Northern Virginia Property Tax Rates by County: The Complete 2026 Guide

Property taxes are one of the largest hidden costs of owning a home in Northern Virginia — and they vary dramatically by county. A buyer purchasing the same $700,000 home pays roughly $5,635 a year in Loudoun County versus $7,858 in Fairfax County, $8,295 in Falls Church, or about $7,371 in Arlington. Over a 30-year mortgage, that gap adds up to tens of thousands of dollars in lifetime ownership costs.

For homebuyers shopping across county lines — which is common in the DMV, where someone considering Reston might also tour Ashburn or Fairfax City — understanding 2026 property tax rates is essential to comparing total monthly payment, not just sale price. Tax rates also influence how much home you qualify for, since lenders include real estate taxes (the "T" in PITI) in your debt-to-income calculation.

This guide breaks down the 2026 real estate tax rate for every major Northern Virginia jurisdiction — Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington County, Prince William County, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax City, and the Manassas cities — along with how rates are applied, how they affect your mortgage payment, what tax relief programs exist for seniors, veterans, and disabled homeowners, and how to appeal an assessment you believe is too high.

Table of Contents

1. How Property Taxes Work in Virginia
2. 2026 NOVA Property Tax Rates at a Glance
3. Fairfax County Property Tax 2026
4. Loudoun County Property Tax 2026
5. Arlington County Property Tax 2026
6. Prince William County Property Tax 2026
7. Alexandria City Property Tax 2026
8. Falls Church Property Tax 2026
9. Other NOVA Jurisdictions
10. How Property Tax Affects Your Mortgage Payment
11. Tax Relief Programs for Homeowners
12. How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
13. Frequently Asked Questions
14. Glossary of Property Tax Terms

How Property Taxes Work in Virginia

Virginia property taxes are calculated using two numbers: your home's assessed value and the local tax rate. The Virginia Constitution requires that all real property be assessed at 100% of fair market value, so your assessment is meant to reflect what your home would sell for on the open market as of January 1 of the tax year.

Tax rates are set annually by each county Board of Supervisors or city council and expressed as dollars per $100 of assessed value. The formula is straightforward:

Most Northern Virginia jurisdictions reassess properties every year. Bills are typically issued semi-annually (twice a year), and if you have a mortgage, your lender almost always collects 1/12 of the annual bill in your monthly escrow payment, then pays the county directly when the bill comes due.

Real Estate Tax vs. Personal Property Tax

Don't confuse real estate tax with personal property tax. Real estate tax applies to land and buildings (your home). Personal property tax in Virginia primarily applies to vehicles — that annual "car tax" bill — and uses an entirely different rate. This guide covers real estate tax only.

Special Taxing Districts

Some properties pay additional levies on top of the base county rate. Common examples in Northern Virginia include the Fairfax County stormwater service district ($0.0325 per $100 — countywide), community center districts (Reston Community Center adds $0.047, McLean Community Center adds $0.023), Tysons Service District ($0.05), and Dulles Rail districts ($0.09–$0.14). Prince William County levies an additional Fire & Rescue tax of $0.070 on all parcels. Review your assessment notice carefully to see exactly which special district rates apply to your property.

2026 NOVA Property Tax Rates at a Glance

Here's the side-by-side comparison of base real estate tax rates across major Northern Virginia jurisdictions for tax year 2026:

*Alexandria's calendar year 2026 rate is set for final adoption April 29, 2026, with $1.135 the proposed rate and $1.145 the advertised maximum. Figures shown are the base residential real estate tax rate; special taxing districts may add to your effective rate. Verify the latest figures with each jurisdiction's tax administration office before making financial decisions.

Fairfax County Property Tax 2026

2026 Rate: $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value (FY2026, in effect through June 30, 2026; FY2027 advertised rate pending adoption in May 2026).

Fairfax County's tax rate has held steady at $1.1225 since FY2026 was adopted, but the county's exceptional home values mean the median annual tax bill — approximately $7,669 — is more than 2.5 times the Virginia median. The 2026 mean assessed value for improved residential property in Fairfax County is approximately $829,895, an increase of about 3.99% over 2025.

Fairfax County Tax Bill Examples

Payment Schedule and Special Districts

Fairfax County property taxes are due in two installments: July 28 (first half) and December 5 (second half). Late payments incur a 10% penalty plus 10% annual interest. The countywide stormwater service district adds $0.0325 per $100, applicable to all parcels. Properties within the Reston Community Center pay an additional $0.047, and McLean Community Center properties pay $0.023. Tysons Service District properties pay an additional $0.050.

