Sonoma County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Sonoma County is 1.15%, which is significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the California state median of 1.21%. With the median home value in Sonoma County, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $5,028, which exceeds the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Santa Rosa or another part of Sonoma County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Sonoma County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.21%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,420
$1,272
$1,148
Average Sonoma County Tax Savings
Ownwell’s Sonoma Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Sonoma with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Sonoma to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool not only helps you understand potential tax liabilities but also highlights how Ownwell can help lower property taxes in Sonoma. 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 Sonoma County, California
Property taxes in Sonoma County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Sonoma County is 1.15%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Sonoma County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Sonoma 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 Sonoma County's effective property tax rate with other counties and the national median. For comparison, the city of Timber Cove has one of the higher property tax rates at 2.79%, while the city of Calistoga boasts one of the lowest at 1.07%. Analyzing how Sonoma County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Sonoma County Tax Rate
1.15%
Average California Tax Rate
1.21%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Sonoma County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agua Caliente | 1.28% | 1.42% | 1.48% | 2.33% | 6.95% |
| Annapolis | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.21% | 1.37% | 2.07% |
| Bodega | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.20% | 1.43% |
| Bodega Bay | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.14% | 1.18% | 1.29% |
| Boyes Hot Springs | 1.36% | 1.41% | 1.62% | 2.05% | 3.33% |
| Calistoga | 1.03% | 1.05% | 1.07% | 1.11% | 1.34% |
| Camp Meeker | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cazadero | 1.07% | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.21% | 1.48% |
| Cloverdale | 1.16% | 1.25% | 1.28% | 1.32% | 1.44% |
| Cotati | 1.18% | 1.20% | 1.24% | 1.30% | 1.42% |
| Duncans Mills | 1.14% | 1.15% | 1.16% | 1.18% | 1.47% |
| El Verano | 1.28% | 1.39% | 1.57% | 2.12% | 2.84% |
| Fetters Hot Springs | 0.99% | 1.32% | 1.38% | 1.54% | 1.85% |
| Forestville | 1.15% | 1.18% | 1.29% | 1.76% | 3.61% |
| Fulton | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.14% | 1.18% | 1.30% |
| Geyserville | 1.09% | 1.14% | 1.32% | 1.58% | 2.68% |
| Glen Ellen | 1.12% | 1.16% | 1.27% | 1.54% | 2.16% |
| Graton | 1.26% | 1.41% | 1.62% | 2.05% | 2.68% |
| Gualala | 1.28% | 1.28% | 1.28% | 1.28% | 1.28% |
| Guerneville | 1.20% | 1.47% | 1.78% | 2.50% | 4.86% |
| Healdsburg | 1.14% | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.21% | 1.30% |
| Jenner | 1.12% | 1.15% | 1.21% | 1.41% | 1.91% |
| Kenwood | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.26% |
| Mh Petaluma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mh Unincorp County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Monte Rio | 1.15% | 1.20% | 1.28% | 1.52% | 2.12% |
| Occidental | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.17% | 1.36% | 1.84% |
| Penngrove | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.26% | 1.50% | 2.04% |
| Petaluma | 1.08% | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.13% | 1.18% |
| Rio Nido | 1.59% | 1.83% | 2.20% | 3.28% | 7.29% |
| Rohnert Park | 1.14% | 1.15% | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.30% |
| Santa Rosa | 1.06% | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.14% | 1.24% |
| Scottsdale | 1.14% | 1.14% | 1.14% | 1.14% | 1.14% |
| Sea Ranch | 1.04% | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.15% | 1.32% |
| Sebastopol | 1.13% | 1.15% | 1.18% | 1.25% | 1.49% |
| Sonoma | 1.15% | 1.23% | 1.36% | 1.56% | 1.95% |
| The Sea Ranch | 1.05% | 1.08% | 1.12% | 1.22% | 1.36% |
| Timber Cove | 2.79% | 2.79% | 2.79% | 2.79% | 2.79% |
| Tulare | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unincorp County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unknown | 1.12% | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.15% | 1.16% |
| Valley Ford | 1.10% | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.23% | 1.62% |
| Villa Grande | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.15% |
| Windsor | 1.16% | 1.18% | 1.20% | 1.23% | 1.28% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Sonoma County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sonoma County, California
In Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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. For example, the median home price in Sonoma County is $444,836, with tax bills ranging from $2,929 at the 25th percentile to $10,636 at the 90th percentile. Being aware of these valuation processes in Sonoma County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sonoma County, California
Source: Ownwell
$24,598
$1,130,232
$2,235,865
Average Sonoma County Assessed Value
$444,836
Average California Assessed Value
$378,421
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sonoma County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agua Caliente | $8,731 | $28,640 | $104,040 | $160,829 | $295,988 |
| Annapolis | $23,616 | $83,787 | $180,448 | $347,590 | $509,271 |
| Bodega | $52,383 | $135,033 | $541,350 | $775,615 | $1,060,800 |
| Bodega Bay | $235,693 | $457,148 | $745,496 | $1,080,607 | $1,500,365 |
| Boyes Hot Springs | $75,843 | $164,589 | $288,130 | $502,826 | $644,878 |
| Calistoga | $29,663 | $116,570 | $398,237 | $862,312 | $1,506,201 |
| Camp Meeker | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cazadero | $25,374 | $86,435 | $244,582 | $430,990 | $588,574 |
| Cloverdale | $121,815 | $237,403 | $396,498 | $573,625 | $712,693 |
| Cotati | $155,148 | $272,396 | $414,909 | $621,000 | $830,613 |
| Duncans Mills | $269,756 | $461,276 | $523,386 | $553,116 | $604,702 |
| El Verano | $84,946 | $163,403 | $324,826 | $502,334 | $709,016 |
| Fetters Hot Springs | $411,924 | $558,264 | $606,048 | $723,826 | $1,212,168 |
| Forestville | $15,270 | $100,518 | $299,142 | $519,922 | $754,594 |
| Fulton | $90,078 | $208,586 | $393,802 | $653,174 | $907,432 |
| Geyserville | $37,784 | $147,882 | $400,083 | $699,760 | $1,300,388 |
| Glen Ellen | $83,774 | $229,434 | $530,126 | $999,879 | $1,718,157 |
| Graton | $96,400 | $206,891 | $396,093 | $637,041 | $820,924 |
| Gualala | $652,671 | $652,671 | $652,671 | $652,671 | $652,671 |
| Guerneville | $34,525 | $139,262 | $304,364 | $473,536 | $655,428 |
| Healdsburg | $112,543 | $261,716 | $535,949 | $874,402 | $1,457,282 |
| Jenner | $52,898 | $142,313 | $385,505 | $746,552 | $1,061,927 |
| Kenwood | $67,480 | $227,266 | $569,355 | $1,013,284 | $1,932,033 |
| Mh Petaluma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mh Unincorp County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Monte Rio | $56,712 | $139,191 | $300,353 | $494,700 | $723,216 |
| Occidental | $81,566 | $246,737 | $520,788 | $909,154 | $1,305,777 |
| Penngrove | $117,543 | $287,078 | $611,626 | $955,148 | $1,276,825 |
| Petaluma | $128,591 | $280,076 | $481,417 | $720,378 | $953,015 |
| Rio Nido | $39,735 | $111,705 | $247,150 | $375,298 | $522,440 |
| Rohnert Park | $160,125 | $253,334 | $386,298 | $595,526 | $736,160 |
| Santa Rosa | $132,776 | $259,713 | $427,409 | $627,236 | $836,474 |
| Scottsdale | $2,235,865 | $2,235,865 | $2,235,865 | $2,235,865 | $2,235,865 |
| Sea Ranch | $189,211 | $445,888 | $780,860 | $1,300,500 | $1,860,066 |
| Sebastopol | $117,441 | $266,676 | $510,000 | $828,641 | $1,150,000 |
| Sonoma | $161,406 | $307,383 | $544,950 | $870,101 | $1,533,256 |
| The Sea Ranch | $291,025 | $477,937 | $729,285 | $1,044,428 | $1,501,599 |
| Timber Cove | $29,452 | $29,452 | $29,452 | $29,452 | $29,452 |
| Tulare | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unincorp County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unknown | $567,623 | $694,437 | $905,793 | $1,117,149 | $1,243,963 |
| Valley Ford | $31,975 | $107,529 | $482,269 | $876,234 | $1,081,417 |
| Villa Grande | $838,574 | $838,574 | $838,574 | $838,574 | $838,574 |
| Windsor | $235,494 | $332,232 | $491,535 | $671,057 | $827,117 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Sonoma County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Bills Across Sonoma County, California
Property tax bills in Sonoma County, CA, are calculated based on the assessed value of the property, which is generally determined by the purchase price and adjusted annually for inflation. The median home price in Sonoma County is $444,836, and the property tax rate is applied to this assessed value to determine the tax bill. Factors such as property improvements, market conditions, and local tax rates also influence the final tax amount. For example, tax bills in Sonoma County range from $2,929 at the 25th percentile to $10,636 at the 90th percentile, with the national median property tax rate being 0.99%. Homeowners in Sonoma County can significantly benefit from Ownwell’s property tax appeal and exemption services. By thoroughly analyzing property assessments and identifying discrepancies, Ownwell can help homeowners reduce their tax burdens. With expertise in local property tax laws and a proven track record, Ownwell ensures that homeowners pay only their fair share, potentially saving them thousands of dollars annually.
