Swarthmore, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Swarthmore, PA is 3.46%, significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Pennsylvania state median of 2.81%. With a median home value of $247,915 in Swarthmore, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $8,115, far exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Swarthmore are calculated based on the assessed value, which is often lower than the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence exemption. Understanding Swarthmore'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 Swarthmore or another part of Delaware County, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Swarthmore, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
3.46%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$8,578
Ownwell’s Swarthmore Property Tax Bill Calculator aids homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers in estimating their annual property taxes in Swarthmore with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator uses Swarthmore's median tax rate to provide an estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable tool offers insights into potential tax liabilities, helping you plan your finances better. For those interested in more detailed trends at a neighborhood level, additional localized information is available below. Your property’s assessed value, determined by Delaware County, is used for property tax calculations and takes into account any applicable exemptions.
Property Tax Rates Across Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Swarthmore is 3.46%, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Swarthmore set these rates annually, and they can vary across different neighborhoods. Each year, Swarthmore 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 Swarthmore's effective property tax rate to other counties in Pennsylvania and the national median. For comparison, the 19081 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 3.46%, while the same 19081 zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 3.46%. Understanding how these cities compare with Swarthmore provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Delaware County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Swarthmore Tax Rate
3.46%
Average Delaware County Tax Rate
2.80%
Average Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19081 | 3.32% | 3.32% | 3.46% | 3.46% | 3.46% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
In Swarthmore, 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 Delaware 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 Swarthmore, 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 Swarthmore helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The median home price in Swarthmore is $247,915, with the highest median tax bill at $8,115 in zip code 19081, which is also the lowest median tax bill in the area.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$21,600
$706,300
$1,391,000
Average Swarthmore Assessed Value
$247,915
Average Delaware County Assessed Value
$197,870
Average Pennsylvania Assessed Value
$114,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19081 | $120,870 | $188,725 | $247,915 | $365,882 | $466,600 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
Property tax bills in Swarthmore, Delaware County, PA, are calculated based on the assessed value of a property and the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and is a percentage of the property's market value. For example, with a median home price of $247,915, the assessed value plays a crucial role in determining the tax bill. Several factors influence the tax bill, including property location, improvements, and any applicable exemptions. Homeowners in Swarthmore experience a range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile paying approximately $6,219, while those at the 75th percentile face around $12,508. The 90th percentile sees tax bills as high as $16,130. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Swarthmore's tax rates can significantly impact homeowners' financial planning. The highest and lowest median tax bills in the area are both $8,115, reflecting the uniformity within this specific zip code. Understanding these factors helps homeowners anticipate their annual property tax expenses and manage their budgets effectively.
Average Swarthmore Tax Bill
$8,115
Average Delaware County Tax Bill
$5,691
Average Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19081 | $4,187 | $6,219 | $8,115 | $12,508 | $16,130 |
Source: Ownwell