Loudoun County Property Tax 2026

2026 Rate: $0.805 per $100 of assessed value (Tax Year 2026, adopted April 7, 2026).

Loudoun County has the lowest real estate tax rate in Northern Virginia by a wide margin — and it's not an accident. The massive concentration of data centers in the Ashburn corridor generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually in personal property and computer equipment taxes. That data center revenue allows Loudoun to fund top-tier schools, libraries, parks, and county services while keeping the residential tax rate roughly 24% lower than Fairfax County's.

For a homebuyer comparing similar properties on either side of the Fairfax-Loudoun line, the rate difference can mean $2,200 or more per year in tax savings — a meaningful affordability lever over the life of a mortgage.

Loudoun County Tax Bill Examples

Loudoun real estate taxes are due on June 5 and December 5. Bills are typically mailed in early May. Loudoun County also handles billing and collections for incorporated towns, including Leesburg, though town taxes appear as separate line items.

Arlington County Property Tax 2026

2026 Rate: $1.053 per $100 of assessed value (Calendar Year 2026, adopted April 23, 2026 — a 2-cent increase from $1.033).

Arlington's 2-cent increase was the most significant rate hike in Northern Virginia for 2026. The County Board voted 4-1 to raise the residential rate to $1.053 per $100 to offset declines in commercial property values, particularly office buildings, which has shifted more of the tax burden to homeowners. Combined with an average residential assessment increase of 3.2%, the typical Arlington homeowner with a property valued at $1 million in 2025 will see their tax bill rise approximately $537 in 2026.

Arlington's commercial properties are taxed at the residential rate plus a transportation surcharge of $0.125 per $100, with additional surcharges if located within a Business Improvement District (BID).

Arlington County Tax Bill Examples

Arlington real estate taxes are due in semi-annual installments in June and October. The county has also increased solid waste and water/sewer fees, meaning the average homeowner will pay roughly $312 more across all categories in 2026 even before the 2-cent rate increase.

Prince William County Property Tax 2026

2026 Rate: $0.865 per $100 (FY2027, adopted April 21, 2026 — reduced from $0.906) + Fire & Rescue Levy of $0.070 per $100 = effective rate of $0.935 for most homeowners.

Prince William's Board of County Supervisors reduced the real estate tax rate by 4.1 cents for FY2027, citing strong revenue growth from data centers (projected at $549.7 million for FY2027 — about 28% of general fund tax revenue). The county also adjusted its computer equipment and peripherals tax rate from $4.15 to $4.50 per $100, primarily affecting data center operators.

Prince William also levies a fire and rescue tax of $0.070 per $100 on all properties, bringing the combined effective rate for typical homeowners to $0.935 per $100. Even with that levy added, Prince William remains the second-most affordable major Northern Virginia county for property taxes, behind only Loudoun.

Prince William County Tax Bill Examples

For a homeowner buying in Gainesville, Haymarket, Bristow, Manassas (the city is separate), Woodbridge, or Lake Ridge, Prince William's 2026 rate cut translates to an average tax bill reduction of about $56 per year (before assessment increases). Bills are due in two installments.

Alexandria City Property Tax 2026

2026 Rate: $1.135 per $100 (proposed) — Calendar Year 2026 rate set for final adoption April 29, 2026, with $1.145 advertised as the maximum.

Alexandria's average single-family home assessment crossed $1 million for the second consecutive year in 2026, reaching $1,045,750 — a 4.44% increase over 2025. Even if the council adopts the proposed flat $1.135 rate, the average single-family homeowner will see an annual tax increase of about $504 due to rising assessments. The average condominium owner will see an increase of about $143.

Alexandria's real estate taxes are due in two installments: June 15 and November 15. The city also charges a stormwater utility fee of approximately $349 per single-family home, billed separately on the property tax bill.

Alexandria Tax Bill Examples

Falls Church Property Tax 2026

2026 Rate: $1.185 per $100 (advertised maximum) — final adoption set for May 11, 2026; current rate is also $1.185.

Falls Church carries the highest nominal property tax rate in Northern Virginia, but context matters. The "Little City" operates its own school system independent of Fairfax County — a major cost driver — and has a tiny commercial tax base relative to its residential one. The city's rate has actually declined significantly in recent years, dropping from $1.355 to $1.185 thanks to commercial development around the West Falls Church Metro corridor.

Even with no rate change, the average Falls Church homeowner will pay about $611 more in FY2027 due to assessment increases. Falls Church's total taxable assessed value rose 6.9% from January 2025 to January 2026.

Falls Church Tax Bill Examples

Other Northern Virginia Jurisdictions

Beyond the major counties and cities, several smaller incorporated jurisdictions in Northern Virginia have their own real estate tax rates layered on top of (or in lieu of) county rates:

Fairfax City (Independent City)

Fairfax City is geographically surrounded by Fairfax County but operates as an independent jurisdiction with its own tax rate, typically in the $0.92–$0.93 range. Effective tax rates are slightly lower than Fairfax County's despite similar home values. Verify the current rate with the City of Fairfax Department of Real Estate Assessment before relying on a specific figure.

