Contra Costa County, California Property Taxes
Median Contra Costa County effective property tax rate: 1.36%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Contra Costa County home value: $485,124
Median annual Contra Costa County tax bill: $6,706, $4,306 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Contra Costa County calculated?
Property taxes in Contra Costa County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Richmond or another part of Contra Costa County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Contra Costa County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.36%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$6,598
$6,122
$1,102
Average Tax Savings
Ownwell’s Contra Costa County Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Contra Costa County with just two data points.
By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Contra Costa County’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a more precise calculation for your property tax obligations.
This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Contra Costa County.
For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!
Property Tax Rates Across Contra Costa County, California
Local government entities determine tax rates, which can vary significantly within California. Each county annually estimates its budget to provide necessary services and divides that amount by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the annual process in a nutshell.
In Contra Costa County, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.36%, which is higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Within the county, Port Costa has the highest median property tax rate at 1.95%, while Knightsen has the lowest at 1.08%. These figures highlight the variability of tax rates within the county and underscore the importance of understanding local tax policies. Comparing these rates to the national median can offer valuable insights for property owners. Understanding these differences can help property owners make informed decisions about their investments and potential tax liabilities.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Contra Costa County Tax Rate
1.36%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective California Tax Rate
1.21%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Contra Costa County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.20% | 1.30% |
| Antioch | 1.14% | 1.19% | 1.25% | 1.36% | 1.57% |
| Bay Point | 1.27% | 1.34% | 1.47% | 1.66% | 1.94% |
| Berkeley | 1.38% | 1.43% | 1.50% | 1.59% | 1.76% |
| Bethel Island | 1.10% | 1.26% | 1.41% | 1.80% | 2.24% |
| Brentwood | 1.15% | 1.23% | 1.36% | 1.52% | 1.67% |
| Briones | 1.13% | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.15% | 1.21% |
| Byron | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.18% |
| Canyon | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.20% | 1.37% | 1.97% |
| Clayton | 1.13% | 1.23% | 1.27% | 1.36% | 1.52% |
| Concord | 1.21% | 1.25% | 1.33% | 1.49% | 1.83% |
| Crockett | 1.32% | 1.37% | 1.50% | 1.85% | 2.72% |
| Danville | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.20% | 1.26% | 1.35% |
| Diablo | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.17% | 1.22% | 1.44% |
| Discovery Bay | 1.24% | 1.30% | 1.37% | 1.47% | 1.63% |
| El Cerrito | 1.39% | 1.42% | 1.50% | 1.70% | 2.46% |
| El Sobrante | 1.46% | 1.56% | 1.65% | 1.80% | 2.15% |
| Hercules | 1.48% | 1.54% | 1.62% | 1.76% | 1.96% |
| Kensington | 1.40% | 1.44% | 1.52% | 1.77% | 2.87% |
| Knightsen | 1.07% | 1.07% | 1.08% | 1.12% | 1.40% |
| Lafayette | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.26% | 1.39% | 1.72% |
| Livermore | 1.12% | 1.13% | 1.13% | 1.15% | 1.16% |
| Martinez | 1.24% | 1.29% | 1.36% | 1.51% | 1.83% |
| Moraga | 1.19% | 1.21% | 1.28% | 1.40% | 1.79% |
| Oakley | 1.27% | 1.36% | 1.55% | 1.85% | 2.16% |
| Orinda | 1.23% | 1.27% | 1.32% | 1.46% | 1.90% |
| Pacheco | 1.02% | 1.23% | 1.30% | 1.45% | 1.70% |
| Pinole | 1.44% | 1.48% | 1.58% | 1.73% | 2.24% |
| Pittsburg | 1.25% | 1.29% | 1.39% | 1.55% | 1.82% |
| Pleasant Hill | 1.20% | 1.23% | 1.28% | 1.39% | 1.70% |
| Pleasanton | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.20% |
| Port Costa | 1.53% | 1.64% | 1.95% | 2.62% | 5.86% |
| Richmond | 1.58% | 1.69% | 1.89% | 2.36% | 3.36% |
| Rodeo | 1.42% | 1.49% | 1.67% | 1.97% | 2.56% |
| San Pablo | 1.49% | 1.59% | 1.74% | 1.99% | 2.53% |
| San Ramon | 1.17% | 1.21% | 1.28% | 1.42% | 1.59% |
| Albany | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Walnut Creek | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average Contra Costa County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Contra Costa County, California