Average Sonoma County Tax Bill
$5,028
Average California Tax Bill
$4,683
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Sonoma County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agua Caliente | $250 | $699 | $1,538 | $2,382 | $3,675 |
| Annapolis | $506 | $1,247 | $2,276 | $3,948 | $5,387 |
| Bodega | $547 | $1,598 | $5,303 | $8,545 | $11,489 |
| Bodega Bay | $2,768 | $5,196 | $8,255 | $11,624 | $15,884 |
| Boyes Hot Springs | $2,310 | $3,357 | $4,848 | $7,253 | $8,819 |
| Calistoga | $291 | $1,190 | $3,935 | $8,856 | $15,887 |
| Camp Meeker | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cazadero | $405 | $1,116 | $2,766 | $4,672 | $6,350 |
| Cloverdale | $1,552 | $2,952 | $4,880 | $7,032 | $8,731 |
| Cotati | $1,909 | $3,226 | $4,981 | $7,387 | $9,603 |
| Duncans Mills | $3,461 | $5,421 | $6,057 | $6,342 | $6,902 |
| El Verano | $2,324 | $3,431 | $5,129 | $7,333 | $9,618 |
| Fetters Hot Springs | $6,349 | $7,891 | $8,507 | $8,828 | $10,001 |
| Forestville | $468 | $1,529 | $3,917 | $6,561 | $9,209 |
| Fulton | $1,068 | $2,449 | $4,422 | $7,207 | $9,889 |
| Geyserville | $1,075 | $2,966 | $5,477 | $8,512 | $14,368 |
| Glen Ellen | $1,743 | $3,512 | $6,700 | $11,677 | $19,573 |
| Graton | $2,676 | $4,023 | $6,412 | $9,158 | $11,205 |
| Gualala | $8,366 | $8,366 | $8,366 | $8,366 | $8,366 |
| Guerneville | $2,530 | $3,653 | $5,409 | $7,494 | $9,340 |
| Healdsburg | $1,304 | $2,931 | $5,989 | $9,645 | $15,571 |
| Jenner | $1,072 | $1,979 | $4,661 | $8,446 | $11,767 |
| Kenwood | $994 | $2,786 | $6,173 | $10,960 | $21,014 |
| Mh Petaluma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mh Unincorp County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Monte Rio | $1,054 | $1,962 | $3,657 | $5,629 | $8,151 |
| Occidental | $1,647 | $3,346 | $6,510 | $10,492 | $14,644 |
| Penngrove | $1,688 | $4,267 | $7,693 | $11,906 | $15,298 |
| Petaluma | $1,141 | $2,956 | $5,180 | $7,720 | $10,231 |
| Rio Nido | $2,823 | $3,651 | $5,198 | $6,548 | $8,252 |
| Rohnert Park | $1,346 | $2,568 | $4,139 | $6,461 | $8,860 |
| Santa Rosa | $1,168 | $2,668 | $4,546 | $6,749 | $9,051 |
| Scottsdale | $25,381 | $25,381 | $25,381 | $25,381 | $25,381 |
| Sea Ranch | $2,649 | $4,639 | $7,660 | $12,966 | $18,246 |
| Sebastopol | $1,540 | $3,195 | $5,845 | $9,344 | $12,805 |
| Sonoma | $2,450 | $4,475 | $7,139 | $10,651 | $17,366 |
| The Sea Ranch | $3,666 | $5,699 | $8,204 | $11,168 | $15,649 |
| Timber Cove | $822 | $822 | $822 | $822 | $822 |
| Tulare | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unincorp County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unknown | $6,542 | $7,914 | $10,200 | $12,487 | $13,859 |
| Valley Ford | $810 | $2,049 | $5,514 | $9,529 | $11,980 |
| Villa Grande | $9,643 | $9,643 | $9,643 | $9,643 | $9,643 |
| Windsor | $2,453 | $3,885 | $5,661 | $7,724 | $9,511 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Sonoma County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Want to lower your Sonoma County property taxes?
