Ridgecrest, Kern County, California Property Taxes
Median Ridgecrest, CA effective property tax rate: 1.32%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the California state median of 1.21%.
Median Ridgecrest, CA home value: $163,129
Median annual Ridgecrest, CA tax bill: $2,156, $244 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Kern County calculated?
Property taxes in Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Ridgecrest, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Ridgecrest, Kern County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.32%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,153
$1,998
Property Tax Rates Across Ridgecrest, Kern County, California
Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, leading to substantial variation within a state. This variation stems from each county's annual budget estimation process. Counties calculate their required budget to fund services and divide it by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this process captures the essence of how property tax rates are determined annually.
In Ridgecrest, located in Kern County, the effective property tax rate is notably higher than the national median. This reflects the broader trend in California, where property tax rates can significantly exceed the national average. Comparing Ridgecrest's tax rate to other cities in California reveals the state's diverse property tax landscape. Despite the higher rates, property taxes remain a crucial mechanism for funding essential local services, from schools to infrastructure. As such, understanding these rates and their implications is vital for property owners looking to manage their tax liabilities effectively.
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 Ridgecrest Tax Rate
1.32%
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 Kern County Tax Rate
1.42%
Median Effective California Tax Rate
1.21%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Ridgecrest, Kern County, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93555 | 1.06% | 1.19% | 1.32% | 1.51% | 1.98% |
| 93527 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 93556 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ridgecrest, Kern County, California
When examining property taxes in Ridgecrest, 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 Kern 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 Kern 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 Ridgecrest.
For example, the median home price in Ridgecrest is $163,129, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 93555 has the highest median home price at $163,698.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ridgecrest, Kern County, California
Source: Ownwell
$30,639
$232,982
$435,324
Median Ridgecrest Market Value
$163,129
Median Kern County Market Value
$197,658
Median California Market Value
$378,421
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ridgecrest, Kern County, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93555 | $35,737 | $87,716 | $163,698 | $244,000 | $327,726 |
| 93527 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 93556 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Ridgecrest, Kern County, California
Median Ridgecrest Tax Bill
$2,156
Median Kern County Tax Bill
$2,768
Median California Tax Bill
$4,683
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Ridgecrest, Kern County, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93555 | $775 | $1,333 | $2,161 | $2,949 | $3,873 |
| 93527 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 93556 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | November 30 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Kern Tax Assessor | |
| Website | www.kerncounty.com |