Lake Charles, Louisiana Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Lake Charles, LA is 0.77%, considerably lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Louisiana state median of 0.91%. With the median home value in Lake Charles, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $634, significantly below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Lake Charles are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Lake Charles'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 Lake Charles 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
Lake Charles, Louisiana Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.91%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,820
Ownwell’s Lake Charles Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Lake Charles with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Lake Charles 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 Calcasieu County for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
Property taxes in Lake Charles, Louisiana, are vital in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Lake Charles is 0.77%, lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Lake Charles set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles's effective property tax rate to other areas in Louisiana and the national median. For comparison, the 70629 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.84%, while the 70607 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 0.73%. Understanding how these areas compare with Lake Charles provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Calcasieu Parish, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Lake Charles Tax Rate
0.77%
Average Calcasieu County Tax Rate
0.79%
Average Louisiana Tax Rate
0.91%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70601 | 0.15% | 0.15% | 0.93% | 1.16% | 1.16% |
| 70605 | 0.32% | 0.57% | 0.74% | 0.97% | 1.07% |
| 70607 | 0.15% | 0.35% | 0.73% | 1.01% | 1.01% |
| 70611 | 0.33% | 0.60% | 0.75% | 1.06% | 1.07% |
| 70615 | 0.15% | 0.36% | 1.07% | 1.16% | 1.28% |
| 70629 | 1.84% | 1.84% | 1.84% | 1.84% | 1.84% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
In Lake Charles, Louisiana, 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 for tax purposes by the Calcasieu Parish Assessor's Office. 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 Lake Charles, 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. For instance, the median home price is $92,300, with tax bills ranging from $278 at the 25th percentile to $2,350 at the 90th percentile. The highest median tax bill is $2,065 in zip code 70629, while the lowest is $351 in zip code 70601. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Lake Charles helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Average Lake Charles Assessed Value
$92,300
Average Calcasieu County Assessed Value
$83,800
Average Louisiana Assessed Value
$105,500
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70601 | $24,000 | $34,400 | $54,100 | $87,500 | $147,470 |
| 70605 | $56,700 | $99,900 | $171,300 | $265,000 | $380,400 |
| 70607 | $33,500 | $47,375 | $79,200 | $157,200 | $225,100 |
| 70611 | $34,200 | $73,400 | $153,000 | $217,650 | $280,720 |
| 70615 | $19,730 | $33,025 | $51,550 | $85,175 | $160,010 |
| 70629 | $112,000 | $112,000 | $112,000 | $112,000 | $112,000 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
Property tax bills in Lake Charles, located in Calcasieu Parish, are calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is typically a percentage of its market value. For instance, with a median home price of $92,300, the assessed value forms the basis for the tax bill. Various factors, including property size, location, and condition, influence this assessed value. The tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to determine the final tax bill. Homeowners in Lake Charles experience a range of tax bills. The 25th percentile tax bill is around $278, while the 75th percentile reaches up to $1,401. For those at the 90th percentile, the tax bill can be as high as $2,350. The highest median tax bill in the area is $2,065, found in the 70629 zip code, whereas the lowest is $351 in the 70601 zip code. These property taxes significantly impact homeowners, affecting their annual expenses and potentially influencing their decision to buy or sell property in the area.
Average Lake Charles Tax Bill
$634
Average Calcasieu County Tax Bill
$588
Average Louisiana Tax Bill
$865
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70601 | $60 | $105 | $351 | $662 | $1,225 |
| 70605 | $244 | $594 | $1,221 | $2,107 | $3,276 |
| 70607 | $82 | $246 | $522 | $1,133 | $1,819 |
| 70611 | $203 | $461 | $990 | $1,679 | $2,402 |
| 70615 | $68 | $167 | $403 | $707 | $1,357 |
| 70629 | $2,065 | $2,065 | $2,065 | $2,065 | $2,065 |
Source: Ownwell