Dauphin County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Dauphin County is 2.88%, which is significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Pennsylvania state median of 2.81%. With the median home value in Dauphin County at $99,700, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,037, which exceeds the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Dauphin County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Dauphin County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Harrisburg or another part of Dauphin County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Dauphin County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
2.88%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,871
Ownwell’s Dauphin County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Dauphin County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Dauphin County to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Dauphin County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Dauphin County is 2.88%, which is significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Dauphin County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Dauphin County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares Dauphin County's effective property tax rate with other areas and the national median. For comparison, the city of Highspire has one of the higher property tax rates in the region at 5.37%, while the city of Dauphin boasts one of the lowest at 2.47%. Analyzing how Dauphin County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Dauphin County Tax Rate
2.88%
Average Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bainbridge | 3.12% | 3.12% | 3.12% | 3.12% | 3.12% |
| Berrysburg | 2.97% | 2.97% | 2.97% | 2.97% | 2.97% |
| Bressler | 2.83% | 2.83% | 2.83% | 2.83% | 2.83% |
| Dalmatia | 2.72% | 3.02% | 3.02% | 3.02% | 3.02% |
| Dauphin | 2.47% | 2.47% | 2.47% | 2.47% | 3.07% |
| Duncannon | 3.32% | 3.32% | 3.32% | 3.32% | 3.32% |
| Elizabethtown | 2.62% | 2.62% | 2.62% | 3.12% | 3.12% |
| Elizabethville | 2.72% | 2.84% | 2.84% | 3.29% | 3.29% |
| Grantville | 2.66% | 2.66% | 2.66% | 2.66% | 2.66% |
| Gratz | 2.72% | 2.74% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 2.75% |
| Halifax | 3.02% | 3.09% | 3.17% | 3.17% | 3.32% |
| Harrisburg | 2.69% | 2.69% | 2.83% | 3.69% | 4.88% |
| Hegins | 2.72% | 2.72% | 2.72% | 2.72% | 2.72% |
| Herndon | 2.72% | 2.72% | 2.72% | 2.72% | 2.72% |
| Hershey | 2.66% | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.88% |
| Highspire | 5.37% | 5.37% | 5.37% | 5.37% | 5.37% |
| Hummelstown | 2.67% | 2.67% | 2.88% | 2.88% | 2.90% |
| Lykens | 2.72% | 2.84% | 3.14% | 3.18% | 3.18% |
| Middletown | 3.12% | 3.47% | 3.47% | 4.12% | 4.12% |
| Millersburg | 3.02% | 3.02% | 3.02% | 3.72% | 3.72% |
| Oberlin | 2.83% | 2.83% | 2.83% | 2.83% | 2.83% |
| Palmyra | 2.66% | 2.66% | 2.66% | 2.88% | 2.88% |
| Paxtang | 3.69% | 3.69% | 3.69% | 3.69% | 3.69% |
| Penbrook | 3.64% | 3.64% | 3.64% | 3.64% | 3.64% |
| Pillow | 3.27% | 3.27% | 3.27% | 3.27% | 3.27% |
| Spring Glen | 2.72% | 2.72% | 2.72% | 2.72% | 2.72% |
| Steelton | 4.97% | 4.97% | 4.97% | 4.97% | 4.97% |
| Swatara | 3.69% | 3.69% | 3.69% | 3.69% | 3.69% |
| Tower City | 2.60% | 2.60% | 2.60% | 2.60% | 2.60% |
| West Hanover | 2.60% | 2.60% | 2.60% | 2.60% | 2.60% |
| Wiconisco | 3.14% | 3.14% | 3.14% | 3.14% | 3.14% |
| Williamstown | 2.75% | 2.75% | 3.21% | 3.21% | 3.21% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
In Dauphin County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Dauphin County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, 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. Assessment notices in Dauphin County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. Being aware of these valuation processes in Dauphin County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively. In the county, Hummelstown has the highest median tax bill at $4,103, while Wiconisco has the lowest at $1,258.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$40,100
$92,250
$144,400
Average Dauphin County Assessed Value
$99,700
Average Pennsylvania Assessed Value
$114,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bainbridge | $64,430 | $64,475 | $64,550 | $64,625 | $64,670 |
| Berrysburg | $28,860 | $38,300 | $48,900 | $65,900 | $99,160 |
| Bressler | $62,800 | $70,900 | $87,050 | $130,825 | $163,840 |
| Dalmatia | $30,870 | $57,375 | $81,200 | $129,550 | $208,310 |
| Dauphin | $54,920 | $81,250 | $106,200 | $144,250 | $204,220 |
| Duncannon | $82,200 | $82,200 | $82,200 | $82,200 | $82,200 |
| Elizabethtown | $12,390 | $50,100 | $106,850 | $175,550 | $279,640 |
