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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wayne County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Wayne County, MI. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1.0% of assessed value (varies by municipality and school district)
1st Due
Jul 1
2nd Due
Dec 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wayne County, Michigan operates a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, schools, and county operations. Property taxes in Wayne County fund essential services including public education, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and various municipal services across the county's 43 communities, including Detroit and surrounding cities and townships.

The effective property tax rate in Wayne County typically ranges around 1% of assessed value, though this can vary significantly by municipality and school district. For 2025, the county has proposed a tentative 2.9% increase over the 2024 levy, with some cities like Dearborn, Highland Park, Lincoln Park, and Trenton experiencing larger increases of 10-11%. Property values are assessed annually, with Detroit seeing a 7.64% increase in State Equalized Value (SEV) for recent assessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County Operating~0.25%General county services, courts, sheriff
School District~0.60-0.80%Local school operations, varies by district
City/Township~0.15-0.30%Municipal services, varies by community
Library~0.05%Public library systems (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariesRoad improvements, drainage, lighting districts
Total Effective Rate~1.05-1.40%Combined rate varies by location

Note: Rates are approximate and vary by specific municipality and school district within Wayne County

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wayne County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jul 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Dec 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental property taxes in Wayne County are additional assessments that occur outside the regular annual tax cycle. These are typically triggered by new construction, property improvements that increase value, or ownership changes that remove previously granted exemptions. When property improvements are completed or new structures are built, the assessor determines the additional taxable value and applies the current tax rate to calculate the supplemental amount.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 home addition in Wayne County, the assessor would add approximately 50% of that value ($25,000) to the taxable assessment. With an effective tax rate of 1.2%, this would result in a supplemental tax bill of approximately $300 annually, prorated from the completion date through the end of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $150,000 (50% of market value)
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $0 (varies by income qualification)
  • Net Taxable Value: $150,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.20%
  • Annual Tax: $1,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $150

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (50% of market value)
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.20%
  • Annual Tax: $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $300

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $500,000 (50% of market value)
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.20%
  • Annual Tax: $6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $500

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Wayne County homeowners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through an escrow account managed by their lender. The lender collects monthly payments throughout the year and pays the tax bills directly to Wayne County when due. Property taxes in Wayne County are split into two installments: the first half due by February 28th and the second half due by December 30th each year.

Homeowners should verify their escrow payments are current by reviewing their annual escrow analysis and checking that payments are being made on time. You can verify tax payments and view your account status online at https://www.waynecounty.com/departments/treasurer/pay-taxes-online.aspx. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for making direct payments to Wayne County by the due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Wayne County property taxes due? A: The first half is due by February 28th, and the second half is due by December 30th each year.

Q: What exemptions are available in Wayne County? A: The Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) provides full (100%) or partial (50%) exemption for qualifying owner-occupied properties based on financial need.

Q: How can I pay my property taxes online? A: Visit https://www.waynecounty.com/departments/treasurer/pay-taxes-online.aspx to make secure online payments.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges, and properties can eventually face foreclosure for delinquent taxes.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact your local assessor's office first, then appeal to the Board of Review if needed. Information is available at https://www.waynecounty.com/departments/treasurer/property-taxes.aspx.

Q: How is my property's taxable value determined? A: Wayne County assesses properties at 50% of true cash value (market value), which becomes the State Equalized Value (SEV).

Q: Can I get help if I can't afford my property taxes? A: Yes, the HOPE program and Detroit Tax Relief Fund may help eliminate or reduce property tax obligations for qualifying homeowners.

Q: Where can I look up my property tax information? A: Use the online property lookup tool at https://accesswaynetreasurer.waynecounty.com/ to view your tax records and payment history.

Q: What services do my property taxes fund? A: Property taxes fund schools, police and fire protection, road maintenance, courts, libraries, and other essential local government services.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Wayne County? A: Properties are assessed annually, with values typically adjusted based on market conditions and property improvements.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Wayne County property values continue their rise in 2025waynecountymi.gov
02
Annual Reportingwaynecountymi.gov
03
Tax Doc
Winter Tax Billplymouthtownshipmi.gov
04
Tax Doc
2024 Property Taxlinevbtmi.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Informationwaynecountymi.gov
06
Tax Doc
2025 Property Tax Notice - Hamtramck, City (Wayne, MI)hamtramckcity.gov
07
Tax Doc
Tax Exemption Programswaynecountymi.gov
08
Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) | City of Detroitdetroitmi.gov
09
Homeowners Property Exemptiondetroitmi.gov
10
County
Charter Township of Redford Wayne County, Michiganredfordtwp.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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