Independence Township vs Waterford Township: property taxes compared
Waterford Township is the cheaper of the two. Its lowest homestead rate is 30.4079 mills against Independence Township's 32.4766 — about $362 a year less on a $350,000 home at the uncapped taxable value.
Side by side
| Municipality | Homestead mills | County rank | $250,000 | $350,000 | $500,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterford Township | 30.4079–34.6099 | 14 of 52 | $3,801 | $5,321 | $7,602 |
| Independence Township | 32.4766–35.0819 | 23 of 52 | $4,060 | $5,683 | $8,119 |
Dollar columns are the annual homestead bill at the uncapped taxable value — roughly half the purchase price. Multi-district cities show their full rate range; the rank and dollar figures use each city's lowest district.
Same schools, different bill
These two municipalities share 2 school districts. A school district is not a taxing unit — the city millage stacks on top — so the same classrooms can cost a different amount per year depending on which side of the municipal line the house sits.
| Shared district | Independence Township | Waterford Township | Gap on $350k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarkston Community School District | 32.7266 | 34.6099 | $330/yr |
| Waterford School District | 32.4766 | 34.3599 | $330/yr |
Common questions
Is Independence Township or Waterford Township cheaper for property taxes?
Waterford Township is the cheaper of the two. Its lowest homestead rate is 30.4079 mills against Independence Township's 32.4766 — about $362 a year less on a $350,000 home at the uncapped taxable value.
How much more are property taxes in Independence Township than Waterford Township?
About $362 a year on a $350,000 home — 32.4766 mills versus 30.4079 at each city's lowest homestead rate, using the official 2025 Michigan Treasury millage report.
Do Independence Township and Waterford Township share any school districts?
Yes — Clarkston Community School District, Waterford School District. The rate still differs across the municipal line because city millage stacks on top of the school levy, so the same district can cost more in one city than the other.
Will my bill match what the listing shows?
Usually not, in either city. Michigan taxable value uncaps the year after a sale and resets to roughly half the purchase price, so the seller's capped bill on the listing is almost always lower than what you will pay.