| Elizabethville | $45,000 | $60,875 | $89,000 | $128,025 | $192,750 |
| Grantville | $12,290 | $32,375 | $84,050 | $136,375 | $204,020 |
| Gratz | $37,950 | $47,900 | $69,450 | $108,600 | $161,400 |
| Halifax | $35,200 | $66,825 | $98,600 | $142,475 | $200,000 |
| Harrisburg | $39,300 | $63,800 | $100,200 | $141,000 | $215,900 |
| Hegins | $70,700 | $73,100 | $122,700 | $180,400 | $181,660 |
| Herndon | $38,780 | $72,500 | $128,700 | $381,100 | $532,540 |
| Hershey | $79,810 | $102,225 | $139,400 | $194,175 | $269,860 |
| Highspire | $28,290 | $49,925 | $64,050 | $78,575 | $92,130 |
| Hummelstown | $81,100 | $103,400 | $144,400 | $212,500 | $321,600 |
| Lykens | $24,000 | $36,000 | $50,650 | $82,025 | $148,710 |
| Middletown | $20,800 | $63,375 | $86,000 | $123,300 | $188,600 |
| Millersburg | $32,600 | $49,975 | $78,900 | $122,150 | $192,590 |
| Oberlin | $63,850 | $85,050 | $116,800 | $125,950 | $137,400 |
| Palmyra | $72,250 | $90,400 | $124,650 | $196,000 | $263,950 |
| Paxtang | $60,380 | $60,650 | $61,300 | $67,925 | $78,950 |
| Penbrook | $64,620 | $65,700 | $70,250 | $83,075 | $99,050 |
| Pillow | $18,940 | $35,100 | $51,000 | $65,050 | $85,460 |
| Spring Glen | $62,220 | $84,500 | $114,400 | $186,750 | $353,600 |
| Steelton | $29,320 | $35,700 | $46,600 | $63,550 | $86,300 |
| Swatara | $53,450 | $55,825 | $58,050 | $59,375 | $77,550 |
| Tower City | $21,000 | $39,250 | $56,900 | $75,950 | $102,500 |
| West Hanover | $125,670 | $126,075 | $126,750 | $127,425 | $127,830 |
| Wiconisco | $20,500 | $33,450 | $40,100 | $57,150 | $70,800 |
| Williamstown | $24,270 | $31,600 | $41,100 | $55,275 | $81,260 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
In Dauphin County, PA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a property and the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the county's assessment office and reflects a percentage of the property's market value. Homeowners in Dauphin County can expect a median property tax bill of approximately $2,227 at the 25th percentile, rising to about $4,323 at the 75th percentile, and reaching up to $6,359 at the 90th percentile. Several factors influence the property tax bill, including the property's location, size, and condition. For instance, homes in Hummelstown face the highest median tax bill at $4,103, while those in Wiconisco enjoy the lowest at $1,258. These variations can significantly impact homeowners' finances, making it crucial to understand how local assessments and tax rates affect individual tax obligations. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Dauphin County's rates can be notably higher, underscoring the importance of accurate assessments and potential appeals.
Average Dauphin County Tax Bill
$3,037
Average Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bainbridge | $2,010 | $2,011 | $2,014 | $2,016 | $2,017 |
| Berrysburg | $856 | $1,136 | $1,451 | $1,955 | $2,942 |
| Bressler | $1,921 | $2,109 | $2,608 | $3,707 | $4,643 |
| Dalmatia | $932 | $1,686 | $2,451 | $3,910 | $6,287 |
| Dauphin | $1,471 | $2,112 | $2,699 | $3,692 | $5,311 |
| Duncannon | $2,730 | $2,730 | $2,730 | $2,730 | $2,730 |
| Elizabethtown | $371 | $1,483 | $3,005 | $4,894 | $7,791 |
| Elizabethville | $1,447 | $1,894 | $2,620 | $3,679 | $5,470 |
| Grantville | $326 | $860 | $2,232 | $3,622 | $5,418 |
| Gratz | $1,043 | $1,316 | $1,908 | $2,983 | $4,389 |
| Halifax | $1,142 | $2,107 | $3,059 | $4,387 | $6,197 |
| Harrisburg | $1,722 | $2,295 | $2,999 | $4,137 | $6,042 |
| Hegins | $1,921 | $1,986 | $3,334 | $4,901 | $4,936 |
| Herndon | $1,054 | $1,970 | $3,497 | $10,354 | $14,469 |
| Hershey | $2,279 | $2,931 | $4,004 | $5,522 | $7,714 |
| Highspire | $1,519 | $2,665 | $3,426 | $4,193 | $4,927 |
| Hummelstown | $2,277 | $2,908 | $4,103 | $5,975 | $9,001 |
| Lykens | $750 | $1,126 | $1,566 | $2,390 | $4,194 |
| Middletown | $711 | $2,297 | $3,183 | $4,396 | $6,504 |
| Millersburg | $1,095 | $1,720 | $2,566 | $3,798 | $5,840 |
| Oberlin | $1,850 | $2,623 | $3,310 | $3,569 | $3,894 |
| Palmyra | $2,083 | $2,559 | $3,356 | $5,228 | $7,060 |
| Paxtang | $2,229 | $2,239 | $2,263 | $2,508 | $2,915 |
| Penbrook | $2,352 | $2,391 | $2,556 | $3,023 | $3,604 |
| Pillow | $619 | $1,147 | $1,666 | $2,125 | $2,792 |
| Spring Glen | $1,691 | $2,296 | $3,108 | $5,074 | $9,607 |
| Steelton | $1,456 | $1,764 | $2,306 | $3,087 | $4,100 |
| Swatara | $1,973 | $2,061 | $2,143 | $2,192 | $2,863 |
| Tower City | $546 | $1,020 | $1,479 | $1,975 | $2,663 |
| West Hanover | $3,269 | $3,280 | $3,297 | $3,315 | $3,326 |
| Wiconisco | $643 | $1,049 | $1,258 | $1,792 | $2,221 |
| Williamstown | $727 | $957 | $1,261 | $1,654 | $2,322 |
Source: Ownwell
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