Albemarle County’s real estate tax rate is $0.894 per $100 of assessed value for calendar year 2026, the same rate for residential, commercial and land. A home assessed at $500,000 owes about $4,470 a year, paid in two halves due June 25 and December 5. The county reassesses every year at 100% of fair market value, so your bill can rise even when the rate doesn’t.
Google’s AI Overview, captured Nov. 1, 2026, opens with: “The real estate tax rate for Albemarle County, Virginia, is $0.894 per $100 of assessed property value.” It goes on to cover the two due dates and the 6.17% rise in the 2026 tax base. Each point checks out against the county’s own pages, which I’ve linked below.
How do you calculate your Albemarle County property tax bill?
Divide your assessed value by 100 and multiply by 0.894. Here’s what that looks like at common price points:
| Assessed value | Annual Albemarle tax | Each half (June 25 / Dec. 5) |
|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | $3,576 | $1,788 |
| $500,000 | $4,470 | $2,235 |
| $570,000 | $5,096 | $2,548 |
| $750,000 | $6,705 | $3,353 |
| $1,000,000 | $8,940 | $4,470 |
Rate source: Albemarle County tax rates, accessed Nov. 1, 2026. Halves are rounded.
$570,000 is the median sale price for Albemarle County over the 12 months ending Oct. 31, 2026 (Keeton & Co analysis of CAAR MLS data). Keep in mind that your assessed value and your purchase price are two different numbers. The county sets the assessment as of January 1, and it may be above or below what you paid.
If you’re buying, ask your lender to escrow taxes based on your purchase price, not the seller’s old assessment. It prevents a surprise escrow shortage in year two.
How much did Albemarle assessments go up in 2026?
According to the county’s 2026 reassessment announcement, the total tax base rose 6.17%. Changes by property type:
| Property type | 2026 assessment change |
|---|---|
| Urban residential | +5.4% |
| Residential up to 20 acres | +8.1% |
| Rural, 20 to 99.99 acres | +7.5% |
| Rural, 100+ acres | +7.1% |
| Total tax base | +6.17% |
Notices went out in late January. If you think your assessment is too high, the 2026 deadlines were March 2 for an assessor’s review and March 30 for an appeal to the Board of Equalization. Watch for the 2027 dates on your next notice.
Recent sales of homes like yours are the best evidence in an assessment review. Ask an agent for a short list of closed comps from the months before January 1.
How does Albemarle compare with the City of Charlottesville?
| Albemarle County | City of Charlottesville | |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate rate per $100 | $0.894 | $0.99 |
| Tax on a $500,000 assessment | $4,470 | $4,950 |
| Due dates | June 25 and Dec. 5 | June 5 and Dec. 5 |
| 12-month median sale price | $570,000 | $507,055 |
Rate sources: Albemarle County and City of Charlottesville real estate taxes, accessed Nov. 1, 2026. Median prices: Keeton & Co analysis of CAAR MLS data, 12 months ending Oct. 31, 2026.
At the same assessed value, a city home pays about $480 more a year. But county homes sell for more, so the typical tax bill can end up similar. Compare the two markets on our Albemarle County page and Charlottesville city page.
What other taxes should Albemarle homeowners plan for?
Albemarle’s personal property tax rate is $4.28 per $100 of assessed value for vehicles, boats, trailers and similar property. If you’re moving from a state without a car tax, budget for it.
| Pros of living in Albemarle | Trade-offs |
|---|---|
| Lower real estate rate than the city | Higher median home prices |
| Annual reassessments track the market closely | Bills rise when values rise, even without a rate change |
| Relief programs for seniors, disabled owners and qualifying veterans | Relief has income and net worth limits |
Look up a home’s current assessment on the county’s property records before you make an offer. It gives you a realistic starting tax estimate.
Do people over 65 pay property taxes in Albemarle County?
They do, but some qualify for relief. Per the county’s tax relief page:
| Program | Who qualifies | Relief |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Relief for the Elderly & Disabled | Age 65+ or totally and permanently disabled; combined income up to $100,650; net worth up to $321,000 | 50% to 100% of the real estate tax |
| Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption | Veterans rated 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability (or qualifying surviving spouses), on their principal residence | Exemption on the residence |
The elderly and disabled application deadline is October 31. Call the county’s Real Estate Office at 434-296-5856 with questions.
Why work with Keeton & Co in Albemarle County?
I’m Daniel Keeton, Broker and Founder of Keeton & Co Real Estate. We have an office in Charlottesville, closed 706 homes in the last 12 months and more than 4,200 all-time, and have 1,722 Google reviews. RealTrends verified 718 transaction sides and $295.32 million in volume for us in 2025. I’m biased, but taxes come up in nearly every Albemarle sale we handle, and we’ll help you build them into your budget.
Buying? Start your search. Selling? Get your home’s value. Questions? Contact us or call 804-373-2223.
Tax figures come from Albemarle County and City of Charlottesville websites, accessed Nov. 1, 2026; confirm your bill with the county. Market figures are Keeton & Co analysis of CAAR MLS data. AI Overview captured from Google on Nov. 1, 2026. This is general information, not tax advice. Written by Daniel Keeton, Broker & Founder. Updated Nov. 1, 2026.
Related: Selling in Central Virginia · Buying in Central Virginia · Albemarle County market data · Charlottesville office · About the author
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