Manassas City and Manassas Park (Independent Cities)

Both Manassas and Manassas Park are independent cities (not part of Prince William County) with their own real estate tax rates, generally between $1.20 and $1.40 per $100 — among the highest in the region due to their smaller commercial tax bases. Buyers considering these markets should request a current tax rate quote from each city's treasurer's office.

Town Taxes (Leesburg, Herndon, Vienna, Purcellville, Haymarket)

Incorporated towns within counties levy their own additional tax rate on top of the county rate. For example, a homeowner in the Town of Leesburg pays Loudoun County's $0.805 plus the Town of Leesburg's separate town real estate tax. These town taxes typically range from $0.18 to $0.27 per $100, modestly increasing total tax burden in town limits.

How Property Tax Affects Your Mortgage Payment

Property taxes are the "T" in PITI — the four components of your monthly mortgage payment: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. If you pay through escrow (required by most lenders for buyers putting less than 20% down, and standard for FHA, VA, and USDA loans), your lender collects 1/12 of your annual property tax bill as part of your monthly payment.

Same Home, Different County: Monthly Tax Escrow on a $700K Home

Property Tax Affects How Much You Can Borrow

When a lender pre-approves you for a mortgage, they calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio using your full PITI payment — not just principal and interest. A higher property tax rate increases your monthly housing payment, which raises your DTI, which can reduce the maximum loan amount the lender will approve.

For two buyers with identical income comparing a Fairfax County home to a Loudoun County home of the same purchase price, the Loudoun buyer may qualify for a slightly higher loan amount (or simply have more breathing room in their budget) thanks to the lower tax rate. This is one reason buyers expanding their search radius to outer Loudoun, Prince William, or Stafford counties can sometimes "afford more home" at the same income level.

Tax Relief Programs for Northern Virginia Homeowners

Each Northern Virginia jurisdiction offers tax relief programs that can dramatically reduce — or in some cases eliminate — property tax for qualifying homeowners. Always verify current eligibility limits with your local Department of Tax Administration, as income and asset thresholds change annually.

100% Disabled Veterans Exemption (Statewide)

Virginia provides a 100% real estate tax exemption for veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The exemption applies to the veteran's primary residence and is one of the most valuable tax benefits available in the Commonwealth. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans can also retain the exemption under specific conditions. Virginia's General Assembly has expanded similar exemptions to surviving spouses of military service members and first responders killed in the line of duty.

Senior and Disabled Homeowner Tax Relief

Each county and city offers tiered property tax exemptions for homeowners 65+ or those with disabilities, based on household income and total assets. In Fairfax County, qualifying homeowners can receive 25%, 50%, or 100% relief depending on income — the program can entirely eliminate property taxes for qualifying homeowners with household incomes under $60,000 (subject to asset limits). Similar programs exist in Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William, Alexandria, and Falls Church.

Surviving Spouse of Military Service Member or First Responder

Virginia offers property tax exemptions for surviving spouses of military service members killed in action and first responders killed in the line of duty. Specific eligibility rules apply — the surviving spouse generally must remain unmarried and continue to occupy the home as a primary residence.

Land Use Assessment for Agricultural Property

Property used for agricultural, horticultural, forestal, or open space purposes can apply for use-value assessment, which typically results in a significantly lower assessed value (and tax bill) than the market value. This program is most relevant in western Loudoun, Prince William, and Fauquier counties.

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment

If you believe your home is over-assessed — meaning the county's value is higher than what your home would actually sell for — you have the right to appeal. Each jurisdiction has its own deadlines and procedures, but the general process follows a similar template.

Statistics suggest about 25% of homes nationally are over-assessed, with affected homeowners paying an average of $1,346 too much annually. In high-value Northern Virginia, even a 5% overvaluation can translate to hundreds of dollars in excess tax — making an appeal worthwhile if you have evidence of comparable lower sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glossary of Property Tax Terms

Next Steps

Property tax rates are one of the most important — and most overlooked — factors in determining your true cost of homeownership in Northern Virginia. A 30-cent rate difference between Loudoun and Falls Church on a $700,000 home translates to roughly $2,660 per year, or nearly $80,000 over a 30-year mortgage. That kind of math can change which county you shop in, how much home you target, or whether you stretch into a higher-priced jurisdiction.

The right next step depends on where you are in the process. If you're weeks or months away from making an offer, getting pre-approved gives you a precise, county-by-county view of how much home you can actually afford in each market — including the property tax impact on your monthly payment. If you're earlier in your research, a mortgage calculator can help you sanity-check budgets across counties. And if you're ready to start touring, working with a licensed local real estate professional gives you on-the-ground intelligence on neighborhood-level tax variations, special district levies, and HOA dynamics that don't show up in a basic search.