Wilson County Property Taxes: How They Compare to Nashville & Surrounding Counties (2025 Guide)

If you’re deciding between living in Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Watertown, or another Middle Tennessee suburb, property taxes can make a real difference in your monthly payment. This guide explains how taxes are calculated, why Wilson County often delivers strong savings versus nearby counties, and which areas typically keep your bill lowest.

Quick Snapshot: Where Wilson County Stands

• Wilson County is widely regarded as more affordable than many neighboring counties for overall property tax bills.

• Davidson County (Nashville) generally carries higher total bills, especially inside the urban services district.

• Williamson County often posts lower rates but much higher home values, which can make the actual tax bill larger.

• Rutherford & Sumner are typically competitive with Wilson; your exact bill depends on city vs. county location and property value.

Rates can change with reappraisals and annual budgets. Always confirm the current year’s county and (if applicable) city rate when you’re ready to buy.

How Your Property Tax Bill Is Calculated (Plain English)

1. Assessed Value — Tennessee assesses residential property at 25% of market value.

• Example: $500,000 home → assessed value = $125,000.

2. Tax Rate(s) — Your bill uses the county rate and, if you’re inside city limits, the city rate, both expressed per $100 of assessed value.

3. The Math — (Assessed Value ÷ 100) × (County Rate + City Rate) = Annual Property Tax Bill.

Illustration (for concept only)

If a $500,000 home has a combined county + city rate of $2.65 per $100 of assessed value:

• Assessed value = $125,000

• Tax = ($125,000 ÷ 100) × 2.65 = $3,312.50/year (~$276/month)

Your actual rate will vary by jurisdiction and year—use this just to understand the formula.

Wilson County Cities & Areas: What Typically Lowers Your Bill

• Unincorporated Wilson County (outside city limits):

• You pay the county rate only, so total bills are often lowest here.

• Lebanon (in city limits):

• You’ll add the city rate to the county rate. Bills are still competitive regionally, and value per square foot can offset city taxes.

• Mt. Juliet (in city limits):

• Also adds a city rate; many buyers accept a slightly higher total tax in exchange for proximity to Nashville and amenities.

• Watertown (in city limits):

• Smaller city services and price points can create attractive “total cost of living” scenarios.

Tip: If minimizing taxes is your priority, compare a home inside and outside city limits at similar price points—you’ll see the difference quickly.

Wilson County vs. Nearby Counties

• Davidson County (Nashville):

• Urban services, density, and services typically mean higher overall bills for comparable price points.

• Williamson County:

• Rates can be efficient, but home values are higher, so total taxes paid often end up higher than Wilson.

• Rutherford County (e.g., Murfreesboro):

• Often close to Wilson on total bills; specific neighborhoods and city limits determine the winner.

• Sumner County (e.g., Gallatin, Hendersonville):

• Usually competitive with Wilson; neighborhood choice and city taxes make the difference.

Who Benefits Most From Wilson County’s Tax Profile?

• First-time buyers stretching for the right home and monthly payment.

• Move-up buyers who prefer more house/land without soaring annual taxes.

• Retirees seeking lower fixed housing costs.

• Investors chasing better cash flow and long-term holding efficiency.

3-Step Checklist to Estimate Your Bill

1. Confirm market value (list price or lender appraisal).

2. Find the rates for the county and (if applicable) city for the current year.

3. Calculate using the TN formula:

• Assessed value = 25% of market value

• Annual tax = (Assessed value ÷ 100) × (county + city rate)

Bottom Line

If you want the sweet spot of value + manageable property taxes, Wilson County—and especially communities like Lebanon—deserves a hard look. Lower total tax burdens, strong amenities, and steady growth make it a smart play for homeowners and investors alike.