Property Taxes in California
The median California property tax rate is 1.21%, significantly higher than the national median of 0.99%. With a median home value of $378,421, the median California property tax bill amounts to $4,683 annually. This is much higher compared to the national median annual property tax bill. Property taxes in California are calculated based on the assessed value, which typically falls below the actual market value due to property tax exemptions like the primary residence exemption. Understanding your county's specific property tax system, exploring property tax exemptions, and recognizing opportunities for property tax reductions can lead to significant annual tax savings. Whether you're in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, or any other Californian locale, familiarizing yourself with the property taxes in your area can benefit homeowners and investors alike.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.21%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,579
$4,249
$1,148
Average Tax Savings
Ownwell’s California Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in California with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in California 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 California. If you’d like to see trends on a county or 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 California
Property taxes in California fund essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in California is 1.21% compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%. The tax rate is set by local government entities and can vary widely between different areas within the state. Each county estimates its required budget to provide services for the upcoming year and then divides that by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While votes and laws are involved in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the basic process followed each year. Alameda County has the highest property tax rate in California at 1.45%. On the other hand, Amador County has the lowest property tax rate in California at 0.99%. Compare a California county’s effective property tax rate to other counties in the state or the US median property tax rate to understand the variations better.
Average California Tax Rate
1.21%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across California
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda | 1.21% | 1.29% | 1.45% | 1.75% | 2.39% |
| Alpine | 0.96% | 1.01% | 1.01% | 1.21% | 1.47% |
| Amador | 0.91% | 0.98% | 0.99% | 1.01% | 1.06% |
| Butte | 1.07% | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.17% | 1.47% |
| Calaveras | 1.05% | 1.14% | 1.18% | 1.28% | 1.51% |
| Colusa | 1.01% | 1.06% | 1.10% | 1.17% | 1.37% |
| Contra Costa | 1.17% | 1.23% | 1.36% | 1.60% | 1.94% |
| Del Norte | 1.01% | 1.04% | 1.06% | 1.11% | 1.24% |
| El Dorado | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.07% | 1.11% | 1.29% |
| Fresno | 1.10% | 1.18% | 1.22% | 1.27% | 1.35% |
| Glenn | 1.02% | 1.06% | 1.12% | 1.40% | 1.84% |
| Humboldt | 1.02% | 1.05% | 1.08% | 1.15% | 1.24% |
| Imperial | 1.04% | 1.09% | 1.13% | 1.23% | 1.79% |
| Inyo | 0.70% | 0.98% | 1.02% | 1.06% | 1.21% |
| Kern | 1.11% | 1.25% | 1.42% | 1.65% | 2.07% |
| Kings | 0.96% | 1.04% | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.17% |
| Lake | 1.09% | 1.13% | 1.19% | 1.27% | 1.45% |
| Lassen | 0.96% | 0.99% | 1.02% | 1.06% | 1.11% |
| Los Angeles | 1.13% | 1.18% | 1.24% | 1.37% | 1.63% |
| Madera | 0.97% | 1.04% | 1.10% | 1.14% | 1.33% |
| Marin | 1.18% | 1.27% | 1.38% | 1.62% | 2.12% |
| Mariposa | 0.94% | 0.99% | 1.02% | 1.02% | 1.13% |
| Mendocino | 1.06% | 1.14% | 1.19% | 1.24% | 1.43% |
| Merced | 0.97% | 1.04% | 1.07% | 1.15% | 1.38% |
| Modoc | 0.98% | 1.02% | 1.11% | 1.28% | 1.66% |
| Mono | 1.03% | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.22% |
| Monterey | 1.04% | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.18% | 1.31% |