Looking to reduce your Sonoma property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax protest company serving Sonoma. We specialize in helping property owners in the area and beyond lower their taxes by working directly with the Sonoma Appraisal District. Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the Sonoma property tax protest process and identify all available property tax exemptions so you don’t have to. Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate investor, or an asset manager, our local team at Ownwell has the expertise to assess your current property tax situation and identify strategic opportunities for reducing your tax burden. By managing the protest process from beginning to end, we not only simplify the procedure but also increase your chances of obtaining a favorable result. Let Ownwell be your trusted partner in lowering your Sonoma property tax expenses through our proven strategies and expert advocacy.
Property Tax Appeals in California
Homeowners in Sonoma County have the opportunity to appeal their property tax assessments if they believe their property has been over-assessed. The process begins with filing an appeal with the Sonoma County Assessment Appeals Board. This board is responsible for hearing and deciding on property tax disputes between homeowners and the county assessor. To initiate the appeal, homeowners must submit an application, usually within a specified period after receiving their assessment notice. This application should include evidence supporting the claim that the property's assessed value is incorrect. Evidence can range from recent sales data of comparable properties to independent appraisals and photographs demonstrating discrepancies. Once the application is submitted, a hearing date will be scheduled. During the hearing, both the homeowner and the county assessor will present their cases. The Assessment Appeals Board will review the evidence, ask questions, and make a decision on whether the assessed value should be adjusted. The potential outcomes of an appeal can vary; the board may decide to lower the assessed value, maintain the current assessment, or, in rare cases, increase it. Navigating the property tax appeal process can be complex and time-consuming. This is where Ownwell can provide invaluable assistance. Ownwell's team of property tax experts can help homeowners gather the necessary evidence, prepare a compelling case, and represent them during the hearing. By leveraging their expertise, homeowners can significantly improve their chances of achieving a favorable outcome, ultimately reducing their property tax burden.
Exemptions in California
In Sonoma County, CA, several property tax exemption programs are available to help homeowners reduce their tax burden. The most common exemption is the Homeowners' Exemption, which is available to individuals who occupy their property as their primary residence. This exemption reduces the assessed value of the home, thereby lowering the property tax bill. To qualify, homeowners must submit an application to the Sonoma County Assessor's Office. Another valuable exemption is the Disabled Veterans' Exemption, designed for veterans who have a service-related disability. This exemption offers a significant reduction in assessed value, providing substantial tax relief. Eligible veterans or their surviving spouses need to apply with the necessary documentation to verify their disability status. Seniors in Sonoma County can benefit from the Senior Citizens' Property Tax Postponement Program, which allows qualified homeowners aged 62 or older to defer their property taxes. This program helps seniors manage their finances by postponing tax payments until the property is sold or transferred. Ownwell can assist homeowners in navigating these exemption programs by providing expert guidance and support throughout the application process. Our team ensures that all required documentation is accurately completed and submitted on time, maximizing the potential tax savings for homeowners. By leveraging Ownwell's expertise, homeowners can confidently take advantage of these valuable property tax exemptions.
Available Exemptions
Disabled
Home Stead
Solar/Wind
Non-Profit
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | December 2 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Sonoma Tax Assessor | |
| Website | assr.parcelquest.com |
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