Updated · Property tax data: Census ACS 2024 5-year estimates · Transfer tax verified April 2026 · Methodology · Editorial policy
Orange County's 0.91% effective property tax rate falls in the middle 50% of US counties, close to the national median of 0.81%. Within North Carolina's 100 counties, it's the 10th highest. On the county's median home value of $459,500, the typical homeowner pays $4,162 annually in property tax, $2,533 more than the national median of $1,629. At closing, North Carolina's 0.20% combined real estate transfer tax adds roughly $919 on a median-priced home, typically paid by the seller. About 10.0% of the county lies within a FEMA flood hazard zone, worth checking msc.fema.gov for any specific address before buying.
Enter any purchase price to see the full cost breakdown for Orange County.
Moderate flood risk. Some neighborhoods require flood insurance. Check your property at msc.fema.gov.
All figures are estimates for planning purposes only. Mortgage payment assumes a 30-year fixed rate of 7.28%, the Freddie Mac PMMS average for the week ending October 1, 2026. Your lender will confirm the actual rate. Closing costs vary by lender and transaction. Consult a licensed real estate attorney and lender before making any financial decisions.
Ways buyers in Orange County may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Excludes the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the appraised value of a primary residence for owners 65+ or totally and permanently disabled with 2025 income at or below $38,800.
View official source →Excludes first $45,000 of appraised value for veterans with 100% permanent & total service-connected disability (or receiving specially adapted housing benefits). Legislation raises to $75,000 for years beginning on/after July 1, 2025.
View official source →Limits property tax on a primary residence to a percentage of income (4-5%) for qualifying owners 65+ or disabled, deferring the remainder until a disqualifying event.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
Answers to common questions about buying a home in Orange County.
The effective property tax rate in Orange County is 0.91%, calculated as the median annual property tax paid ($4,162) divided by the median home value ($459,500), using 2024 US Census ACS 5-year estimates. Your actual bill depends on your purchase price, homestead or senior exemptions, and any special assessments applied in your taxing district.
North Carolina's combined real estate transfer tax is approximately 0.20% of the purchase price. On the median Orange County home value of $459,500, this adds roughly $919 at closing. Excise Stamp Tax on Conveyances $1.00/$500 (0.2%) statewide, seller-paid per Article 8E Chapter 105. Seven coastal counties (Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Washington) are authorized to levy an additional Land Transfer Tax of up to 1% (seller).
Only in parts. About 10.0% of Orange County's land area is within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. Most homes are outside these zones, but worth verifying the specific address at msc.fema.gov.
Closing costs for a buyer in Orange County typically run $9,190–$22,975 (2–5% of purchase price) on a median-priced home, including title insurance ($800–$2,000), appraisal ($400–$700), home inspection ($350–$600), recording fees ($100–$300), and loan origination (0.5–1.0% of the loan amount). Use the calculator above for a specific estimate at your purchase price.
Every county-specific figure on this page links to the exact public dataset it comes from. Verify the numbers yourself against the original source.
Source for the $4,162/yr median taxes paid (ACS 2024 5-year estimates, variable B25103_001E).
Source for the $459,500 median home value (variable B25077_001E). The 0.91% effective rate is median taxes paid divided by median home value.
Source for the transfer tax used in the calculator (buyer 0.00%, seller 0.20%). Verified April 2026.
Source for the county's flood hazard exposure (coastal and inland flood exposure area as a share of county area).
The national dataset behind the county report, including its technical documentation and release notes.
Look up a specific property's flood zone and insurance rate map before making an offer on a home in Orange County.
Closing cost line items are national ranges, not county data. The methodology lists each range's source and the calculator's assumptions (mortgage rate, insurance, PMI).
North Carolina property tax exemptions: official sources
Verified April 2026.
What every buyer should read before making an offer.
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