Watsonville, California Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Watsonville, CA is 1.23%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the California state median of 1.21%. With the median home value in Watsonville at $366,612, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,788, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Watsonville are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Watsonville's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Watsonville or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Watsonville, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.21%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,420
Ownwell’s Watsonville Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Watsonville with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Watsonville to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Watsonville, California
Property taxes in Watsonville, CA, are essential for funding crucial local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Watsonville is 1.23%, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities in Watsonville set these rates annually, and they can vary considerably across different neighborhoods. Each year, Watsonville estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Watsonville's effective property tax rate to other areas in Santa Cruz County and the national median. For comparison, the 95076 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.23%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 1.23%. Understanding how these areas compare with Watsonville provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Santa Cruz County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Watsonville Tax Rate
1.23%
Average Santa Cruz County Tax Rate
1.26%
Average California Tax Rate
1.21%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Watsonville, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95076 | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.23% | 1.34% | 1.64% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watsonville, California
In Watsonville, California, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Santa Cruz County Assessor for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In Watsonville, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. In Watsonville, the median home price is $366,612, with property tax bills ranging from $2,812 at the 25th percentile to $10,354 at the 90th percentile. The zip code 95076 has the highest and lowest median tax bill at $4,788. Being aware of these valuation processes helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Average Watsonville Assessed Value
$366,612
Average Santa Cruz County Assessed Value
$477,836
Average California Assessed Value
$378,421
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watsonville, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95076 | $82,407 | $204,031 | $366,612 | $579,578 | $827,999 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Watsonville, California
In Watsonville, located in Santa Cruz County, CA, property tax bills are determined based on the assessed value of a home, which is typically a percentage of the market value. The median home price in Watsonville is $366,612. Property taxes are calculated by applying the local tax rate to the assessed value. For example, if a home is assessed at the median price, the tax bill can vary significantly based on various factors, such as exemptions or special assessments. Homeowners in Watsonville can expect their property tax bills to range widely. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill is around $2,812, while the 75th percentile tax bill can reach up to $7,355. At the higher end, the 90th percentile tax bill is approximately $10,354. These figures indicate that while some homeowners may have relatively moderate tax bills, others could face significantly higher amounts. Understanding these factors is crucial for homeowners when budgeting for annual property taxes and assessing the long-term affordability of their homes.
Average Watsonville Tax Bill
$4,788
Average Santa Cruz County Tax Bill
$6,319
Average California Tax Bill
$4,683
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Watsonville, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95076 | $1,359 | $2,812 | $4,788 | $7,355 | $10,354 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | November 30 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Santa Cruz Tax Assessor | |
| Website | sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us |