Alabama Property Tax Calculator
Alabama consistently posts some of the lowest effective property tax rates in the country, but the mechanics work the same as anywhere: a county assessor assigns your home a value, and the county, your city, and the local school district each apply a levy to it. Owner-occupants can usually claim a homestead exemption that trims the taxable amount. Every figure on this page is a county-median estimate from official survey data — choose your Alabama county above to see a typical annual bill.
Annual Property Tax
$766Monthly (Escrow)
$64Effective Rate
0.36%Highest property tax counties in Alabama
Effective rate = aggregate real-estate taxes paid ÷ aggregate home value (ACS 2024 5-year).
| County | Effective Rate | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County | 0.57% | $240,000 |
| Mobile County | 0.43% | $190,700 |
| Shelby County | 0.42% | $326,100 |
| Macon County | 0.41% | $102,000 |
| Lee County | 0.39% | $262,200 |
| Madison County | 0.39% | $299,200 |
| Russell County | 0.38% | $165,700 |
| Dallas County | 0.36% | $94,600 |
| Montgomery County | 0.36% | $171,900 |
| Calhoun County | 0.34% | $156,600 |
How property tax works in Alabama
- Your county assessor sets the value; local governments — county, city, school district — set the levies that get applied to it.
- Alabama's effective rates rank among the lowest nationally, so bills tend to be modest relative to home values.
- A homestead exemption for a primary residence, plus an appeal path for disputed values, can both reduce what you owe.
Methodology
Rates are aggregate-derived from the Census Bureau's ACS 2024 5-year American Community Survey (total real-estate taxes paid ÷ total home value, by county). This is a statistical estimate, not a bill lookup — actual property tax bills vary by city, school district, and special-district levies layered on top of the county rate, and by any homestead, senior, veteran, or other exemptions you qualify for. Alabama ranks #50 of 51 (including DC) by statewide average effective rate, where #1 is the highest.
Need your Alabama income tax too? Use the Alabama income tax calculator .
Compare property tax across every state at the property tax calculator , or see whether your property tax deduction is capped at the SALT deduction cap calculator .
Frequently asked questions
How is property tax calculated in Alabama?
The county assessor values your property, and each local taxing authority — the county itself, your municipality, and the school district — applies its own levy to that value. Those levies are added together into one annual bill, which is why two Alabama homes of similar value can owe different amounts in different counties.
How much property tax will I pay in Alabama?
Less than in most states, typically — Alabama's effective rates are among the nation's lowest — but the exact figure turns on your county's rates and your home's value. Enter both in the calculator above and it will estimate your annual and monthly bill.
Can I lower my Alabama property tax bill?
Start with the homestead exemption if the home is your primary residence; many counties add further relief for seniors and disabled homeowners. If the assessed value itself looks too high, you can challenge it through your county's appeal process before the deadline on your notice.
Are property taxes deductible?
Yes, when you itemize — property tax joins state income or sales tax in the federal SALT deduction, which is capped by federal law. The IRS publishes the current cap each year.
Sources
Related insights
Use these guides for rule explanations, planning context, and follow-up questions beyond the calculator result.