| Napa | 1.02% | 1.08% | 1.20% | 1.32% | 1.53% |
| Nevada | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.16% | 1.36% | 1.59% |
| Orange | 1.01% | 1.05% | 1.14% | 1.23% | 1.39% |
| Placer | 1.02% | 1.06% | 1.14% | 1.35% | 1.61% |
| Plumas | 0.98% | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.15% | 1.24% |
| Riverside | 1.04% | 1.12% | 1.26% | 1.50% | 1.89% |
| Sacramento | 1.06% | 1.12% | 1.19% | 1.27% | 1.50% |
| San Benito | 1.08% | 1.18% | 1.22% | 1.27% | 1.38% |
| San Bernardino | 1.04% | 1.09% | 1.20% | 1.36% | 1.67% |
| San Diego | 1.08% | 1.13% | 1.21% | 1.26% | 1.44% |
| San Francisco | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.23% | 1.31% | 1.51% |
| San Joaquin | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.22% | 1.38% | 1.71% |
| San Luis Obispo | 1.00% | 1.03% | 1.06% | 1.12% | 1.26% |
| San Mateo | 1.12% | 1.17% | 1.26% | 1.43% | 1.83% |
| Santa Barbara | 1.02% | 1.05% | 1.09% | 1.16% | 1.36% |
| Santa Clara | 1.16% | 1.20% | 1.31% | 1.50% | 1.81% |
| Santa Cruz | 1.15% | 1.19% | 1.26% | 1.40% | 1.78% |
| Shasta | 1.03% | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.19% |
| Sierra | 1.02% | 1.12% | 1.26% | 1.50% | 1.85% |
| Siskiyou | 0.96% | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.09% | 1.18% |
| Solano | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.20% | 1.45% | 1.75% |
| Sonoma | 1.07% | 1.10% | 1.15% | 1.23% | 1.49% |
| Stanislaus | 1.07% | 1.10% | 1.15% | 1.24% | 1.46% |
| Sutter | 1.08% | 1.13% | 1.18% | 1.32% | 1.50% |
| Tehama | 0.91% | 0.98% | 1.01% | 1.04% | 1.07% |
| Trinity | 0.95% | 0.99% | 1.03% | 1.09% | 1.20% |
| Tulare | 0.97% | 1.03% | 1.07% | 1.11% | 1.18% |
| Tuolumne | 1.02% | 1.05% | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.26% |
| Ventura | 1.02% | 1.07% | 1.13% | 1.19% | 1.32% |
| Yolo | 1.00% | 1.05% | 1.24% | 1.47% | 1.70% |
| Yuba | 1.10% | 1.14% | 1.21% | 1.43% | 1.67% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average California Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across California
When examining property taxes in California, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by factors such as location, property condition, and economic market trends. Market value is estimated by each California county assessor for tax purposes. The assessed value is then the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes, or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill. Assessment notices in California are sent in the spring each year. They should reach your mailbox typically by the end of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed values and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in California. Notably, Marin County has the highest median tax bill at $10,481, while Modoc County has the lowest at $948.
Average California Assessed Value
$378,421
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across California
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda | $120,360 | $271,385 | $508,791 | $827,408 | $1,186,077 |
| Alpine | $117,894 | $206,368 | $351,655 | $550,633 | $872,500 |
| Amador | $75,391 | $162,620 | $271,936 | $399,553 | $538,196 |
| Butte | $47,342 | $108,201 | $214,438 | $342,307 | $474,084 |
| Calaveras | $70,973 | $157,250 | $264,373 | $393,950 | $535,500 |
| Colusa | $57,392 | $103,410 | $181,785 | $284,956 | $390,308 |
| Contra Costa | $145,380 | $273,772 | $485,124 | $762,340 | $1,205,491 |
| Del Norte | $28,652 | $79,800 | $167,323 | $279,740 | $397,646 |
| El Dorado | $146,133 | $247,156 | $402,842 | $602,377 | $828,363 |
| Fresno | $70,798 | $126,932 | $220,090 | $337,000 | $466,511 |
| Glenn | $44,124 | $90,384 | $154,800 | $244,672 | $336,578 |
| Humboldt | $59,077 | $123,126 | $227,816 | $346,435 | $473,630 |
| Imperial | $51,893 | $106,035 | $178,448 | $263,971 | $338,429 |
| Inyo | $12,064 | $43,759 | $188,456 | $349,116 | $502,625 |
| Kern | $55,858 | $112,432 | $197,658 | $301,920 | $414,000 |
| Kings | $67,990 | $117,940 | $196,084 | $288,139 | $375,000 |
