Jefferson County, WV Property Tax: $1,796/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Jefferson County is 0.55% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $324,500, that works out to about $1,785 per year, or $149 per month. Jefferson County is located in eastern West Virginia, and is home to approximately 58,546 residents.
About Jefferson County
Jefferson County covers approximately 209.3 square miles in West Virginia. The county is home to about 58,546 residents living in roughly 24,276 housing units, of which 71.7% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $95,523, and the median home was built in 1990.
Jefferson County borders Washington County, Clarke County, Frederick County, Loudoun County, Berkeley County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in West Virginia
Property taxes in West 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 West 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 Jefferson County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Jefferson County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County, WV | 0.55% | $324,500 | $1,785 |
| West Virginia state average | 0.50% | — | $1,623* |
| Washington County | 0.89% | $275,900 | $2,444 |
| Clarke County | 0.51% | $538,900 | $2,757 |
| Frederick County | 0.51% | $355,000 | $1,807 |
| Loudoun County | 0.88% | $701,000 | $6,186 |
| Berkeley County | 0.55% | $248,000 | $1,353 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Jefferson County's median home value of $324,500. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jefferson County's property tax rate compare to the rest of West Virginia?
At 0.55%, Jefferson County is higher than the West Virginia state average of 0.50%. On a home at the county median of $324,500, that means about $1,785 per year — versus $1,623 at the state average rate, a difference of $162 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Jefferson County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Jefferson County?
For a home at the county median value of $324,500, the annual property tax in Jefferson County is approximately $1,785 — or about $149 per month. For a home worth $486,750, expect around $2,677 per year. For a $649,000 home, approximately $3,570 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Jefferson County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Jefferson County are handled by the Jefferson 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 Jefferson County?
West 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 0.55% shown here. Contact the Jefferson 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