August 30, 2025: Clayton County’s Board of Commissioners (BOC) reduced the gross millage rate to 17.926 mills and the net millage rate to 14.552 mills for fiscal year 2025–2026. That’s a slightly lower county rate than last year. However, if your home’s value rose and with a projected school millage increase, your total property tax bill could still go up.
What is a Millage Rate?
A millage rate is the amount of tax payable per $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. One mill equals one-tenth of a cent (0.001). Local governments set millage rates to calculate property taxes—so a millage rate of 10 mills means you owe $10 in tax for every $1,000 of your property’s assessed taxable value.
Quick Recap of Millage Rates
| Jurisdiction/Rate | 2025–2026 Rate (mills) |
|---|---|
| County Gross Millage Rate | 17.926 |
| County Net Millage Rate (General + Fire) | 14.552 |
| Unincorporated Area Millage Rate | 4.146 |
| School Maintenance & Operations (M&O) | 19.600 |
| City Rates (examples) | Riverdale 7.34 | College Park 12.62 | Forest Park 16.74 | Jonesboro 8.00 | Lake City 7.50 | Lovejoy 5.17 | Morrow 7.51 Note: City millage applies only if you live within city limits. |
Example – $350,000 Home
County + School Taxes Only
Georgia taxes are based on 40% of fair market value. Assessed (taxable) value = $350,000 × 40% = $140,000
| Taxing Authority | Rate (mills) | Approx. Taxes |
|---|---|---|
| County (14.552) | 14.552 | $2,037 |
| School M&O (19.600) | 19.600 | $2,744 |
| Total (County + Schools) | 34.152 | $4,781 |
| City Example (Jonesboro 8.000) | 8.000 | $1,120 |
| Grand Total with City (example) | — | $5,901 |
Note: If you live in a city, add that millage. Example above shows Jonesboro (8.000 mills).
What This Means for Homeowners
- County Rate Cut: The BOC’s reduction saves the average homeowner about $23 vs. last year.
- School Board’s Role: A small school millage increase may raise the school portion of your bill.
- Property Value Changes: Rising values can increase taxes even when rates fall.
- City Residents Pay More: City millage is added on top of county and school taxes.
Key Takeaways
- The county lowered its millage rate, but savings are small.
- The school portion is expected to increase slightly.
- Higher home values often offset the county’s cut.
- Total bill = County + Schools + City (if applicable).
When Are County Property Taxes Due? How to Pay
- Due Date: Clayton County usually mails bills in the fall, with payment due about 60 days later (historically mid-November). Always check your bill for the exact date.
- Online: Pay securely through Clayton County’s Tax Commissioner website.
- Phone: Automated payment line (770-477-3311).
- Mail: Send payments to the address on your bill (include stub).
- In Person: Pay at the Tax Commissioner’s Office.
- Mortgage Escrow: If your mortgage includes escrow, your lender will handle payment.
General Information Disclaimer:
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
Laws and account procedures may vary. Always verify requirements directly with your institutions or a qualified professional.