DeKalb County, TN Property Tax: $747/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in DeKalb County is 0.36% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $206,600, that works out to about $744 per year, or $62 per month. DeKalb County is located in central Tennessee, and is home to approximately 20,551 residents.
About DeKalb County
DeKalb County covers approximately 304.4 square miles in Tennessee. The county is home to about 20,551 residents living in roughly 10,033 housing units, of which 58.3% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $48,484, and the median home was built in 1984.
DeKalb County borders Cannon County, Putnam County, Smith County, Warren County, White County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Tennessee
Property taxes in Tennessee are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Tennessee offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the DeKalb County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
DeKalb County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeKalb County, TN | 0.36% | $206,600 | $744 |
| Tennessee state average | 0.51% | — | $1,054* |
| Cannon County | 0.48% | $227,600 | $1,091 |
| Putnam County | 0.53% | $246,800 | $1,299 |
| Smith County | 0.47% | $224,500 | $1,047 |
| Warren County | 0.45% | $173,900 | $777 |
| White County | 0.43% | $190,200 | $809 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at DeKalb County's median home value of $206,600. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DeKalb County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Tennessee?
At 0.36%, DeKalb County is lower than the Tennessee state average of 0.51%. On a home at the county median of $206,600, that means about $744 per year — versus $1,054 at the state average rate, a difference of $310 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, DeKalb County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in DeKalb County?
For a home at the county median value of $206,600, the annual property tax in DeKalb County is approximately $744 — or about $62 per month. For a home worth $309,900, expect around $1,116 per year. For a $413,200 home, approximately $1,488 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a DeKalb County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in DeKalb County are handled by the DeKalb County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in DeKalb County?
Tennessee counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 0.36% shown here. Contact the DeKalb County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File