Russell County, VA Property Tax: $644/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Russell County is 0.54% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $119,600, that works out to about $646 per year, or $54 per month. Russell County is located in southwestern Virginia, and is home to approximately 25,635 residents.
About Russell County
Russell County covers approximately 473.5 square miles in Virginia. The county is home to about 25,635 residents living in roughly 12,772 housing units, of which 62.1% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $49,020, and the median home was built in 1979.
Russell County borders Buchanan County, Dickenson County, Scott County, Smyth County, Tazewell 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 Russell County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Russell County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russell County, VA | 0.54% | $119,600 | $646 |
| Virginia state average | 0.67% | — | $801* |
| Buchanan County | 0.44% | $91,400 | $404 |
| Dickenson County | 0.50% | $101,100 | $503 |
| Scott County | 0.68% | $122,300 | $826 |
| Smyth County | 0.61% | $125,800 | $766 |
| Tazewell County | 0.62% | $116,100 | $718 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Russell County's median home value of $119,600. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Russell County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Virginia?
At 0.54%, Russell County is lower than the Virginia state average of 0.67%. On a home at the county median of $119,600, that means about $646 per year — versus $801 at the state average rate, a difference of $155 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Russell County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Russell County?
For a home at the county median value of $119,600, the annual property tax in Russell County is approximately $646 — or about $54 per month. For a home worth $179,400, expect around $969 per year. For a $239,200 home, approximately $1,292 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Russell County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Russell County are handled by the Russell 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 Russell 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 0.54% shown here. Contact the Russell 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