Lumber City, GA: Is Your Property Tax Assessment Too High? (2026)
The median Lumber City homeowner pays $1,006/year in property taxes. That is 3.06% of median household income. See how Lumber City compares and check your savings potential.
Key Takeaways
Appeal deadline: 45 days from your assessment notice date - strictly enforced.Median home value: $77,200 in Lumber City.Median annual tax bill: $1,006.Tax burden: 3.06% of median household income in Lumber City.Potential savings: ~$91/year from a 10% reduction, or $273 over 3 years with the 299c freeze.Filed with: Telfair County Board of Assessors (not the city).No risk: Georgia law guarantees your assessment cannot increase from filing an appeal.
Lumber City is a small Telfair County city with about 1,000 residents, where the median home value of roughly $77,000 falls well below the county average. Even at lower price points, an inflated assessment means a disproportionate share of the tax burden -- here's how to appeal.
Lumber City Appeal Quick Facts
Appeal Deadline: 45 days from the date of the assessment notice
Median Home Value: $77,200 (-32% below Telfair County median)
Estimated Annual Tax Bill: $1,006
Tax Burden: 3.06% of median household income
Is your Lumber City property tax assessment too high?
The median home in Lumber City is valued at $77,200, producing an estimated annual tax bill of $919 at Telfair County's 2.977% combined rate. That means the typical Lumber City homeowner spends 3.06% of household income on property taxes alone. Even though Lumber City home values fall below the Telfair County average, the tax burden here is significant relative to household income. A lower home value does not mean your assessment is automatically correct. Overassessments happen at every price point, and correcting one can meaningfully reduce your annual bill. At $77,200, Lumber City home values are 32% below the Telfair County median, 54% below Georgia's statewide median of $170,200, 75% below the national median of $318,000.
How does Lumber City compare to other Telfair County cities?
McRae-Helena leads Telfair County in home values, but your individual assessment could still be too high regardless of where Lumber City falls in the county ranking.
What evidence matters for Lumber City appeals?
In smaller communities like Lumber City, finding comparable sales can be harder. Expand your search to other parts of Telfair County. The Board of Equalization understands limited inventory in small towns. Focus on homes with similar square footage and condition, even if they are several miles away. For the full evidence strategy, exemption details, and step-by-step filing instructions, see our Telfair County Property Tax Guide.
How much can you save in Lumber City?
Based on a combined tax rate of 2.977%. Your actual rate may vary by tax district.
A 10% reduction on the median Lumber City home ($77,200 down by $7,720) would save approximately $92 per year, or $276 over three years with the 299c value freeze.
At 3.06% of household income, even a modest reduction in your assessed value makes a real difference in your annual budget.
File your appeal through Telfair County
Property tax appeals in Lumber City are filed with the Telfair County Board of Assessors. You have 45 days from the date of your assessment notice to submit a PT-311A form.
Telfair County Board of Assessors: 91 Telfair Ave., McRae-Helena, GA 31055 | 229-868-2896 For the full appeal process and deadline details, see our Telfair County Property Tax Guide.
Based on 2024 American Community Survey estimates and Telfair County millage rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Lumber City property tax too high?
The median annual property tax bill in Lumber City is $1,006. Using Telfair County's millage rate of 2.977%, the computed tax on the median home ($77,200) is approximately $919. If your assessed value is higher than what your home would actually sell for, you are overpaying.
Who do I contact to appeal my Lumber City property tax?
Appeals are filed with the Telfair County Board of Assessors, not at the city level. File a PT-311A form within 45 days of your assessment notice.
How much of my income goes to property taxes in Lumber City?
At the median, Lumber City homeowners pay 3.06% of their household income ($32,841/year) in property taxes. That is a significant burden -- a successful appeal directly increases your take-home.
Are Lumber City homes undervalued compared to Telfair County?
Lumber City's lower median does not mean the county's assessment of your specific home is correct. Overassessments happen at every price point. Compare your assessed value per square foot to actual recent sales of similar homes nearby.
How do Lumber City property taxes compare to McRae-Helena?
McRae-Helena leads Telfair County with a median home value of $113,500, compared to Lumber City's $77,200. But a lower county ranking does not mean your individual home is correctly assessed -- overassessments happen at every price point.
How is my Lumber City property tax bill calculated?
Georgia taxes property at 40% of fair market value. For Lumber City's median home ($77,200), the assessed value is $30,880. Multiply by Telfair County's millage rate of 2.977% to get your annual bill. In smaller communities like Lumber City, the county may rely on limited data to set your value. If your home is unique or the comparable sales used are a poor match, there is a good chance your assessment is off.
What if there are few comparable sales near Lumber City?
In smaller communities, finding 3-5 recent sales of similar homes can be difficult. Expand your search to other parts of Telfair County -- the BOE panel understands limited inventory in small towns. Look for homes with similar square footage, lot size, and condition even if they are several miles away.
Can my property tax go up if I appeal?
No. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 48-5-311) protects you: the county cannot raise your assessed value above what they originally set just because you filed an appeal. The Board of Equalization only rules on the disputed value. Worst case, your appeal is denied and you keep your current assessment -- your taxes will not increase as a result of appealing.