Northern Virginia Property Taxes: Rates, Real Bills and What Newcomers Miss
Daniel ParkNo. 165
Updated
Key takeaways
- Real estate tax rates in Northern Virginia range from $0.805 to $1.135 per $100 of assessed value.
- On a $750,000 home, that gap is worth more than $2,400 a year.
- Virginia localities also tax cars every year, which surprises many people moving from other states.
- Your bill depends on both the rate and your assessment, and you can appeal the assessment.
When buyers compare homes across county lines, they usually focus on price and commute. Property taxes deserve a spot on that list. In Northern Virginia, the same house can carry a very different yearly tax bill depending on which side of a county line it sits on. Here’s how it works, with real numbers.
How Virginia property tax works
Each city and county sets its own real estate tax rate every spring when it adopts a budget. The rate is quoted in dollars per $100 of assessed value. Your local assessor values your home every year, usually based on its market value as of January 1. Multiply the assessment by the rate, divide by 100, and you have your yearly bill before any extra fees.
Most localities split the bill into two payments a year. If you have a mortgage with an escrow account, your lender collects the money monthly and pays the county for you. Read how escrow accounts work to understand why your payment can change when taxes rise.
2026 real estate tax rates in Northern Virginia
| Jurisdiction | Rate per $100 | Change from prior rate |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County | $1.12 | Down from $1.1225 |
| Arlington County | $1.053 | Up from $1.033 |
| City of Alexandria | $1.135 | Unchanged |
| Loudoun County | $0.805 | Unchanged |
| Prince William County | $0.865 | Down from $0.906 |
These are the base rates. Some neighborhoods also pay special district taxes or stormwater fees, and towns such as Vienna, Herndon, Leesburg and Purcellville add their own town tax on top of the county rate. Always look up the exact parcel before you buy.
A worked example: the same $750,000 home in five places
| Location | Math | Yearly base tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County | $750,000 × 1.12 ÷ 100 | $8,400 | $700 |
| Arlington County | $750,000 × 1.053 ÷ 100 | $7,897.50 | About $658 |
| City of Alexandria | $750,000 × 1.135 ÷ 100 | $8,512.50 | About $709 |
| Loudoun County | $750,000 × 0.805 ÷ 100 | $6,037.50 | About $503 |
| Prince William County | $750,000 × 0.865 ÷ 100 | $6,487.50 | About $541 |
The difference between the highest and lowest rate on this home is $2,475 a year, or about $206 a month. Over a 30-year loan, that is real money. It can also change how much home you qualify for, because lenders count property taxes in your monthly payment.
Lower rates don’t automatically mean lower bills, though. Arlington and Alexandria have higher rates, but buyers there often choose smaller homes or condos, so their total bill can be similar to a larger home farther out. Compare the bill on the actual home, not just the rate.
Virginia’s car tax: the surprise for newcomers
Virginia cities and counties charge a yearly personal property tax on cars, trucks and motorcycles kept in the locality. Many people moving from Maryland, D.C. or other states don’t expect it. The amount depends on the vehicle’s assessed value and the local rate, and it changes year to year. Loudoun, for example, lowered its vehicle tax rate for 2026. Register your vehicle with your new locality soon after you move to avoid penalties.
What most people miss
- The listing’s tax figure can be out of date. It often reflects last year’s assessment or a prior owner’s tax relief. Ask your lender to estimate taxes at your purchase price.
- New construction is often under-assessed at first. A new home may be taxed on the land value only until the house is assessed. The full bill can arrive later.
- Town taxes add up. A home inside town limits pays both town and county tax.
- Relief programs exist. Every Northern Virginia locality offers tax relief for qualifying older adults and people with disabilities, and many offer exemptions for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability.
Daniel’s tip: Before you write an offer, I look up the parcel’s current assessment and any district fees, then estimate the tax at your contract price. It takes five minutes and prevents a payment surprise at closing.
Taxes are one piece of the monthly picture. See the true cost of owning a home for the full list, and if you think your assessment is too high, read how to appeal your property tax assessment.
See how taxes change your monthly payment in each county.
Frequently asked questions
Which Northern Virginia county has the lowest real estate tax rate?
Among the five largest jurisdictions, Loudoun County has the lowest base rate at $0.805 per $100 for 2026, followed by Prince William at $0.865.
Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment?
Usually, yes. Most lenders collect taxes and insurance monthly in an escrow account and pay the bills for you.
Does my tax bill reset when I buy a home?
Virginia doesn’t reassess at sale the way some states do. Homes are reassessed every year, so your bill follows market values, not your purchase price. A sale can still influence the next assessment.
Filed under Inside Arlington, Inside Fairfax County, Inside Loudoun County, Money & Mortgages
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