Highland County, OH Property Tax: $1,475/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Highland County is 0.94% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $157,000, that works out to about $1,476 per year, or $123 per month. Highland County is located in southern Ohio, and is home to approximately 43,403 residents.
About Highland County
Highland County covers approximately 553.1 square miles in Ohio. The county is home to about 43,403 residents living in roughly 19,005 housing units, of which 64.8% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $62,008, and the median home was built in 1979.
Highland County borders Adams County, Brown County, Clinton County, Fayette County, Pike County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Ohio
Property taxes in Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Highland County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Highland County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland County, OH | 0.94% | $157,000 | $1,476 |
| Ohio state average | 1.15% | — | $1,806* |
| Adams County | 0.83% | $157,500 | $1,303 |
| Brown County | 0.83% | $181,100 | $1,497 |
| Clinton County | 0.94% | $192,800 | $1,816 |
| Fayette County | 0.96% | $162,200 | $1,561 |
| Pike County | 0.85% | $148,500 | $1,269 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Highland County's median home value of $157,000. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Highland County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Ohio?
At 0.94%, Highland County is lower than the Ohio state average of 1.15%. On a home at the county median of $157,000, that means about $1,476 per year — versus $1,806 at the state average rate, a difference of $330 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Highland County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Highland County?
For a home at the county median value of $157,000, the annual property tax in Highland County is approximately $1,476 — or about $123 per month. For a home worth $235,500, expect around $2,214 per year. For a $314,000 home, approximately $2,952 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Highland County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Highland County are handled by the Highland 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 Highland County?
Ohio 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 0.94% shown here. Contact the Highland 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