When examining property taxes in Contra Costa County, 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 location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Contra Costa County Assessor's Office estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax 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:
Assessment notices in Contra Costa County are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle 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 and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Contra Costa County. For example, the median tax bill in Contra Costa County is $4,096, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Diablo has the highest median home price at $1,989,037.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Contra Costa County, California
Source: Ownwell
$147,170
$1,068,104
$1,989,037
Median Contra Costa County Market Value
$485,124
Median California Market Value
$378,421
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Contra Costa County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | $419,098 | $837,783 | $1,401,127 | $2,009,556 | $2,701,514 |
| Antioch | $144,982 | $240,451 | $371,311 | $514,208 | $639,950 |
| Bay Point | $90,534 | $171,584 | $307,730 | $493,157 | $651,500 |
| Berkeley | $365,304 | $612,076 | $814,855 | $1,366,137 | $1,733,661 |
| Bethel Island | $21,710 | $120,363 | $362,654 | $636,000 | $1,036,650 |
| Brentwood | $263,490 | $404,431 | $567,634 | $729,482 | $885,805 |
| Briones | $85,634 | $459,254 | $746,140 | $1,076,962 | $1,677,884 |
| Byron | $21,182 | $99,716 | $280,953 | $504,877 | $721,724 |
| Canyon | $36,303 | $82,774 | $250,447 | $486,000 | $889,211 |
| Clayton | $193,960 | $396,506 | $639,288 | $870,431 | $1,069,353 |
| Concord | $115,400 | $222,758 | $384,948 | $617,906 | $797,843 |
| Crockett | $73,787 | $202,965 | $352,854 | $542,905 | $674,568 |
| Danville | $382,167 | $635,550 | $1,015,349 | $1,479,112 | $2,028,780 |
| Diablo | $469,956 | $1,198,809 | $1,989,037 | $3,111,960 | $4,051,605 |
| Discovery Bay | $322,768 | $443,774 | $603,432 | $754,290 | $942,928 |
| El Cerrito | $101,083 | $288,634 | $543,267 | $851,946 | $1,147,352 |
| El Sobrante | $133,646 | $250,140 | $392,950 | $589,708 | $756,847 |
| Hercules | $206,000 | $300,587 | $436,888 | $655,000 | $817,000 |
| Kensington | $108,796 | $344,226 | $742,113 | $1,120,984 | $1,502,131 |
| Knightsen | $34,787 | $161,392 | $396,713 | $698,249 | $1,073,171 |
| Lafayette | $211,578 | $538,452 | $994,500 | $1,580,939 | $2,251,780 |
| Livermore | $260,036 | $448,971 | $768,074 | $1,391,626 | $1,868,000 |
| Martinez | $144,983 | $262,741 | $435,304 | $647,140 | $829,078 |
| Moraga | $216,203 | $498,018 | $849,866 | $1,337,206 | $1,757,291 |
| Oakley | $195,561 | $286,699 | $446,748 | $600,000 | $708,000 |
| Orinda | $251,901 | $626,972 | $1,170,149 | $1,749,958 | $2,392,205 |
| Pacheco | $31,930 | $83,264 | $288,333 | $514,127 | $663,037 |
| Pinole | $111,768 | $245,030 | $369,847 | $555,490 | $709,000 |
| Pittsburg | $102,439 | $182,106 | $306,518 | $468,911 | $601,800 |
| Pleasant Hill | $143,772 | $306,599 | $538,721 | $789,093 | $1,014,388 |
| Pleasanton | $210,566 | $908,529 | $1,362,806 | $2,193,188 | $2,868,072 |
| Port Costa | $66,768 | $199,904 | $312,897 | $497,796 | $619,613 |
| Richmond | $71,579 | $156,937 | $302,428 | $508,317 | $696,172 |
| Rodeo | $117,806 | $207,856 | $323,496 | $502,662 | $633,797 |
| San Pablo | $88,905 | $170,188 | $285,134 | $468,515 | $609,682 |
| San Ramon | $333,089 | $572,445 | $909,018 | $1,220,837 | $1,587,257 |
| Albany | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Walnut Creek | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average Contra Costa County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Contra Costa County, California
In Contra Costa County, CA, property tax bills are determined by multiplying the assessed value of a home by the local tax rate. The assessed value is typically based on the market value at the time of purchase, with annual adjustments for inflation. Homeowners in this county face a median tax bill that can vary significantly, with the 25th percentile at $4,096 and the 75th percentile reaching $10,391. Some areas, like Diablo, see median tax bills as high as $23,253, while others, such as Canyon, have lower median bills around $3,003. These figures highlight the variability in property tax obligations depending on location and property value.
With property taxes often exceeding the national median of $2,400, many homeowners in Contra Costa County feel the financial impact. Ownwell can assist by identifying potential savings through property tax appeals and exemptions. By analyzing property assessments and market trends, Ownwell helps ensure that homeowners are not overpaying, potentially reducing their tax burden and providing peace of mind.
