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McDowell County, North Carolina: property tax rate, home values and income

Effective property tax rate

0.52%

85th highest of 100 counties in North Carolina

Median home value

$168,300

70th highest in North Carolina

Median household income

$55,527

65th highest in North Carolina

Population

44,679

Census ACS 2023

Sources: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates · Updated 11/03/2026

In McDowell County, North Carolina the effective property tax rate is 0.52%. The median homeowner pays $871 a year in real estate taxes on a home with a median value of $168,300. That rate is the 85th highest of the 100 North Carolina counties with published data, and the 2617th highest of 3,132 counties in the United States.

Property tax in McDowell County

The effective rate is the median real estate tax paid divided by the median home value. The North Carolina statewide average is 0.70%, so McDowell County is below it. Applying this county's rate to other home prices gives a rough idea of the yearly bill; actual bills depend on the school district, exemptions and the assessed value.

Home valueEstimated tax per yearPer month
$168,300 (county median)$870$73
$200,000$1,040$87
$300,000$1,560$130
$400,000$2,080$173
$500,000$2,600$217

Home values and incomes

The median home value is $168,300 (70th highest in North Carolina, 1664th highest nationally) and the median household income is $55,527. Homes cost about 3.0 times a typical household's yearly income. Median gross rent is $741 a month. 74% of occupied homes are owner-occupied. Homeowners with a mortgage pay a median of $919 a year for insurance. For comparison, the North Carolina statewide median home value is $332,159.

Counties near McDowell County in the North Carolina property tax ranking

CountyEffective rateMedian home value
Graham County0.54%$155,800
Dare County0.53%$425,400
Henderson County0.52%$317,800
McDowell County0.52%$168,300
Ashe County0.51%$221,900
Cherokee County0.50%$208,700
Madison County0.50%$263,500

Frequently asked questions

What is the property tax rate in McDowell County, North Carolina?

The effective property tax rate is 0.52% of home value per year, the 85th highest of 100 counties in North Carolina (Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates).

How much is property tax on a $300,000 home in McDowell County?

At the county's effective rate of 0.52%, about $1,560 a year (roughly $130 a month). Your actual bill depends on the assessed value, your school district and exemptions.

What is the median home value in McDowell County?

The median home value is $168,300 (Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates, owner-occupied homes).

What is the median household income in McDowell County?

The median household income is $55,527 (Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates).