Cobb County reports slowing home appraisal growth despite steady tax bills

During a recent government meeting in Cobb County, officials highlighted the significant financial benefits of the floating homestead exemption for homeowners. This exemption has proven to be a crucial tool in saving taxpayers money, particularly as property values continue to rise.

The meeting revealed that while Cobb County has experienced a net digest growth of 3.39% in 2025, this figure marks a slowdown compared to previous years, which saw growth rates as high as 8% or 10%. Despite this deceleration, the floating homestead exemption remains a vital aspect of the county's tax structure, especially for primary residences.

A specific example illustrated the impact of this exemption. A home that was valued at over $200,000 in 2018 has now appreciated to approximately $450,000. However, the general fund portion of the homeowner's tax bill has remained steady at around $609 since the date of purchase. Without the floating homestead exemption, the homeowner would face a tax bill of $1,447.64—an increase of $838, nearly a thousand dollars in savings due to the exemption.

This financial relief is particularly important as it contrasts with other tax components, such as those for the school district and fire district, which do not benefit from the same floating exemption. The meeting underscored the necessity of maintaining such exemptions to support residents amid rising property values.

As Cobb County continues to navigate its fiscal landscape, the floating homestead exemption stands out as a key measure in protecting homeowners from escalating tax burdens, ensuring that the community can thrive even in changing economic conditions.