Shelby County, TN Property Tax: $2,376/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Shelby County is 1.03% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $229,700, that works out to about $2,366 per year, or $197 per month. Shelby County is located in southwestern Tennessee, and is home to approximately 922,195 residents.
About Shelby County
Shelby County covers approximately 752.8 square miles in Tennessee. The county is home to about 922,195 residents living in roughly 403,144 housing units, of which 48.8% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $62,337, and the median home was built in 1977.
Shelby County borders Crittenden County, Mississippi County, DeSoto County, Marshall County, Fayette County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Tennessee
Property taxes in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Shelby County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Shelby County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby County, TN | 1.03% | $229,700 | $2,366 |
| Tennessee state average | 0.51% | — | $1,171* |
| Crittenden County | 0.60% | $155,100 | $934 |
| Mississippi County | 0.56% | $115,800 | $646 |
| DeSoto County | 0.64% | $248,700 | $1,595 |
| Marshall County | 0.75% | $172,200 | $1,286 |
| Fayette County | 0.35% | $316,000 | $1,092 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Shelby County's median home value of $229,700. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Shelby County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Tennessee?
At 1.03%, Shelby County is higher than the Tennessee state average of 0.51%. On a home at the county median of $229,700, that means about $2,366 per year — versus $1,171 at the state average rate, a difference of $1,195 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Shelby County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Shelby County?
For a home at the county median value of $229,700, the annual property tax in Shelby County is approximately $2,366 — or about $197 per month. For a home worth $344,550, expect around $3,549 per year. For a $459,400 home, approximately $4,732 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Shelby County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Shelby County are handled by the Shelby 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 Shelby County?
Tennessee 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 1.03% shown here. Contact the Shelby 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