Orange Co Revaluations are out - and UP
- Marilyn Carter
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
Friends -
Last week, we welcomed the arrival of spring with a ribbon-cutting for the new Drakeford Library Complex in Carrboro (pictures below).
Also arriving - the quadrennial property revaluations in Orange County, which were mailed to property owners on March 21.
Values are up - a LOT, and there are understandably a lot of questions.
Below, find five of these questions, with answers. You'll also see a schedule of revaluation information sessions at locations across the county.
Feel free, as always, to let me know if this information was (or was not) helpful!
-Marilyn
So, why is a revaluation happening now?
North Carolina statute requires periodic revaluations - with the goal to re-establish the fairness of the tax burden between properties as values change over time.
Many counties across NC (including Orange) are in the process of revaluing their tax base this year. This year's revaluation shows property values up by over 52% county-wide.
Generally, increasing values mean that property owners are building wealth for the long term. At the same time, if your property value has gone up by 40%, 60% or more, you likely are asking -
What does this mean for property taxes?
The short answer is - while property values and property taxes are related, a 50% increase in value does not directly translate into a 50% increase in taxes.
In a revaluation year, counties and municipalities are required by law to publish a “revenue-neutral tax rate” for comparison purposes as they set new tax rates.
This is the rate needed in order to collect, county-wide, the same amount of total taxes as collected in the year prior to the revaluation. By law, it includes an allowance for natural growth.
When a county's tax base goes way up in value, the revenue-neutral rate goes down in tandem. It can serve as a reference point as actual tax rates are set.
So how is the actual tax rate set?
In 2024, the base Orange County* tax rate was
$0.8629 per $100 of valuation.
Each year, local governments consider budgets, capital spending plans,the needs of residents and the economy as they set actual tax rates.
During a revaluation year, an actual tax rate may represent an increase, decrease, or no change as compared to the revenue-neutral tax rate.
The revenue-neutral rate will be published with the County budget message in May, and a proposed actual tax rate will also be included.
*If your property is located in one of our towns, your tax rate was higher. Each municipality also sets its own tax rate. Reference: 2024 Orange County Tax Rates.
OK, and what about my tax bill?
Each property is different. The value of some properties have increased more than the 52% county-wide average, and others less. It's fair to say that changes in value that are significantly larger (or smaller) than 52% will see an increase (or decrease) on their tax bills.
Tax bills are mailed later in the summer, and will be based on both the final valuations and the final tax rate included in the County budget when it is approved.
The Orange County Tax office works hard to get it right. At the same time, they are encouraging us to check the valuation details of our own properties, and to follow-up NOW with questions or an appeal.
How can I review my valuation details - and appeal if needed?
Check your property’s characteristics:
Real Property Search Webpage -
Compare your property to nearby sales:
Comper Webpage -
File an appeal:
Informal appeals (easier!) are now through April 30.
The formal appeal process through the Board of Equalization
is from May 1 to July 31.
You may be eligible for tax assistance:
Contact the Orange County Tax Office via email -reval@orangecountync.gov
See the Orange County Tax Office Revaluation presentation for additional information:
When and where are the info sessions?
Together with you,
Orange County Commissioner
March 21, 2025:
Ribbon cutting for the Drakeford Library Complex in Carrboro
Community members and elected officials from across Orange County joined Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee, BOCC Chair Jamezetta Bedford and Congresswoman Valerie Foushee in a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Drakeford Library Complex, which includes the Orange County Southern Branch Library.
Derrick Drakeford led a moving tribute to the accomplishments of his father, former Carrboro Mayor Dr. Robert Drakeford.
It's a beautiful building and there are so many services available there, including:
Carrboro Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources
Orange County Skills Development and NCWorks Career Center
WCOM Radio
Durham Tech
Orange County Guardian Ad Litem
Opportunities for Education, Art, and Connection
