Lake Charles, Louisiana Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Lake Charles, LA is 0.91%, aligning with the state median but slightly below the national median of 0.99%. With a median home value of $84,000, the typical annual property tax bill in Lake Charles is $761, which is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Lake Charles are calculated based on the assessed value, which often falls below the market value thanks to various exemptions such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. By understanding Lake Charles's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions, homeowners and real estate investors can achieve substantial annual savings. Whether you're residing in Lake Charles or investing in its real estate, a thorough grasp of the local property tax system is essential for maximizing financial benefits.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Lake Charles, Louisiana Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.91%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$764
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 the 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, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Lake Charles is 0.91%, which is lower than both the Louisiana state median and 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 counties in Louisiana and the national median. For comparison, the 70611 zip code has both the highest and the lowest median property tax rate of 0.91%. Understanding how these areas compare with Lake Charles provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Jefferson Davis, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Lake Charles Tax Rate
0.91%
Average Jefferson Davis County Tax Rate
1.00%
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70611 | 0.91% | 0.91% | 0.91% | 0.91% | 0.93% |
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 by the Jefferson Davis County Appraisal District 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 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. 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. The median home price in Lake Charles is $84,000, with the highest and lowest median tax bills both at $761 in zip code 70611.
Average Lake Charles Assessed Value
$84,000
Average Jefferson Davis County Assessed Value
$71,000
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70611 | $48,380 | $67,650 | $84,000 | $96,000 | $103,304 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
In Lake Charles, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is typically a percentage of its market value. For instance, with a median home price of $84,000, the property tax rate in Jefferson Davis County is applied to determine the annual tax bill. Several factors influence the tax bill, including the home's assessed value, local tax rates, and any applicable exemptions. Homeowners in Lake Charles can expect property tax bills to vary significantly. For example, the 25th percentile tax bill is around $613, while the 75th percentile tax bill reaches $870. At the higher end, the 90th percentile tax bill is approximately $962. These variations can impact homeowners' financial planning and budgeting. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Lake Charles homeowners experience a relatively moderate tax burden. Understanding these factors helps homeowners anticipate their annual tax obligations and manage their finances more effectively.
Average Lake Charles Tax Bill
$761
Average Jefferson Davis County Tax Bill
$712
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70611 | $438 | $613 | $761 | $870 | $962 |
Source: Ownwell