El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California Property Taxes
Median EL CERRITO, CA effective property tax rate: 1.50%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the California state median of 1.21%.
Median EL CERRITO, CA home value: $543,267
Median annual EL CERRITO, CA tax bill: $8,232, $5,832 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Contra Costa County calculated?
Property taxes in EL CERRITO, CA 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 EL CERRITO’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in EL CERRITO, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.5%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$8,149
$7,562
$1,102
Average Tax Savings
Property Tax Rates Across El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California
Local government entities are responsible for setting property tax rates, which can differ significantly across different areas within California. This variation occurs because each county, including Contra Costa, annually determines its budget needs for public services and divides this by the total value of all taxable properties in the area. This calculation forms the basis for the property tax rate. While the process involves legislative votes and regulations, this is essentially how property tax rates are established each year.
In El Cerrito, located in Contra Costa County, the effective property tax rate is a reflection of these calculations. When comparing El Cerrito's rate to other cities in California, it's important to note that the median property tax rate in the state is higher than the national median of 1.02%. This highlights the variability in property tax rates across the U.S. and underscores the importance of understanding the specific rates in your area. By being aware of these rates, property owners can make informed decisions and potentially save on their property tax bills through appeals and exemptions.
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 El Cerrito Taxx Rate
1.50%
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 Taxx Rate
1.36%
Median Effective California Tax Rate
1.21%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
94530 | 1.39% | 1.42% | 1.50% | 1.70% | 2.46% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average El Cerrito Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California
When examining property taxes in El Cerrito, CA, 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.
In Contra Costa County, assessment notices 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 El Cerrito.
For example, the median home price in El Cerrito is $543,267, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 94530 has the highest median home price at $543,267.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California
Source: Ownwell

$147,170
$1,068,104
$1,989,037
Median El Cerrito Market Value
$543,267
Median Contra Costa County Market Value
$485,124
Median California Market Value
$378,421
Median United States Market Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
94530 | $101,083 | $288,634 | $543,267 | $851,946 | $1,147,352 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average El Cerrito Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California
Property Tax Bills Across El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California
Source: Ownwell

$2,978
$13,116
$23,253
Median El Cerrito Tax Bill
$8,232
Median Contra Costa County Tax Bill
$6,706
Median California Tax Bill
$4,683
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
94530 | $2,486 | $4,887 | $8,232 | $12,158 | $16,005 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average El Cerrito Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
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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