Winston-Salem, NC Property Tax Calculator
Estimate property tax for a home in Winston-Salem, NC. Homes in Winston-Salem are assessed by Forsyth County, where the effective property tax rate runs about 1.00% of market value — so a median-priced Winston-Salem home of $240,000 generates roughly $2,400 in annual property tax. Enter your specific home value below for a custom estimate.
Annual Tax
$2,400
1.00% of $240,000
Monthly Tax
$200
Typically escrowed with your mortgage
State Rank
#32 of 51
Highest rate = #1
vs. National Average
Highest property tax states
- New Jersey2.49%
- Illinois2.23%
- New Hampshire2.18%
- Connecticut2.15%
- Vermont1.90%
Lowest property tax states
- Hawaii0.32%
- Alabama0.41%
- Colorado0.55%
- Louisiana0.56%
- District of Columbia0.57%
These are state-level averages. Individual counties and cities can vary significantly — a home in Austin's urban core may have a far higher effective rate than the Texas state average, for example. For the most accurate estimate, get the exact millage rate from your county assessor and override the rate field above.
How to use it
A two-minute guide.
The Home Value field is pre-filled with Winston-Salem's median home value of $240,000. Override with your actual home's market value for a specific estimate — your tax bill scales linearly with home value.
The rate is pre-filled with Forsyth County's effective rate of 1.00% — the county-level average for owner-occupied homes, which is more precise than North Carolina's statewide average of 0.82%. Individual school districts and special taxing zones within Winston-Salem still shift the exact figure — if you know the rate from your latest tax bill, override it for the most precise estimate.
You'll see your estimated annual property tax, the monthly amount (which is typically escrowed with your mortgage payment), and a comparison to other states.
How it works
The math behind the result.
How Winston-Salem's tax bill works out. Homes in Winston-Salem are assessed and billed through Forsyth County. The effective rate there averages about 1.00% of market value — above North Carolina's statewide average of 0.82%. On Winston-Salem's median home value of $240,000, that's approximately $2,400/year, or $200/month when escrowed with your mortgage.
How assessment works in North Carolina. Counties revalue real estate on a 4-8 year cycle (Mecklenburg and Wake every four) at 100% of market value; between revaluations your assessed value generally stays flat while tax rates adjust.
Exemptions worth claiming. North Carolina has no general homestead exemption, but seniors and disabled homeowners with qualifying income get the Homestead Exclusion (greater of $25,000 or 50% of value), plus a circuit-breaker deferment option. Exemptions are the most common reason two identical Winston-Salem homes pay different tax bills — make sure yours are on file with Forsyth County.
What property tax actually pays for. In Winston-Salem — like the rest of North Carolina — property tax funds local schools, public safety (police, fire), road maintenance, parks, libraries, and county government. Most of your bill stays in your county and school district.
Comparing to other states. Effective rates vary enormously across the US — from about 0.3% in Hawaii to nearly 2.5% in New Jersey. Winston-Salem's 1.00% puts it in the lower third nationally.
Questions
Frequently asked.
Buying in Winston-Salem? Estimate your full mortgage payment with our Winston-Salem Mortgage Calculator. Or see how North Carolina property tax rates compare across the state with our North Carolina Property Tax Calculator.
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