Median Contra Costa County Tax Bill
$6,706
Median California Tax Bill
$4,683
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Contra Costa County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | $5,490 | $10,051 | $16,270 | $22,983 | $30,524 |
| Antioch | $2,086 | $3,161 | $4,606 | $6,202 | $7,768 |
| Bay Point | $1,789 | $2,740 | $4,419 | $7,073 | $10,195 |
| Berkeley | $6,165 | $9,030 | $12,197 | $19,630 | $24,005 |
| Bethel Island | $198 | $2,461 | $5,152 | $8,882 | $20,840 |
| Brentwood | $3,480 | $5,545 | $7,899 | $10,400 | $12,447 |
| Briones | $1,071 | $5,216 | $8,467 | $12,257 | $19,019 |
| Byron | $269 | $1,128 | $3,077 | $5,603 | $8,031 |
| Canyon | $682 | $1,300 | $3,003 | $5,504 | $9,847 |
| Clayton | $3,153 | $5,485 | $8,210 | $10,797 | $12,995 |
| Concord | $2,133 | $3,333 | $5,159 | $7,763 | $9,775 |
| Crockett | $2,139 | $3,711 | $5,327 | $7,515 | $9,091 |
| Danville | $5,117 | $8,001 | $12,192 | $17,376 | $23,351 |
| Diablo | $6,782 | $14,654 | $23,253 | $35,639 | $45,695 |
| Discovery Bay | $5,153 | $6,526 | $8,295 | $9,948 | $11,853 |
| El Cerrito | $2,486 | $4,887 | $8,232 | $12,158 | $16,005 |
| El Sobrante | $2,785 | $4,398 | $6,461 | $9,183 | $11,663 |
| Hercules | $3,944 | $5,197 | $7,103 | $10,009 | $12,642 |
| Kensington | $3,097 | $6,186 | $11,261 | $16,095 | $21,040 |
| Knightsen | $436 | $1,823 | $4,256 | $7,473 | $11,498 |
| Lafayette | $3,910 | $7,443 | $12,669 | $19,223 | $26,630 |
| Livermore | $3,073 | $5,158 | $8,715 | $15,744 | $21,054 |
| Martinez | $2,600 | $3,936 | $5,938 | $8,367 | $10,482 |
| Moraga | $3,935 | $6,983 | $10,835 | $16,220 | $20,785 |
| Oakley | $3,186 | $4,341 | $6,697 | $10,245 | $12,495 |
| Orinda | $4,698 | $9,039 | $15,377 | $22,083 | $30,786 |
| Pacheco | $322 | $1,681 | $4,045 | $6,643 | $8,392 |
| Pinole | $2,468 | $4,227 | $5,885 | $8,300 | $10,235 |
| Pittsburg | $1,842 | $2,760 | $4,242 | $6,178 | $8,076 |
| Pleasant Hill | $2,407 | $4,250 | $6,886 | $9,731 | $12,282 |
| Pleasanton | $2,516 | $9,926 | $15,016 | $24,563 | $31,364 |
| Port Costa | $3,614 | $4,918 | $6,282 | $8,472 | $9,652 |
| Richmond | $2,379 | $3,720 | $5,890 | $8,829 | $11,509 |
| Rodeo | $2,953 | $4,030 | $5,464 | $7,553 | $9,128 |
| San Pablo | $2,300 | $3,354 | $4,949 | $7,428 | $9,653 |
| San Ramon | $4,469 | $7,279 | $11,722 | $16,491 | $21,027 |
| Albany | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Walnut Creek | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average Contra Costa County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Want to lower your Contra Costa County property taxes?
Property Tax Appeals in California
Homeowners in Contra Costa County have the opportunity to appeal their property tax assessments if they believe their property has been over-assessed. The property tax protest process begins with a formal appeal to the Contra Costa County Assessment Appeals Board. Homeowners must file this appeal within a specified time frame, typically after receiving their annual assessment notice. The appeal process involves submitting evidence that supports a lower property value, such as recent sales of comparable properties, an independent appraisal, or evidence of property damage.
Once the appeal is filed, a hearing is scheduled where the homeowner can present their case before the Assessment Appeals Board. During the hearing, both the homeowner and the county assessor's representative have the chance to present evidence and arguments. The board then reviews the evidence and makes a decision. Potential outcomes of the appeal process include a reduction in the assessed value, which can lead to a lower tax bill, or the board may uphold the original assessment.
Navigating the appeal process can be complex and time-consuming, but Ownwell offers expert assistance to homeowners. Ownwell's team of property tax consultants provides guidance throughout the entire process, from gathering necessary documentation to representing homeowners at the hearing. With a deep understanding of local property tax laws and market conditions, Ownwell increases the chances of a successful appeal. By entrusting the appeal process to Ownwell, homeowners can potentially achieve significant savings on their property tax bills, reducing their financial burden and ensuring they pay only their fair share.
Exemptions in California
Contra Costa County offers several property tax exemption programs to help homeowners reduce their tax burden. One of the primary exemptions is the Homeowners' Exemption, which is available to those who use their property as their primary residence. This exemption provides a reduction in the assessed value of the home, leading to lower property taxes. To qualify, homeowners must occupy the property as their principal residence and apply with the county assessor's office.
Another valuable program is the Disabled Veterans' Exemption, designed for veterans with a service-related disability. This exemption provides a significant reduction in the assessed value of the property, offering financial relief to eligible veterans. Applicants must provide proof of disability and their military service status.
Seniors and low-income homeowners may benefit from the Property Tax Postponement Program, allowing them to defer their property tax payments under certain conditions. This program requires an application demonstrating eligibility based on age, income, and equity in the home.
Ownwell can assist homeowners in navigating these exemption programs by providing expert guidance and support throughout the application process. Our team ensures that homeowners understand their eligibility and helps them gather the necessary documentation to apply successfully. By leveraging these programs, homeowners can significantly reduce their property tax liability, making homeownership more affordable.
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 1 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Contra Costa Tax Assessor | |
| Website | www.contracosta.ca.gov |
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