system as compiled from official sources. All figures are based on the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates for 2023 unless otherwise noted.

Key Statistics

Metric	Value (2023 ACS)
Median home value in Georgia	$272,900
Effective Georgia property tax rate	0.81 %
Median annual property tax payment	$2,214
National average effective property tax rate	0.97 %
Georgia’s rank among U.S. states/territories	#26 of 52 (lower‑than‑average tax burden)

Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) (5‑year estimates, 2023).

How Property Taxes Are Calculated

The Georgia property tax bill is derived by multiplying the assessed value of a property by the local effective tax rate. The effective rate reflects the combined levy of county, city, school‑district, and special‑purpose taxes.

Example Tax Bills

Home Value	Approximate Annual Tax (2023 ACS)
$250,000	$2,028
$500,000	$4,057

These examples apply the statewide average effective rate of 0.81 %. Actual bills may differ because local jurisdictions set their own rates.

Variation Across Counties

Georgia’s property tax rates are not uniform statewide. Each county (and, within counties, individual municipalities and school districts) can adopt its own millage rates. Consequently:

Higher‑rate counties (e.g., Fulton County) may generate property taxes that exceed the state average.
Lower‑rate counties (e.g., Taliaferro County) may produce tax bills below the average.

Homeowners should consult the local tax assessor’s office or the Georgia Department of Revenue for county‑specific rates.

Comparison to the National Average

Effective tax rate: Georgia’s 0.81 % is 16.16 % lower than the national average of 0.97 % (based on the same ACS data).
Ranking: With a rank of 26 out of 52, Georgia falls in the lower half of states and territories for property‑tax burden.

Implications for Specific Property Owners

Retirees

Lower tax burden: The effective rate below the national average can reduce the cost of homeownership for retirees on fixed incomes.
Homestead exemptions: Georgia offers a homestead exemption (up to $2,000 of assessed value) for qualifying homeowners, further decreasing taxable amounts for many seniors.

Landlords

Revenue considerations: Lower property taxes can improve net rental yields, but landlords must still account for county‑specific variations and any additional assessments (e.g., special districts).
Tax reporting: Rental property owners are required to report property tax payments on Schedule E of federal tax returns.

All statements are factual descriptions of tax mechanisms; they do not constitute advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How is the effective property tax rate calculated?
A: The effective rate is the total annual property tax paid divided by the market value of the home. It aggregates all local levies (county, city, school district, etc.) into a single percentage.

Q2: Does Georgia have a statewide property tax cap?
A: Georgia does not impose a statewide cap on property tax rates. However, each county must adhere to constitutional limits on the total millage it may levy, and voters can approve or reject local tax measures.

Q3: Where can I find the exact tax rate for my county?
A: County tax rates are published by the respective county tax assessor and are also available on the Georgia Department of Revenue website. The rates are updated annually prior to the tax levy filing deadline.

Prepared using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Georgia Department of Revenue. All figures reflect the most recent ACS estimates (2026) and are presented without promotional language.

Neighboring States