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

Effective property tax rate

0.41%

97th highest of 100 counties in North Carolina

Median home value

$321,500

12th highest in North Carolina

Median household income

$51,367

76th highest in North Carolina

Population

54,607

Census ACS 2023

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

In Watauga County, North Carolina the effective property tax rate is 0.41%. The median homeowner pays $1,334 a year in real estate taxes on a home with a median value of $321,500. That rate is the 97th highest of the 100 North Carolina counties with published data, and the 2909th highest of 3,132 counties in the United States.

Property tax in Watauga 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 Watauga 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
$200,000$820$68
$300,000$1,230$103
$321,500 (county median)$1,330$111
$400,000$1,640$137
$500,000$2,050$171

Home values and incomes

The median home value is $321,500 (12th highest in North Carolina, 418th highest nationally) and the median household income is $51,367. Homes cost about 6.3 times a typical household's yearly income. Median gross rent is $1,066 a month. 61.2% of occupied homes are owner-occupied. Homeowners with a mortgage pay a median of $1,245 a year for insurance. For comparison, the North Carolina statewide median home value is $332,159.

Counties near Watauga County in the North Carolina property tax ranking

CountyEffective rateMedian home value
Clay County0.45%$263,300
Macon County0.43%$229,000
Avery County0.41%$233,200
Watauga County0.41%$321,500
Swain County0.40%$209,800
Jackson County0.37%$253,900

Frequently asked questions

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

The effective property tax rate is 0.41% of home value per year, the 97th highest of 100 counties in North Carolina (Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates).

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

At the county's effective rate of 0.41%, about $1,230 a year (roughly $103 a month). Your actual bill depends on the assessed value, your school district and exemptions.

What is the median home value in Watauga County?

The median home value is $321,500 (Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates, owner-occupied homes).

What is the median household income in Watauga County?

The median household income is $51,367 (Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates).