Page 33 - Discover Hancock County

Local Property
Tax Breaks
Taxes may be one of the only sure
things in life, but Hancock County
homeowners have fewer to worry about.
The Hancock County Tax Assessor points
to several tax breaks available to local
property owners.
“We have a very low effective tax rate
compared to other tourist destinations,
and it’s very stable. In addition, the first
$75,000 of a home’s value is exempt for
anyone over 65,” says Jimmie Ladner,
Hancock County Tax Assessor.
Once the Homestead Exemption is
approved it also freezes the assessed
value on the property if the over 65
homestead applies. This protects seniors
from reassessment due to market value
increases.
In addition to low taxes, Hancock
County has one of the most affordable
housing markets in the South, offering
everything from master planned
communities to historic homes and
available land for new construction.
Residential property is taxed at
10% of assessed value and then by a
local millage rate. The market value is
determined by the local tax assessor,
and a willingness to listen if there’s a
dispute. Automobiles are assessed at
30% of market value, and the tax is
reduced each year by a percentage
designated by Legislature.
Home Insurance
Insurance rates are based on many
different variables. Contact a local
Hancock Chamber member insurance
agent for details.
Kiln/Hancock County
Average Sale Price
$303,332
Regular Homestead
$2,612
Over 65 Homestead
$2,192
No Homestead
$4,368
Bay St. Louis
Average Sale Price
Regular Homestead
Over 65 Homestead
No Homestead
$363,507
$4,051
$3,453
$6,527
Waveland
Average Sale Price
Regular Homestead
Over 65 Homestead
No Homestead
$318,761
$3,975
$3,269
$6,412
Questions?
Contact the Hancock County Tax
Assessor at (228) 467-4425
or visit www.hancockcounty.ms.gov.
Diamondhead
Average Sale Price
Regular Homestead
Over 65 Homestead
No Homestead
$262,190
$2,990
$2,349
$4,936
Sources: Hancock County Port & Harbor
Commission and Hancock County Tax
Assessor’s Office
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