Wayne County · Detroit, Michigan · 2025 millage
Detroit Property Taxes
Detroit's 2025 millage is 64.1844 mills for a principal residence (with PRE) and 82.1844 for other property, per Michigan Treasury. On a newly bought home, where taxable value is half of market value, that is about 3.2% and 4.1% of the price each year. Relatively low home values keep the dollar amount moderate compared to expensive coastal cities.
Property tax on a $100,000 Detroit home
~$3,209 per year
Bought recently, with the principal residence exemption
Detroit property tax by home value
| Home value | With PRE (64.1844 mills) | Without PRE (82.1844 mills) | Monthly (with PRE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,605 | $2,055 | $134 |
| $100,000 | $3,209 | $4,109 | $267 |
| $150,000 | $4,814 | $6,164 | $401 |
| $200,000 | $6,418 | $8,218 | $535 |
| $300,000 | $9,628 | $12,328 | $802 |
| $500,000 | $16,046 | $20,546 | $1,337 |
Estimate
- Millage rates are set annually and differ between the summer and winter levies and by school district within the city.
- The table assumes a home bought recently, whose taxable value is half its market value. Michigan caps annual growth in taxable value, so a home held longer usually owes less, and the cap lifts on transfer — which is why a bill jumps after a sale.
The assessor's own figure is the one that governs. Use this to sanity-check a bill, not to replace it.
For a home bought recently, whose taxable value is half its market value. Homes held longer usually owe less, and special assessments add to some bills. NEZ certificates can reduce these by 50%.
Detroit millage
Each mill is $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. Michigan Treasury's 2025 totals for the City of Detroit and the Detroit City School District:
- Principal residence (with PRE): 64.1844 mills
- Non-homestead (rentals, second homes, vacant): 82.1844 mills
The 18-mill difference is the school operating millage the principal residence exemption removes. The totals combine city, county, school, community college, library and state education levies; your tax bill lists each one.
FAQs about Detroit property taxes
What is the property tax rate in Detroit?
Michigan Treasury puts Detroit's 2025 total at 64.1844 mills for a principal residence and 82.1844 for other property. Mills apply to taxable value, which for a newly bought home is half its market value, so that is about 3.2% and 4.1% of the price a year. Homes owned longer usually have a lower taxable value, because Proposal A caps its yearly growth.
How much is property tax on a Detroit home?
On a $100,000 Detroit home bought recently, with the principal residence exemption: about $3,209 a year. Without it (rental, second home, vacant): about $4,109. Detroit's high rate is offset by lower home values compared to most US cities, so 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. On a newly bought home that is about 0.9% of the price a year (18 mills on half the value). 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.