Stephens County, GA Property Tax: $1,396/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Stephens County is 0.83% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $168,200, that works out to about $1,396 per year, or $116 per month. Stephens County is located in northern Georgia, and is home to approximately 26,842 residents.
About Stephens County
Stephens County covers approximately 178.9 square miles in Georgia. The county is home to about 26,842 residents living in roughly 12,344 housing units, of which 60.0% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $52,264, and the median home was built in 1983.
Stephens County borders Banks County, Franklin County, Habersham County, Oconee County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Georgia
Property taxes in Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Stephens County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Stephens County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephens County, GA | 0.83% | $168,200 | $1,396 |
| Georgia state average | 0.90% | — | $1,514* |
| Banks County | 0.63% | $251,700 | $1,586 |
| Franklin County | 0.77% | $160,600 | $1,231 |
| Habersham County | 0.63% | $212,000 | $1,330 |
| Oconee County | 0.39% | $217,200 | $856 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Stephens County's median home value of $168,200. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Stephens County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Georgia?
At 0.83%, Stephens County is lower than the Georgia state average of 0.90%. On a home at the county median of $168,200, that means about $1,396 per year — versus $1,514 at the state average rate, a difference of $118 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Stephens County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Stephens County?
For a home at the county median value of $168,200, the annual property tax in Stephens County is approximately $1,396 — or about $116 per month. For a home worth $252,300, expect around $2,094 per year. For a $336,400 home, approximately $2,792 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Stephens County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Stephens County are handled by the Stephens 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 Stephens County?
Georgia 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 0.83% shown here. Contact the Stephens 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