Wayne County · Detroit, Michigan · 2026 data
Detroit Property Taxes
Detroit has one of the highest effective property tax rates in the US, approximately 2.85% for principal residences (with PRE) and 4.5% for non-homestead. This is offset by relatively low home values, so the dollar amount is moderate compared to expensive coastal cities.
Detroit median home property tax
~$2,708 per year
On Detroit's median home value of ~$95,000 (with principal residence exemption)
Detroit property tax by home value
| Home value | With PRE (2.85%) | Without PRE (4.5%) | Monthly (with PRE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,425 | $2,250 | $119 |
| $100,000 | $2,850 | $4,500 | $238 |
| $150,000 | $4,275 | $6,750 | $356 |
| $200,000 | $5,700 | $9,000 | $475 |
| $300,000 | $8,550 | $13,500 | $713 |
| $500,000 | $14,250 | $22,500 | $1,188 |
Approximate rates. Actual property tax varies by neighborhood, school district, and special assessments. NEZ certificates can reduce these by 50%.
Detroit millage rate breakdown
Detroit property tax is the sum of many separate millages (each "mill" = $1 per $1,000 of taxable value):
- City of Detroit operating millage: ~20 mills
- City pension obligation: ~7 mills
- Wayne County operating: ~5 mills
- Detroit Public Schools operating (waived for PRE): 18 mills
- Wayne County RESA / DPS bond: ~7 mills
- Wayne County Community College: ~3 mills
- Detroit Library: ~5 mills
- Special assessments (varies): 2-10 mills
Total: ~67-70 mills for principal residences after PRE, ~85-90 mills without.
FAQs about Detroit property taxes
What is the property tax rate in Detroit?
Detroit's effective property tax rate is approximately 2.85%, among the highest in the United States. The total millage (for principal residences) is around 67-70 mills depending on neighborhood, school district, and which special assessments apply. Non-homestead property tax is even higher at roughly 85-90 mills.
How much is property tax on a Detroit home?
On a $100,000 Detroit home with principal residence exemption: roughly $2,850 per year. Without homestead exemption (rental, second home, vacant): roughly $4,500 per year. Detroit's high rate is offset by lower home values compared to most US cities, the dollar amount is moderate.
What is Michigan's Principal Residence Exemption?
Detroit homeowners can claim a Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) which removes the local school operating millage (~18 mills) from their tax bill. This reduces the effective rate by about 1.8 percentage points. Apply via Form 2368 at the Detroit Assessor's Office. Requires you to use the home as primary residence.
Does Detroit have NEZ (Neighborhood Enterprise Zone) exemptions?
Yes. Detroit offers Neighborhood Enterprise Zone certificates that significantly reduce property tax for owners of newer construction or rehabilitated homes for up to 15 years. NEZ-eligible properties pay roughly 50% of standard rates. Apply through the City of Detroit Assessor and Planning Department.
Why is Detroit property tax so high?
Multiple factors: declining tax base requiring higher rates to fund services, legacy pension obligations (post-bankruptcy), separate Detroit Public Schools millage, Wayne County operating millage, library and special assessment districts. Detroit's bankruptcy (2013) didn't eliminate property tax obligations, they continue to fund city services and pensions.
How do I appeal my Detroit property tax?
(1) Receive your assessment notice (typically February). (2) Request informal review by the Detroit Assessor by March deadline. (3) If unsatisfied, file with the Detroit Board of Review by mid-March. (4) Final appeal to Michigan Tax Tribunal by July deadline. Bring comparable sales (recent comps within ~6 months), photos showing condition, and any structural issues that lower value.
When are Detroit property taxes due?
Detroit issues TWO bills per year. Summer tax (due September 14) and Winter tax (due February 14). Late penalty: 1% per month plus 4% additional after February. Detroit also offers payment plans through the Wayne County Treasurer for delinquent taxpayers.