Savannah, GA: Is Your Property Tax Assessment Too High? (2026)
The median Savannah homeowner pays $2,040/year in property taxes. That is 3.57% of median household income. See how Savannah compares and check your savings potential.
Key Takeaways
Appeal deadline: 45 days from your assessment notice date - strictly enforced.Median home value: $248,900 in Savannah.Median annual tax bill: $2,040.Tax burden: 3.57% of median household income in Savannah.Potential savings: ~$335/year from a 10% reduction, or $1,005 over 3 years with the 299c freeze.Filed with: Chatham County Board of Assessors (not the city).No risk: Georgia law guarantees your assessment cannot increase from filing an appeal.
Savannah is the Chatham County seat, Georgia's fifth-largest city, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Southeast. With a median home value around $249,000 and a wide range of neighborhoods -- from historic downtown to suburban west Chatham -- it's common for assessments to miss the mark on individual properties.
Savannah Appeal Quick Facts
Appeal Deadline: 45 days from the date of the assessment notice
Median Home Value: $248,900 (-18% below Chatham County median)
Estimated Annual Tax Bill: $2,040
Tax Burden: 3.57% of median household income
Is your Savannah property tax assessment too high?
The median home in Savannah is valued at $248,900, producing an estimated annual tax bill of $3,356 at Chatham County's 3.371% combined rate. That means the typical Savannah homeowner spends 3.57% of household income on property taxes alone. Even though Savannah home values fall below the Chatham 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 $248,900, Savannah home values are 18% below the Chatham County median, 46% above Georgia's statewide median of $170,200, 21% below the national median of $318,000.
How does Savannah compare to other Chatham County cities?
Wilmington Island leads Chatham County in home values, but your individual assessment could still be too high regardless of where Savannah falls in the county ranking.
What evidence matters for Savannah appeals?
With a population of 147,898, Savannah has plenty of recent sales to draw from. The strongest evidence is 3-5 comparable sales: homes similar to yours in size, age, and condition that sold recently for less than your assessed value. Focus on per-square-foot price comparisons and adjust for differences in lot size, condition, and amenities. For the full evidence strategy, exemption details, and step-by-step filing instructions, see our Chatham County Property Tax Guide.
How much can you save in Savannah?
Based on a combined tax rate of 3.371%. Your actual rate may vary by tax district.
A 10% reduction on the median Savannah home ($248,900 down by $24,890) would save approximately $336 per year, or $1,008 over three years with the 299c value freeze.
At 3.57% of household income, even a modest reduction in your assessed value makes a real difference in your annual budget.
File your appeal through Chatham County
Property tax appeals in Savannah are filed with the Chatham County Board of Assessors. You have 45 days from the date of your assessment notice to submit a PT-311A form.
Chatham County Board of Assessors: P.O. Box 9786, Savannah, GA 31412 | 912-652-7271 For the full appeal process and deadline details, see our Chatham County Property Tax Guide.
Based on 2024 American Community Survey estimates and Chatham County millage rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Savannah property tax too high?
The median annual property tax bill in Savannah is $2,040. Using Chatham County's millage rate of 3.371%, the computed tax on the median home ($248,900) is approximately $3,356. If your assessed value is higher than what your home would actually sell for, you are overpaying.
Who do I contact to appeal my Savannah property tax?
Appeals are filed with the Chatham 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 Savannah?
At the median, Savannah homeowners pay 3.57% of their household income ($57,137/year) in property taxes. That is a significant burden -- a successful appeal directly increases your take-home.
Are Savannah homes undervalued compared to Chatham County?
Savannah'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 Savannah property taxes compare to Wilmington Island?
Wilmington Island leads Chatham County with a median home value of $404,900, compared to Savannah's $248,900. But a lower county ranking does not mean your individual home is correctly assessed -- overassessments happen at every price point.
How is my Savannah property tax bill calculated?
Georgia taxes property at 40% of fair market value. For Savannah's median home ($248,900), the assessed value is $99,560. Multiply by Chatham County's millage rate of 3.371% to get your annual bill. In growing cities like Savannah, reassessments often outpace actual market conditions -- compare your assessed value per square foot to recent closed sales within 1 mile of your home.
What evidence wins a property tax appeal in Savannah?
The strongest evidence is 3-5 comparable sales -- homes similar to yours in size, age, and condition that sold recently for less than your assessed value. In Savannah, there are typically enough recent sales to build a strong case. Focus on per-square-foot price comparisons and adjust for differences in lot size, condition, and amenities.
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.