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Everyone pays school taxes: Breaking down the Warren County property tax bill
VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Trying to understand taxes and what the average citizen’s share of the tax load can be a daunting task. With budgets fresh on everyone’s mind with the recent $80.4M school board budget being passed as of Friday, August 15, many may be wondering exactly how their taxes are calculated — and where the money goes.
Mississippi property taxes are based on an ad valorem system, meaning they are tied to the appraised value of a property. In Warren County, the process begins with the tax assessor determining the true market value of a property as of Jan. 1 each year.
“When it comes to ad valorem taxes and schools—unless you are exempt by homestead law—everyone pays school taxes,” said Ben Luckett Warren County Tax Assessor. “Every industry every commercial business no matter how big or small.”
For owner-occupied homes, the state sets the assessment ratio at 10 percent of that market value. That figure is then multiplied by the local millage rate, with one mill equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 in assessed value.
For the 2024–25 tax year, Warren County property owners inside the city limits pay a combined 153.65 mills, which includes:
- 35.88 mills for the City of Vicksburg
- 62.88 mills for the Vicksburg Warren School District
- 54.89 mills for Warren County government services
A home valued at $150,000, for example, would have an assessed value of $15,000 under the state’s formula. At the current millage rate, that would mean an annual property tax bill of about $2,305 before any exemptions.
Breaking that down further, the city receives $538.20, schools receive $943.20, and the county receives $823.35.
| Taxing Authority | Millage | Formula | Annual Tax |
|---|
| City of Vicksburg | 35.88 | 15 × 35.88 | $538.20 |
| Vicksburg Warren School District | 62.88 | 15 × 62.88 | $943.20 |
| Warren County government | 54.89 | 15 × 54.89 | $823.35 |
Exemptions, such as the homestead exemption for primary residences, can lower the amount owed. Tax bills also fund a variety of services, from law enforcement and roads to schools and municipal operations.
Millage rates are set annually by local governing boards during the budgeting process, and they can rise or fall depending on funding needs. Property owners who disagree with their valuation can appeal through the county tax assessor’s office.
