Summary answer: Arlington County's 2026 real estate tax rate is $1.053 per $100 of assessed value, up two cents from $1.033 after the County Board voted 4-1 on April 22, 2026 to adopt the increase. The county estimated that raised the average homeowner's bill by $466, based on an average home value of $882,900. On a $700,000 assessment, tax is about $7,371 a year, or roughly $614 a month. Arlington also bills a separate stormwater utility fee based on impervious area, and assessments, not the purchase price, set your bill.
I'm Johnny with JQ Real Estate. Let me show you exactly how the tax is calculated and what it means for your budget.
How the calculation works
Arlington assesses property annually as of January 1 and applies the tax rate to the assessed value. A rate of $1.053 per $100 means $10.53 of tax per $1,000 of value. Here is what that looks like at different Arlington price points:
| Assessed Value | Estimated Annual Tax | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| $400,000 (condo) | ~$4,212 | ~$351 |
| $700,000 (townhome or high-end condo) | ~$7,371 | ~$614 |
| $882,900 (county average home value) | ~$9,297 | ~$775 |
| $1,200,000 (single-family) | ~$12,636 | ~$1,053 |
What changed in 2026
The county advertised the two-cent increase in February, citing budget pressure, and the Board adopted it in April. The county's 2026 assessment notice reported overall property values up about 1.1%, so many owners saw a larger bill from both a higher rate and a higher assessment. Arlington's rate is set by calendar year, so it is worth confirming the current rate on your tax bill and not relying on an older article.
Assessed value versus purchase price
The county sets assessments independently, using market data. If you pay $700,000 for a home the county assessed at $670,000, your tax will initially be based on $670,000, though assessments tend to move toward market value. Because Arlington condo prices fell 7.4% in 2025 while single-family prices rose, assessments can lag in either direction. If you believe your assessment is too high, Arlington has an appeal process with deadlines in the spring, and it is worth reviewing each year.
How taxes appear in your payment
Most lenders collect property taxes monthly through escrow. Arlington bills real estate taxes in two installments each year, with the first due in June, and your lender pays them from escrow. At closing, you also fund an initial escrow cushion, which is part of why prepaid items can be several thousand dollars.
The stormwater utility fee
Arlington replaced its old sanitary district tax with a stormwater utility fee that took effect in 2024. It is based on a property's impervious area, such as roofs and pavement, and is billed on the real estate bill in two parts. The rate was set at $258 per equivalent residential unit, with a tiered structure for single-family homes. Condo owners generally pay through their associations or on a different basis, so ask how it applies to the specific property.
Ways to reduce your tax burden
- Review your assessment. If it exceeds market value, file an appeal before the deadline.
- Check relief programs. Arlington offers real estate tax relief and deferral programs for qualifying seniors and people with disabilities, and Virginia law provides an exemption for certain disabled veterans.
- Keep records of repairs. Documentation of condition problems can support an appeal.
- Compare jurisdictions. Rates differ across Northern Virginia, so tax is one factor among commute, price, and amenities.
Condo dues are separate
Condo and HOA fees are not part of your county tax bill, but they count in your housing payment and your debt-to-income ratio. Ask for the dues and what they include, since some Arlington buildings include heat, water, or parking and others do not.
How taxes compare with other costs
On a $700,000 Arlington home, property tax is about $614 a month, roughly 13% to 15% of a typical total housing payment. Over a five-year hold, you may pay more than $36,000 in county real estate tax alone. When comparing Arlington with other communities, include tax in the comparison, since a lower price in a higher-tax area can cost the same each month as a higher price in a lower-tax area.
Plan your real budget
Reach out and let's run your real numbers, taxes included, for the specific Arlington homes you are considering. Property tax is one of the biggest line items in your payment, and seeing it up front keeps your budget honest.
Related neighborhood guides: North Arlington single-family homes and new construction · Missing Middle housing (EHO) in Arlington
For more Arlington buyer and seller questions, visit our Arlington real estate hub.