Question 1

What is the property tax rate in Columbus, North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Property tax rates in Columbus vary by location within town boundaries because different overlapping taxing districts (school, park, library, fire) apply to different properties. This page shows the full rate breakdown by district for Polk County, North Carolina, including the composite rate and individual fund-level detail.

Question 2

How much are property taxes in Columbus, North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Your property tax bill in Columbus depends on your property's assessed value multiplied by the composite tax rate of all overlapping districts. This page breaks down every taxing district that applies in Columbus, Polk County, so you can see exactly where your tax dollars go.

Question 3

How are property tax rates determined in North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Property tax rates in North Carolina are set by each taxing district (municipality, school district, park district, library, etc.) based on their annual levy (the amount of tax revenue they need). The rate is calculated by dividing the levy by the total assessed value of all property in the district.

Question 4

What is the composite tax rate?

Accepted Answer

The composite tax rate is the sum of all overlapping taxing district rates that apply to a specific property. A typical property may be taxed by several overlapping districts. The composite rate determines your total tax bill when multiplied by your property's assessed value.

Question 5

Why do tax rates vary within the same town?

Accepted Answer

Properties within the same municipality can have different composite rates because overlapping districts (school, park, fire, library) have different boundaries. A home in one school district may have a different rate than a home two blocks away in a different school district.

Columbus, NC

Columbus Property Tax Rates

Property Tax — Tax Year 2026 (payable 2027)i