Hillsdale County, MI Property Tax: $1,644/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Hillsdale County is 0.96% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $170,500, that works out to about $1,637 per year, or $136 per month. Hillsdale County is located in southern Michigan, and is home to approximately 45,658 residents.
About Hillsdale County
Hillsdale County covers approximately 598.2 square miles in Michigan. The county is home to about 45,658 residents living in roughly 21,490 housing units, of which 67.3% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $60,869, and the median home was built in 1970.
Hillsdale County borders Steuben County, Branch County, Calhoun County, Jackson County, Lenawee County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Michigan
Property taxes in Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Hillsdale County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Hillsdale County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsdale County, MI | 0.96% | $170,500 | $1,637 |
| Michigan state average | 1.17% | — | $1,995* |
| Steuben County | 0.58% | $204,300 | $1,188 |
| Branch County | 1.23% | $147,500 | $1,813 |
| Calhoun County | 1.50% | $151,500 | $2,269 |
| Jackson County | 1.29% | $182,900 | $2,353 |
| Lenawee County | 1.33% | $181,100 | $2,412 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Hillsdale County's median home value of $170,500. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Hillsdale County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Michigan?
At 0.96%, Hillsdale County is lower than the Michigan state average of 1.17%. On a home at the county median of $170,500, that means about $1,637 per year — versus $1,995 at the state average rate, a difference of $358 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Hillsdale County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Hillsdale County?
For a home at the county median value of $170,500, the annual property tax in Hillsdale County is approximately $1,637 — or about $136 per month. For a home worth $255,750, expect around $2,455 per year. For a $341,000 home, approximately $3,274 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Hillsdale County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Hillsdale County are handled by the Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale County?
Michigan 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 0.96% shown here. Contact the Hillsdale 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