Clayton County Property Taxes:
What the 2025–2026 Millage Rate Changes Mean
August 30, 2025: Clayton County Property Taxes: 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.
About the Author
Written by Tonya Harris, founder of Elevated Sand. Tonya creates culturally grounded financial and digital education that helps people understand complex topics and make informed decisions for the future.
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Disclaimer:
This content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Requirements, laws, and practices may vary by location and situation. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently and consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to their needs.