Washington County (Johnson City, Jonesborough) has an effective property tax rate of roughly 0.63% annually. On a $300,000 home, that's about $1,890/year or $158/month — well below the national average of ~$2,400–$2,800/year on a comparable home. Tennessee's low property tax burden is a genuine financial advantage for homeowners.
Property Tax Calculator — Northeast Tennessee
Rates are effective annual rates (combined county + municipal average) based on publicly available 2025–2026 data. Actual bills depend on assessed value (typically 25% of appraised value in TN), applicable exemptions (homestead, disability, senior), and municipal overlay rates. Verify with your county assessor before relying on these figures. Not a commitment to lend.
How Tennessee property taxes work
Tennessee assesses residential property at 25% of its appraised value, then applies the county rate per $100 of assessed value. So on a $300,000 home: $300,000 × 25% = $75,000 assessed, then $75,000 ÷ 100 × the rate. Washington County's combined rate is approximately $2.52/$100 assessed, which works out to roughly $1,890/year. Municipal rates (city of Johnson City, etc.) add on top.
Tennessee also offers several exemptions that can reduce your bill: a homestead exemption for primary residences, a senior/disability exemption for qualifying homeowners over 65 or disabled with income limits, and a veterans exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans ($175,000 off appraised value). Sam flags these for veterans and buyers who ask.