| Lake | $52,020 | $112,556 | $206,366 | $320,591 | $450,320 |
| Lassen | $35,211 | $73,176 | $145,778 | $235,000 | $333,593 |
| Los Angeles | $131,613 | $248,607 | $434,238 | $707,472 | $1,132,135 |
| Madera | $77,561 | $134,945 | $222,847 | $338,018 | $457,141 |
| Marin | $181,647 | $390,001 | $766,131 | $1,281,004 | $2,096,400 |
| Mariposa | $42,762 | $100,526 | $200,834 | $314,732 | $450,862 |
| Mendocino | $48,596 | $119,556 | $243,778 | $403,154 | $579,209 |
| Merced | $70,999 | $127,774 | $213,039 | $326,598 | $424,674 |
| Modoc | $12,896 | $36,579 | $83,080 | $168,694 | $285,488 |
| Mono | $126,772 | $234,600 | $402,900 | $655,452 | $1,019,042 |
| Monterey | $121,837 | $227,804 | $410,665 | $690,610 | $1,163,752 |
| Napa | $103,005 | $259,897 | $490,000 | $760,462 | $1,156,294 |
| Nevada | $142,128 | $238,816 | $380,629 | $565,582 | $825,001 |
| Orange | $99,746 | $284,211 | $514,928 | $814,872 | $1,227,069 |
| Placer | $186,788 | $314,004 | $464,229 | $627,236 | $863,655 |
| Plumas | $49,995 | $117,722 | $216,793 | $359,382 | $555,417 |
| Riverside | $70,058 | $177,889 | $321,125 | $479,400 | $651,278 |
| Sacramento | $105,403 | $189,821 | $315,351 | $457,527 | $612,415 |
| San Benito | $182,949 | $311,969 | $518,267 | $681,573 | $846,600 |
| San Bernardino | $76,709 | $156,544 | $273,138 | $431,703 | $599,319 |
| San Diego | $132,790 | $260,238 | $454,653 | $697,066 | $1,023,556 |
| San Francisco | $135,626 | $348,883 | $720,071 | $1,241,002 | $1,939,997 |
| San Joaquin | $80,267 | $153,863 | $273,669 | $425,711 | $577,818 |
| San Luis Obispo | $130,232 | $270,902 | $470,020 | $714,799 | $1,001,305 |
| San Mateo | $147,643 | $341,518 | $685,382 | $1,182,574 | $1,951,406 |
| Santa Barbara | $110,837 | $230,749 | $420,000 | $763,524 | $1,416,012 |
| Santa Clara | $140,455 | $347,871 | $683,381 | $1,113,447 | $1,774,907 |
| Santa Cruz | $95,516 | $246,191 | $477,836 | $787,493 | $1,126,797 |
| Shasta | $60,850 | $129,290 | $225,497 | $338,824 | $468,906 |
| Sierra | $55,777 | $103,758 | $186,631 | $322,025 | $478,659 |
| Siskiyou | $38,343 | $76,578 | $148,062 | $249,498 | $361,612 |
| Solano | $115,153 | $208,532 | $342,310 | $484,426 | $622,618 |
| Sonoma | $124,062 | $260,381 | $444,836 | $675,000 | $938,703 |
| Stanislaus | $99,015 | $160,897 | $255,442 | $372,300 | $482,712 |
| Sutter | $78,364 | $148,970 | $241,361 | $351,148 | $466,284 |
| Tehama | $48,409 | $95,563 | $177,715 | $276,081 | $386,860 |
| Trinity | $51,746 | $96,620 | $172,640 | $274,686 | $402,126 |
| Tulare | $49,471 | $102,994 | $173,848 | $270,000 | $367,785 |
| Tuolumne | $15,811 | $71,418 | $197,472 | $316,131 | $448,467 |
| Ventura | $130,549 | $278,437 | $465,193 | $694,372 | $969,159 |
| Yolo | $111,709 | $209,826 | $366,325 | $536,024 | $730,567 |
| Yuba | $56,732 | $108,658 | $213,532 | $328,428 | $427,684 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average California Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Bills Across California
In California, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of the property, which is typically 1% of the market value, plus any voter-approved local taxes and assessments. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and can increase by a maximum of 2% per year unless there is a change in ownership or new construction. Homeowners in California face varying tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $2,617 and the 75th percentile at $7,863. Marin County has the highest median tax bill at $10,481, while Modoc County has the lowest at $948. These taxes can significantly impact homeowners, especially in areas with higher property values. Ownwell provides expert property tax appeal and exemption services to help homeowners potentially reduce their tax bills. By analyzing your property’s assessed value and market conditions, Ownwell can identify opportunities for savings and guide you through the appeal process, ensuring you pay only your fair share.
