Highland County, VA Property Tax: $1,104/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Highland County is 0.56% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $195,700, that works out to about $1,096 per year, or $91 per month. Highland County is located in northwestern Virginia, with Monterey as its county seat, and is home to approximately 2,265 residents.
About Highland County
Highland County covers approximately 415.2 square miles in Virginia. The county is home to about 2,265 residents living in roughly 1,839 housing units, of which 48.1% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $62,946, and the median home was built in 1972.
The county seat is Monterey. Highland County borders Augusta County, Bath County, Pendleton County, Pocahontas County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Virginia
Property taxes in Virginia 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 Virginia 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, VA | 0.56% | $195,700 | $1,096 |
| Virginia state average | 0.67% | — | $1,311* |
| Augusta County | 0.49% | $281,400 | $1,379 |
| Bath County | 0.40% | $206,000 | $834 |
| Pendleton County | 0.34% | $178,600 | $603 |
| Pocahontas County | 0.31% | $139,400 | $439 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Highland County's median home value of $195,700. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Highland County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Virginia?
At 0.56%, Highland County is lower than the Virginia state average of 0.67%. On a home at the county median of $195,700, that means about $1,096 per year — versus $1,311 at the state average rate, a difference of $215 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 $195,700, the annual property tax in Highland County is approximately $1,096 — or about $91 per month. For a home worth $293,550, expect around $1,644 per year. For a $391,400 home, approximately $2,192 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 in Monterey. 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?
Virginia 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 0.56% 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