Alabama · Property Tax & Closing Costs
Alabama property tax by county
Property tax rates, median home values, and closing cost estimates for all 67 counties in Alabama. The average effective rate across the state is 0.34%, ranking Alabama 50 of 51 (lowest property taxes nationally). Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates.
Average rate
0.34%
across 67 counties
National rank
#50
of 51, highest rate first
Median home value
$156,600
county median in state
Rate range
0.17%–0.59%
Choctaw County → Jefferson County
Same home, different county
On a $156,600 home (the typical county median in Alabama), the annual property tax bill depends heavily on where you buy:
Difference
$656/yr
$55/mo · $6,562 over 10 years
Estimate: purchase price × each county's effective rate. Actual bills depend on assessed value, local levies, and exemptions.
Lowest property tax rates in Alabama
The five Alabama counties with the lowest effective property tax rates, useful for buyers comparing total cost of ownership across the state.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Choctaw County | 0.17% |
| Bibb County | 0.21% |
| Clay County | 0.21% |
| Washington County | 0.23% |
| Lamar County | 0.24% |
Highest property tax rates in Alabama
The five Alabamacounties with the highest effective property tax rates. High rates often reflect strong school district funding or municipal services rather than weakness, but they materially change a buyer's monthly carrying cost.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Jefferson County | 0.59% |
| Greene County | 0.55% |
| Macon County | 0.50% |
| Lee County | 0.48% |
| Mobile County | 0.47% |
Alabama real estate transfer tax
Alabama charges a combined transfer tax of about 0.10% of the purchase price. On a $156,600 home, that is roughly $157 in total.
| Paid by | Rate | On $156,600 |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer | 0.00% | $0 |
| Seller | 0.10% | $157 |
Deed tax is $0.50/$500 (0.1%) paid by seller. Buyers also pay a $0.15/$100 (0.15%) mortgage recording tax on loan amount if financed, not included in buyer_rate since it applies to mortgage, not purchase price.
Alabama is an attorney-closing state: expect a real estate attorney fee of roughly $600–$1,500 at closing.
Official Alabama source → · Verified April 2026
Closing costs in Alabama
Across Alabama's 67 counties, buyer closing costs run $3,175 to $9,482 at each county's median home value with 20% down. Cash needed at closing, with closing costs and the down payment, runs $19,430 to $74,702. Pick your county for your own figures.
Alabama closing cost calculatorAlabama property tax exemptions
Ways buyers in Alabama may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Standard Homestead Exemption
$4,000 off state property tax and $2,000 off county property tax for a single-family owner-occupied primary residence up to 160 acres (for homeowners under 65).
View official source →Senior / Disabled Full Exemption
Homeowners age 65+ with combined taxable income of $12,000 or less (most recent state return), and residents who are permanently and totally disabled or legally blind regardless of age or income, are fully exempt from all state, county, and city property taxes.
View official source →Specially Adapted Housing Veterans Exemption
Homes acquired through a VA Specially Adapted Housing Grant (for veterans or surviving spouses) are fully exempt from Alabama property tax regardless of value.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
All 67 counties in Alabama
Effective property tax rate, median home value, and median annual taxes paid for every county in Alabama. Click a county to open its full property tax calculator and closing cost breakdown.
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates, tables B25077 (median home value) and B25103 (median real estate taxes paid). Effective rate is computed as median taxes paid divided by median home value at the county level and represents the typical owner-occupied home. Actual bills vary by purchase price, exemptions, and special assessments.