Lehigh County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Lehigh County is 2.78%, 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 Lehigh County, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,452, which exceeds the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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 Allentown or another part of Lehigh County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Lehigh County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
2.78%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,620
Ownwell’s Lehigh County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Lehigh County with just two data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Lehigh 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 Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Lehigh County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Lehigh County is 2.78%, which is significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Lehigh County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Lehigh 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. For comparison, the city of Catasauqua has one of the higher property tax rates in Pennsylvania at 3.97%, while the city of Neffs boasts one of the lowest at 2.03%. Analyzing how Lehigh County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Lehigh County Tax Rate
2.78%
Average Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alburtis | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.73% | 2.73% | 2.73% |
| Allentown | 2.30% | 2.42% | 3.22% | 3.31% | 3.45% |
| Bethlehem | 2.81% | 2.81% | 2.82% | 2.82% | 2.85% |
| Breinigsville | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% |
| Catasauqua | 3.97% | 3.97% | 3.97% | 3.97% | 3.97% |
| Center Valley | 2.24% | 2.24% | 2.24% | 2.24% | 2.24% |
| Coopersburg | 2.21% | 2.24% | 2.24% | 2.24% | 2.64% |
| Coplay | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 3.20% | 3.20% |
| East Greenville | 1.23% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% |
| East Texas | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% |
| Emerald | 2.81% | 2.81% | 2.81% | 2.81% | 2.81% |
| Emmaus | 2.39% | 2.39% | 3.16% | 3.16% | 3.16% |
| Fogelsville | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.31% | 2.31% |
| Fountain Hill | 3.17% | 3.17% | 3.17% | 3.17% | 3.17% |
| Germansville | 1.53% | 2.40% | 2.40% | 2.40% | 2.40% |
| Kempton | 1.01% | 2.23% | 2.23% | 2.23% | 2.31% |
| Kutztown | 1.47% | 2.31% | 2.31% | 2.31% | 2.31% |
| Laurys Station | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% |
| Limeport | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% |
| Macungie | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.77% |
| Mertztown | 1.94% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% |
| Neffs | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.34% |
| New Tripoli | 1.38% | 2.23% | 2.23% | 2.31% | 2.32% |
| Old Zionsville | 2.39% | 2.39% | 2.39% | 2.39% | 2.39% |
| Orefield | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.30% | 2.32% |
| Quakertown | 1.03% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% | 2.21% |
| Schnecksville | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.32% |
| Slatedale | 2.81% | 2.81% | 2.81% | 2.81% | 2.81% |
| Slatington | 2.03% | 2.81% | 2.81% | 3.40% | 3.40% |
| Trexlertown | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% | 2.03% |
| Wescosville | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% |
| Whitehall | 2.78% | 2.78% | 2.78% | 2.78% | 2.78% |
| Zionsville | 2.00% | 2.21% | 2.39% | 2.39% | 2.39% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
In Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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 Lehigh 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 instance, Kutztown has the highest median tax bill at $6,022, while East Texas has the lowest at $336. Being aware of these valuation processes in Lehigh 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 Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$13,900
$148,250
$282,600
Average Lehigh County Assessed Value
$166,200
Average Pennsylvania Assessed Value
$114,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alburtis | $107,700 | $133,375 | $166,600 | $186,425 | $236,400 |
| Allentown | $62,700 | $90,000 | $131,300 | $199,400 | $280,000 |
| Bethlehem | $103,120 | $121,550 | $146,900 | $178,900 | $229,100 |
| Breinigsville | $29,700 | $139,600 | $216,000 | $295,600 | $349,720 |
| Catasauqua | $81,960 | $105,500 | $125,100 | $159,150 | $203,440 |
| Center Valley | $155,570 | $194,250 | $266,650 | $389,875 | $510,060 |
| Coopersburg | $157,200 | $192,400 | $245,400 | $332,625 | $457,600 |
| Coplay | $91,600 | $127,200 | $170,800 | $215,000 | $285,400 |