Average California Tax Bill
$4,683
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across California
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda | $2,751 | $4,544 | $7,523 | $11,426 | $16,157 |
| Alpine | $1,552 | $2,331 | $3,686 | $5,903 | $9,225 |
| Amador | $705 | $1,530 | $2,613 | $3,934 | $5,416 |
| Butte | $518 | $1,286 | $2,554 | $4,072 | $5,634 |
| Calaveras | $1,024 | $1,941 | $3,038 | $4,362 | $5,905 |
| Colusa | $620 | $1,095 | $1,887 | $3,102 | $4,457 |
| Contra Costa | $2,503 | $4,096 | $6,706 | $10,391 | $15,329 |
| Del Norte | $280 | $831 | $1,752 | $2,927 | $4,162 |
| El Dorado | $1,603 | $2,626 | $4,236 | $6,559 | $9,348 |
| Fresno | $860 | $1,535 | $2,693 | $4,153 | $5,742 |
| Glenn | $645 | $1,210 | $1,881 | $2,746 | $3,664 |
| Humboldt | $665 | $1,362 | $2,486 | $3,794 | $5,195 |
| Imperial | $635 | $1,233 | $2,053 | $3,137 | $4,179 |
| Inyo | $126 | $572 | $1,960 | $3,419 | $4,768 |
| Kern | $990 | $1,725 | $2,768 | $4,073 | $5,447 |
| Kings | $579 | $1,114 | $1,988 | $3,027 | $4,078 |
| Lake | $690 | $1,378 | $2,425 | $3,710 | $5,162 |
| Lassen | $335 | $742 | $1,486 | $2,407 | $3,389 |
| Los Angeles | $1,806 | $3,234 | $5,343 | $8,359 | $12,904 |
| Madera | $861 | $1,457 | $2,366 | $3,598 | $5,023 |
| Marin | $3,795 | $6,100 | $10,481 | $16,444 | $25,393 |
| Mariposa | $483 | $1,017 | $1,990 | $3,103 | $4,481 |
| Mendocino | $621 | $1,481 | $2,875 | $4,661 | $6,680 |
| Merced | $710 | $1,340 | $2,293 | $3,652 | $5,039 |
| Modoc | $171 | $455 | $948 | $1,752 | $2,888 |
| Mono | $1,280 | $2,489 | $4,319 | $6,988 | $10,700 |
| Monterey | $1,316 | $2,516 | $4,500 | $7,494 | $12,146 |
| Napa | $1,589 | $3,278 | $5,707 | $8,644 | $12,402 |
| Nevada | $1,918 | $3,090 | $4,722 | $6,948 | $9,901 |
| Orange | $1,435 | $3,363 | $5,879 | $9,272 | $14,223 |
| Placer | $2,215 | $3,542 | $5,446 | $7,945 | $10,395 |
| Plumas | $544 | $1,261 | $2,335 | $3,874 | $6,004 |
| Riverside | $910 | $2,247 | $4,079 | $6,483 | $9,011 |
| Sacramento | $1,278 | $2,250 | $3,715 | $5,530 | $7,584 |
| San Benito | $1,640 | $3,448 | $6,032 | $8,450 | $10,300 |
| San Bernardino | $990 | $1,920 | $3,260 | $5,127 | $7,425 |
| San Diego | $1,574 | $3,129 | $5,506 | $8,578 | $12,819 |
| San Francisco | $1,962 | $4,398 | $8,744 | $14,679 | $22,727 |
| San Joaquin | $1,176 | $2,084 | $3,562 | $5,468 | $7,852 |
| San Luis Obispo | $1,543 | $3,039 | $5,157 | $7,668 | $10,446 |
| San Mateo | $2,586 | $4,742 | $8,692 | $14,426 | $23,201 |
| Santa Barbara | $1,374 | $2,615 | $4,701 | $8,201 | $14,419 |
| Santa Clara | $2,559 | $4,995 | $8,895 | $13,829 | $21,152 |
| Santa Cruz | $1,708 | $3,524 | $6,319 | $9,948 | $14,040 |
| Shasta | $538 | $1,328 | $2,421 | $3,679 | $5,159 |
| Sierra | $933 | $1,428 | $2,378 | $3,694 | $5,103 |
| Siskiyou | $384 | $764 | $1,470 | $2,479 | $3,627 |
| Solano | $1,678 | $2,712 | $4,342 | $6,244 | $8,370 |
| Sonoma | $1,294 | $2,929 | $5,028 | $7,583 | $10,636 |
| Stanislaus | $1,144 | $1,852 | $3,056 | $4,554 | $6,187 |
| Sutter | $916 | $1,743 | $2,986 | $4,423 | $5,919 |
| Tehama | $236 | $632 | $1,477 | $2,542 | $3,662 |
| Trinity | $529 | $974 | $1,719 | $2,747 | $4,021 |
| Tulare | $581 | $1,101 | $1,854 | $2,883 | $3,924 |
| Tuolumne | $225 | $923 | $2,219 | $3,493 | $4,931 |
| Ventura | $1,571 | $3,179 | $5,207 | $7,735 | $10,823 |
| Yolo | $1,408 | $2,554 | $4,610 | $7,206 | $9,850 |
| Yuba | $746 | $1,388 | $2,745 | $4,468 | $5,946 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average California Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Want to lower your California property taxes?
