James City County, VA Property Tax: $2,786/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in James City County is 0.66% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $419,200, that works out to about $2,767 per year, or $231 per month. James City County is located in eastern Virginia, and is home to approximately 80,046 residents.
About James City County
James City County covers approximately 142.3 square miles in Virginia. The county is home to about 80,046 residents living in roughly 34,400 housing units, of which 71.9% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $107,046, and the median home was built in 1997.
James City County borders Charles City County, Gloucester County, Isle of Wight County, King and Queen County, New Kent 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 James City County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
James City County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| James City County, VA | 0.66% | $419,200 | $2,767 |
| Virginia state average | 0.67% | — | $2,809* |
| Charles City County | 0.60% | $224,100 | $1,354 |
| Gloucester County | 0.59% | $289,200 | $1,718 |
| Isle of Wight County | 0.72% | $333,600 | $2,399 |
| King and Queen County | 0.52% | $240,900 | $1,261 |
| New Kent County | 0.68% | $371,500 | $2,523 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at James City County's median home value of $419,200. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does James City County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Virginia?
At 0.66%, James City County is lower than the Virginia state average of 0.67%. On a home at the county median of $419,200, that means about $2,767 per year — versus $2,809 at the state average rate, a difference of $42 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, James City County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in James City County?
For a home at the county median value of $419,200, the annual property tax in James City County is approximately $2,767 — or about $231 per month. For a home worth $628,800, expect around $4,150 per year. For a $838,400 home, approximately $5,533 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a James City County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in James City County are handled by the James City 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 James City 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 0.66% shown here. Contact the James City 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