Durham homeowners are getting walloped with massive property tax hikes after the 2025 reappraisal, thanks to soaring home values and increased rates. The county now sports the Triangle’s second-highest property tax rate at 79.87 cents per $100 valuation, while median home prices have skyrocketed from $239,500 to $416,000 since 2019. Fixed-income residents are particularly feeling the squeeze, with many questioning their ability to stay put. Relief options exist, but there’s more to this taxing situation.
Sticker shock is hitting Durham homeowners hard as property tax bills reach unprecedented levels. Following the 2025 county-wide property reappraisal, many residents are grappling with dramatic increases in their tax assessments, reflecting Durham’s red-hot real estate market where median home prices have skyrocketed from $239,500 in 2019 to $416,000 by late 2024.
Adding fuel to the fire, both Durham County and City officials have approved tax rate hikes. The county rate jumped 4.65 cents to 79.87 cents per $100 valuation, while the city tacked on another 3.85 cents. Perfect timing, right? Durham now boasts the second-highest property tax rate in the Triangle – a distinction few homeowners are celebrating.
The county’s population boom hasn’t helped matters. With over 330,000 residents and counting, housing demand continues to surge. Most homes are now assessed at less than two-thirds of their actual market value, a gap that’s making the latest reappraisal particularly painful for longtime residents. The change from an eight-year appraisal cycle to a four-year schedule has intensified the impact on homeowners. The region’s robust job market continues to fuel population growth and housing demand, creating additional pressure on property values.
For some homeowners, the increased property values represent a silver lining – their assets are worth more. But try telling that to residents on fixed incomes who are watching their monthly housing costs spiral upward. The reality? Many are wondering if they can afford to stay in their homes. Like the cost containment discussions in medical policy debates, the city must balance revenue needs with resident affordability.
The county is offering some lifelines. Property owners can appeal their assessments until June 2, and numerous tax relief programs exist for elderly, disabled, and low-income residents. But meeting the eligibility criteria? That’s another story entirely.
Durham officials insist the reappraisal process, which spans multiple years, aims to distribute the tax burden fairly. They’ve rolled out educational resources and even a tax calculator to help residents understand the changes. But for many homeowners opening their tax bills, understanding the process doesn’t make it any easier to swallow.
The county may be growing more prosperous, but for some residents, that prosperity comes with a steep price tag.