Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Bethlehem, PA is 4.42%, significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Pennsylvania state median of 2.81%. With a median home value of $117,600 in Bethlehem, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,704, far exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Bethlehem are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions, such as primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Bethlehem's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to substantial annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Bethlehem or another part of Northampton County, comprehending the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
4.42%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,198
Ownwell’s Bethlehem Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Bethlehem with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Bethlehem is 4.42%, significantly higher than the Pennsylvania state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Bethlehem set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem's effective property tax rate to other areas in Northampton County and the national median. For comparison, the 18018 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 4.42%, while the 18020 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 3.85%. Understanding how these areas compare with Bethlehem provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Northampton County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Bethlehem Tax Rate
4.42%
Average Northampton County Tax Rate
3.95%
Average Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18015 | 3.53% | 3.53% | 4.42% | 4.42% | 4.42% |
| 18017 | 3.66% | 3.66% | 4.42% | 4.42% | 4.42% |
| 18018 | 4.42% | 4.42% | 4.42% | 4.42% | 4.42% |
| 18020 | 3.60% | 3.85% | 3.85% | 3.85% | 3.85% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 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 Northampton County Assessment Office 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 Bethlehem, 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 in Bethlehem is $117,600, with tax bills ranging from $3,500 at the 25th percentile to $8,671 at the 90th percentile. The highest median tax bill of $5,382 is found in zip code 18020, while the lowest median tax bill of $2,996 is in zip code 18015. By understanding these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Average Bethlehem Assessed Value
$117,600
Average Northampton County Assessed Value
$115,200
Average Pennsylvania Assessed Value
$114,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18015 | $42,600 | $53,800 | $70,400 | $132,000 | $266,800 |
| 18017 | $85,200 | $104,000 | $128,000 | $175,200 | $227,000 |
| 18018 | $64,600 | $70,600 | $78,600 | $91,800 | $111,800 |
| 18020 | $97,000 | $116,200 | $140,400 | $186,600 | $236,800 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
In Bethlehem, located in Northampton County, PA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by local assessors. The median home price in the city is $117,600. Homeowners' tax bills can vary significantly depending on the assessed value of their property and the specific tax rate applied by local authorities. For example, tax bills in Bethlehem range from the 25th percentile at $3,500 to the 90th percentile at $8,671. Several factors contribute to the final tax bill, including the property's assessed value, local tax rates, and any applicable exemptions. Homeowners in the zip code 18020 face the highest median tax bill of $5,382, while those in zip code 18015 see the lowest median tax bill at $2,996. These tax rates can significantly impact homeowners' finances, especially when compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%. Understanding these variables is crucial for homeowners looking to manage their property tax liabilities effectively.
Average Bethlehem Tax Bill
$4,704
Average Northampton County Tax Bill
$4,642
Average Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18015 | $1,883 | $2,351 | $2,996 | $4,910 | $9,517 |
| 18017 | $3,659 | $4,375 | $5,295 | $6,817 | $8,804 |
| 18018 | $2,855 | $3,114 | $3,465 | $4,048 | $4,914 |
| 18020 | $3,716 | $4,435 | $5,382 | $7,152 | $9,065 |
Source: Ownwell