Russell, GA: Is Your Property Tax Assessment Too High? (2026)
The median Russell homeowner pays $546/year in property taxes. That is 0.9% of median household income. See how Russell compares and check your savings potential.
Key Takeaways
Appeal deadline: 45 days from your assessment notice date - strictly enforced.Median home value: $88,800 in Russell.Median annual tax bill: $546.Tax burden: 0.9% of median household income in Russell.Potential savings: ~$88/year from a 10% reduction, or $264 over 3 years with the 299c freeze.Filed with: Barrow County Board of Assessors (not the city).No risk: Georgia law guarantees your assessment cannot increase from filing an appeal.
Russell is a Barrow County community where the median home value of about $89,000 comes in nearly 70% below the county figure -- one of the widest gaps in the area. If your assessment looks like it was influenced by Barrow County's much higher median, you have strong grounds to appeal.
Russell Appeal Quick Facts
Appeal Deadline: 45 days from the date of the assessment notice
Median Home Value: $88,800 (-70% below Barrow County median)
Estimated Annual Tax Bill: $546
Tax Burden: 0.9% of median household income
Is your Russell property tax assessment too high?
The median home in Russell is valued at $88,800, producing an estimated annual tax bill of $883 at Barrow County's 2.488% combined rate. That means the typical Russell homeowner spends 0.9% of household income on property taxes alone. Russell has modest home values and a moderate tax burden, but every dollar counts. If the county has overestimated your home's fair market value, you are paying more than you should. The appeal process is free and carries no risk of a higher assessment. At $88,800, Russell home values are 70% below the Barrow County median, 47% below Georgia's statewide median of $170,200, 72% below the national median of $318,000.
How does Russell compare to other Barrow County cities?
Braselton leads Barrow County in home values, but your individual assessment could still be too high regardless of where Russell falls in the county ranking.
What evidence matters for Russell appeals?
In smaller communities like Russell, finding comparable sales can be harder. Expand your search to other parts of Barrow 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 Barrow County Property Tax Guide.
How much can you save in Russell?
Based on a combined tax rate of 2.488%. Your actual rate may vary by tax district.
A 10% reduction on the median Russell home ($88,800 down by $8,880) would save approximately $88 per year, or $264 over three years with the 299c value freeze.
At 0.9% of household income, even a modest reduction in your assessed value makes a real difference in your annual budget.
File your appeal through Barrow County
Property tax appeals in Russell are filed with the Barrow County Board of Assessors. You have 45 days from the date of your assessment notice to submit a PT-311A form.
Barrow County Board of Assessors: 233 East Broad St., Winder, GA 30680 | 770-307-3108 For the full appeal process and deadline details, see our Barrow County Property Tax Guide.
Based on 2024 American Community Survey estimates and Barrow County millage rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Russell property tax too high?
The median annual property tax bill in Russell is $546. Using Barrow County's millage rate of 2.488%, the computed tax on the median home ($88,800) is approximately $883. If your assessed value is higher than what your home would actually sell for, you are overpaying.
Who do I contact to appeal my Russell property tax?
Appeals are filed with the Barrow 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 Russell?
At the median, Russell homeowners pay 0.9% of their household income ($60,781/year) in property taxes. Reducing your assessment through an appeal lowers that share and increases your take-home.
Are Russell homes undervalued compared to Barrow County?
Russell'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 Russell property taxes compare to Braselton?
Braselton leads Barrow County with a median home value of $459,400, compared to Russell's $88,800. But a lower county ranking does not mean your individual home is correctly assessed -- overassessments happen at every price point.
How is my Russell property tax bill calculated?
Georgia taxes property at 40% of fair market value. For Russell's median home ($88,800), the assessed value is $35,520. Multiply by Barrow County's millage rate of 2.488% to get your annual bill. In smaller communities like Russell, 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 Russell?
In smaller communities, finding 3-5 recent sales of similar homes can be difficult. Expand your search to other parts of Barrow 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.