Looking to reduce your California property taxes? Ownwell, is the leading property tax appeal company in California. Ownwell specializes in helping California property owners lower their taxes and works with county tax assessors all across the state every year. Through our tax monitoring service, we will collect everything from you to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of California property tax appeals and all available California property tax exemptions, so you don’t have to. Whether you're a homeowner, a real estate investor, or an asset manager employee our local California team at Ownwell has the expertise to assess your current property tax situation and identify strategic opportunities to reduce property taxes. By handling the appeal process from start to finish, we not only simplify the procedure but also enhance your chances of securing a favorable outcome. Let Ownwell be your partner in lowering your California property tax expenses through our proven strategies and professional advocacy.
Property Tax Appeals in California
Appealing your property tax assessment in California can be a crucial step in ensuring you are not overpaying. The process begins when homeowners receive their annual property tax assessment notice. If the assessed value seems too high, you have the right to file an appeal with the local Assessment Appeals Board. This board is responsible for hearing property tax disputes and making impartial decisions. To initiate an appeal, homeowners must file an application with the county's Assessment Appeals Board, usually within a specific timeframe after receiving the assessment notice. The application requires detailed information about the property and evidence to support the claim that the assessed value is incorrect. This evidence can include recent sales data of comparable properties, an independent appraisal, or other relevant documentation. Once the application is submitted, a hearing date is scheduled. During the hearing, both the homeowner and the county assessor present their cases. The board then reviews the evidence and makes a decision. Potential outcomes include a reduction in the assessed value, which lowers the property tax bill, or the confirmation of the original assessment. Navigating this process can be complex and time-consuming. This is where Ownwell can provide invaluable assistance. Our team of property tax consultants specializes in preparing and presenting compelling cases to the Assessment Appeals Board. We gather all necessary documentation, analyze market data, and represent homeowners throughout the appeal process, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. By leveraging our expertise, homeowners can ensure they are not overpaying on their property taxes and achieve significant savings.
Exemptions in California
California offers several property tax exemption programs designed to alleviate the financial burden on homeowners. The most common exemption is the Homeowners' Exemption, which reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by $7,000, resulting in significant annual savings. To qualify, homeowners must occupy the property as their primary residence and file a claim with their county assessor's office. Another important exemption is the Disabled Veterans' Exemption, which provides substantial property tax relief to veterans who have a service-connected disability. Depending on the level of disability, the exemption can be either $100,000 or $150,000 off the assessed value. Veterans must provide documentation of their disability and apply through their county assessor. California also offers the Senior Citizens' Property Tax Postponement Program, allowing seniors aged 62 or older to defer property taxes on their primary residence if they meet certain income and equity requirements. This program helps seniors manage their cash flow while remaining in their homes. Ownwell can assist homeowners in navigating these exemption programs by providing expert guidance on eligibility requirements and the application process. Our team ensures that all necessary documentation is correctly filed, maximizing the chances of approval and helping homeowners take full advantage of the available tax relief options. With Ownwell's support, homeowners can achieve significant savings on their property taxes.
Available Exemptions
Disabled
Home Stead
Solar/Wind
Non-Profit
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