| East Greenville | $166,820 | $221,275 | $282,600 | $350,500 | $444,500 |
| East Texas | $13,900 | $13,900 | $13,900 | $13,900 | $13,900 |
| Emerald | $154,600 | $154,600 | $154,600 | $154,600 | $154,600 |
| Emmaus | $113,800 | $140,150 | $183,900 | $251,150 | $342,880 |
| Fogelsville | $124,780 | $179,525 | $249,750 | $315,000 | $410,010 |
| Fountain Hill | $84,500 | $96,150 | $116,450 | $136,875 | $169,860 |
| Germansville | $89,750 | $121,325 | $196,900 | $266,975 | $357,350 |
| Kempton | $125,440 | $170,000 | $222,800 | $296,200 | $445,160 |
| Kutztown | $164,360 | $219,550 | $272,400 | $345,150 | $412,360 |
| Laurys Station | $8,280 | $29,000 | $233,200 | $267,850 | $296,340 |
| Limeport | $150,600 | $150,600 | $150,600 | $150,600 | $150,600 |
| Macungie | $131,000 | $172,200 | $219,400 | $281,300 | $341,840 |
| Mertztown | $123,850 | $169,225 | $203,700 | $312,975 | $416,050 |
| Neffs | $123,060 | $138,150 | $162,000 | $188,400 | $212,480 |
| New Tripoli | $133,900 | $168,600 | $228,300 | $306,700 | $414,900 |
| Old Zionsville | $134,220 | $150,300 | $177,100 | $203,900 | $219,980 |
| Orefield | $56,900 | $171,675 | $254,500 | $326,625 | $404,200 |
| Quakertown | $152,260 | $176,900 | $260,800 | $292,700 | $515,600 |
| Schnecksville | $150,180 | $187,500 | $251,200 | $312,400 | $380,140 |
| Slatedale | $82,410 | $95,200 | $110,400 | $132,350 | $169,000 |
| Slatington | $64,270 | $99,750 | $155,000 | $216,400 | $282,700 |
| Trexlertown | $30,500 | $35,600 | $141,000 | $198,950 | $232,080 |
| Wescosville | $106,860 | $113,900 | $132,000 | $155,000 | $263,120 |
| Whitehall | $103,400 | $128,200 | $160,400 | $207,300 | $264,440 |
| Zionsville | $134,220 | $175,400 | $239,950 | $317,450 | $413,310 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
In Lehigh County, PA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the county's property assessor and is intended to reflect the property's market value. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual property tax bill. Homeowners in Lehigh County experience a wide range of tax bills. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill is approximately $3,312, while the 75th percentile tax bill can reach up to $5,909. At the 90th percentile, homeowners might pay around $7,638 annually. The highest median tax bill is found in Kutztown at $6,022, whereas East Texas sees the lowest at just $336. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Lehigh County's tax bills reflect the diverse property values and local tax rates, impacting homeowners differently depending on the assessed value of their properties and their specific locations within the county.
Average Lehigh County Tax Bill
$4,452
Average Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alburtis | $2,886 | $3,598 | $4,064 | $4,811 | $6,207 |
| Allentown | $2,021 | $2,841 | $3,926 | $5,293 | $7,002 |
| Bethlehem | $2,899 | $3,415 | $4,130 | $5,002 | $6,257 |
| Breinigsville | $604 | $2,836 | $4,389 | $6,007 | $7,084 |
| Catasauqua | $3,228 | $4,176 | $4,961 | $6,301 | $8,046 |
| Center Valley | $3,464 | $4,334 | $5,904 | $8,704 | $11,303 |
| Coopersburg | $3,694 | $4,479 | $5,548 | $7,373 | $10,042 |
| Coplay | $2,435 | $3,550 | $4,229 | $5,223 | $6,247 |
| East Greenville | $3,581 | $4,482 | $5,871 | $7,192 | $8,517 |
| East Texas | $336 | $336 | $336 | $336 | $336 |
| Emerald | $4,352 | $4,352 | $4,352 | $4,352 | $4,352 |
| Emmaus | $3,445 | $4,132 | $5,224 | $6,831 | $8,473 |
| Fogelsville | $2,559 | $3,736 | $5,382 | $6,913 | $8,594 |
| Fountain Hill | $2,680 | $3,047 | $3,693 | $4,341 | $5,384 |
| Germansville | $2,119 | $2,799 | $4,374 | $5,824 | $7,137 |
| Kempton | $2,528 | $3,491 | $4,548 | $5,706 | $6,892 |
| Kutztown | $3,599 | $4,791 | $6,022 | $7,239 | $8,785 |
| Laurys Station | $168 | $588 | $4,673 | $5,419 | $5,944 |
| Limeport | $3,322 | $3,322 | $3,322 | $3,322 | $3,322 |
| Macungie | $3,363 | $4,297 | $5,347 | $6,814 | $8,225 |
| Mertztown | $2,998 | $4,002 | $4,844 | $6,577 | $8,987 |
| Neffs | $2,644 | $2,945 | $3,338 | $3,881 | $4,532 |
| New Tripoli | $2,875 | $3,625 | $4,836 | $6,136 | $7,682 |
| Old Zionsville | $3,209 | $3,593 | $4,234 | $4,875 | $5,259 |
| Orefield | $1,155 | $3,771 | $5,471 | $6,791 | $8,201 |
| Quakertown | $3,358 | $3,902 | $4,707 | $6,173 | $6,919 |
| Schnecksville | $3,044 | $3,805 | $5,165 | $6,311 | $7,713 |
| Slatedale | $2,320 | $2,680 | $3,108 | $3,725 | $4,757 |
| Slatington | $1,999 | $3,084 | $4,386 | $5,765 | $7,114 |
| Trexlertown | $620 | $707 | $2,865 | $4,036 | $4,687 |
| Wescosville | $2,587 | $2,757 | $3,195 | $3,752 | $6,369 |
| Whitehall | $2,869 | $3,555 | $4,439 | $5,728 | $7,326 |
| Zionsville | $3,058 | $4,031 | $5,348 | $7,100 | $8,968 |
Source: Ownwell
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