What’s Changing: Property Tax in Chillicothe / Ross County

What Chillicothe Homeowners Need to Know About the 2025 Property Tax Changes

Ross County is facing significant increases in property valuations for 2025, which will have direct implications for property taxes. Key points:

• The Ohio Department of Taxation has adjusted its recommended increase in residential property values in Ross County to +29% for 2025. Scioto Post

• Previously, estimates were for around a 19 % rise; the jump to 29 % reflects updated data. Scioto Post

• Agricultural and commercial values are increasing too (≈ 25 % for agricultural, ≈ 34 % for commercial) under the same review. Scioto Post

• Around $7.5 million in additional unvoted property taxes may be imposed on local residents due to this reappraisal. Scioto Post

• On a more positive note, Ross County recently approved a cut in its general fund property tax levy rate, reducing it from 3.1 mills to 2.4 mills (a ≈ 22 % drop) to help offset some tax burden. Scioto Post

So, there are two major forces: rising valuations that tend to push tax bills up, and local efforts to reduce rates in certain levies.

What This Means for Homeowners

For those who already own homes in Chillicothe / Ross County:

1. Expect larger tax bills
   Because property values are jumping, unless adjusted downward elsewhere or through exemptions/credits, your tax bill could go up significantly.

2. Check exemptions & credits carefully

   • The Homestead Exemption is available to certain senior or disabled homeowners; it can reduce the taxable value of your home. Ross County Ohio

   • There is also an Owner Occupancy Credit for qualifying principal residences in Ross County. Ross County Ohio

   • If you currently benefit from exemptions under older rules (for example, those in place prior to certain law changes), those may be preserved. Ross County Ohio

3. You can appeal your valuation
   If you believe your property has been overvalued (relative to its condition, comparable sales, etc.), the Ross County Board of Revision is the place to go. Evidence like recent sales of similar homes, the physical condition of the property (photos, maintenance), etc., can help. Ross County Ohio+2Ownwell+2

4. Budgeting becomes more important
   As your tax liability may increase, homeowners should plan ahead—not just for mortgage, maintenance, and utilities—but higher property taxes during the year. If you pay in installments or escrow, check how your lender is calculating.

What This Means for Buyers / People Thinking of Buying Now

If you’re in the market to buy a home in the Chillicothe area, these changes affect you in multiple ways:

1. Higher carrying cost of homeownership
   The property tax piece of monthly or annual cost will likely be higher. Even if valuations don’t rise immediately for your particular house after purchase, the trends suggest rising assessments could lead to higher taxes in future years.

2. Factor Tax into “all in” cost
   When comparing homes, looking purely at asking price or mortgage payments isn’t enough. Be sure to estimate property tax based on current valuations and projected increases (or what similar homes are paying). This may influence which neighborhoods or types of homes make sense financially.

3. Opportunity for negotiation / timing

   • Buying before the new assessments fully take effect could save you some tax dollars early on.

   • Sellers may need to adjust expectations if buyers are factoring in higher taxes.

   • If you're buying a home that was recently assessed or is likely to see a large valuation increase, that could affect affordability or how much you are willing to offer.

4. Exemptions & credits still matter
   If you qualify for homestead, senior, disabled, or other state/local credits, these can help soften the blow of rising tax rates/valuations. For buyers, knowing whether a property currently has exemptions, or whether you yourself will qualify, should be part of your due diligence.

5. Resale implications
   Higher property taxes can affect how desirable certain homes are to future buyers, potentially influencing resale value and market demand. Homes in areas with lower effective tax rates or favorable exemptions may become more attractive.

What Can Be Done / What to Watch

For both current homeowners and prospective buyers, here are some actions and considerations:

• Keep an eye on assessment notices when they arrive (often in spring). Examine the market value vs. your home’s features/condition.

• If the assessed value looks too high, gather comparables (recent sales of similar homes), photos of needed repairs, or features that may lower the valuation, and appeal.

• Explore all tax relief programs (homestead, senior/disabled, veteran, owner occupancy credits). See if you qualify, and make sure any applications are filed appropriately and on time.

• Consider working with real estate professionals (agents, appraisers) who understand local tax trends so you can make informed decisions.

• Budget conservatively when buying: add extra for taxes, knowing they may increase over time.

Why The Tomlinson Group Thinks This Matters

At The Tomlinson Group, we’re committed to helping homeowners and buyers not just find the right property—but understand all costs attached to owning it. Property taxes are often one of the bigger hidden costs, especially when valuations are rising rapidly. By staying informed, assessing tax impact, and leveraging available reliefs, we can help clients make smarter decisions, avoid surprises, and protect equity.

If you have questions about how the new property tax rates impact you or want to explore homes in Chillicothe, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Tomlinson Group at +1 (740) 672-2444 or visit www.thetomlinson.group. We’re here to help you every step of the way!