Summary answer: Arlington County's real estate tax rate for 2026 is $1.033–$1.053 per $100 of assessed value (the County Board approved a 2-cent increase this year). On a $750,000 home, that works out to roughly $7,750–$7,900 per year, or about $645–$660 per month — noticeably higher than several neighboring NOVA counties, and a real number to build into your monthly budget beyond just principal and interest.
I'm Johnny with JQ Real Estate. Here's exactly how this breaks down and why it matters more in Arlington than in some nearby areas.
How Arlington's rate compares
| Locality | 2026 Rate per $100 Assessed Value |
|---|---|
| Arlington County | $1.033–$1.053 |
| Fairfax County | ~$1.125 |
| Alexandria City | ~$1.140 |
| Loudoun County | ~$1.125 |
| Prince William County | ~$1.055 |
Arlington actually sits slightly below several of its neighbors on rate alone — but because Arlington's home values run higher, the dollar amount you actually pay often comes out higher in practice, even at a comparable or lower rate.
What determines your actual bill
Arlington assesses property at 100% of fair market value, and taxes are billed in two installments (June 15 and October 5). Your bill is simply your home's assessed value multiplied by the current rate. Since Arlington reassesses annually and values have generally trended upward, expect your assessed value — and therefore your bill — to shift year to year even if the rate itself stays flat.
Why this matters for your monthly budget, not just your annual one
- Your lender includes this in your monthly payment — property tax gets rolled into your escrow account and paid monthly along with principal, interest, and insurance, so it directly affects your qualifying DTI, not just your annual cost
- It's a bigger line item than buyers expect — on a $750K home, $650+/month in taxes alone is a meaningful chunk of a total housing payment
- Condo buyers pay this on top of HOA fees — property tax and HOA dues are separate costs that both count against your DTI
Can you appeal your assessment?
Yes — Arlington County allows homeowners to appeal if they believe their assessed value exceeds fair market value. This is worth knowing as a future homeowner, not just something to think about at purchase; if your assessment jumps significantly in a future year, an appeal is a real option, not just a formality.
Factor this into your real budget
Property taxes are one of the most commonly underestimated costs in a home search — buyers budget for the mortgage payment and forget how much taxes add on top. I build this into every affordability conversation I have with Arlington buyers. Reach out and let's run your real numbers, taxes included.