Lake County, California Property Taxes
Median Lake County effective property tax rate: 1.19%, slightly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Lake County home value: $206,366
Median annual Lake County tax bill: $2,425, $25 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Lake County calculated?
Property taxes in Lake 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 Clearlake or another part of Lake County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Lake County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.19%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,456
$2,279
Property Tax Rates Across Lake County, California
Local government entities determine tax rates, which can significantly differ within a state. Each year, counties estimate the budget needed to provide essential services and divide it by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction. This calculation establishes the property tax rate. Although setting tax rates and budgets involves various votes and laws, this is essentially the annual procedure.
In Lake County, California, the effective property tax rate is 1.19%, which is higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This means homeowners in Lake County may pay more in property taxes compared to the average U.S. homeowner. Within the county, Clearlake has the highest median property tax rate at 1.27%, while Kelseyville boasts the lowest at 1.10%. These figures highlight the variability in property tax rates even within a single county. By understanding these rates, homeowners can better anticipate their property tax obligations and explore potential savings through property tax appeals or 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 Lake County Tax Rate
1.19%
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 Lake County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearlake | 1.18% | 1.21% | 1.27% | 1.43% | 1.77% |
| Clearlake Oaks | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.18% | 1.21% | 1.30% |
| Clearlake Park | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.23% | 1.34% | 1.53% |
| Clearlake Pk | 1.18% | 1.21% | 1.26% | 1.41% | 1.70% |
| Cobb | 1.18% | 1.20% | 1.26% | 1.53% | 1.89% |
| Finley | 1.07% | 1.11% | 1.18% | 1.26% | 1.43% |
| Glenhaven | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.15% | 1.20% |
| Hidden Valley Lake | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.23% | 1.28% | 1.36% |
| Kelseyville | 1.06% | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.10% | 1.12% |
| Lakeport | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.25% | 1.35% |
| Lakeside | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Loch Lomond | 1.12% | 1.15% | 1.22% | 1.34% | 1.92% |
| Lower Lake | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.29% | 1.46% |
| Lucerne | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.17% | 1.36% |
| Middletown | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.26% | 1.43% | 1.82% |
| Nice | 1.10% | 1.10% | 1.14% | 1.20% | 1.32% |
| Potter Valley | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.15% | 1.16% | 1.19% |
| Upper Lake | 1.10% | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.17% | 1.30% |
| Witter Springs | 1.10% | 1.10% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.15% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake County, California
When examining property taxes in Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May. 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 Lake County.
For example, the median tax bill in Lake County is $2,400, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Hidden Valley Lake has the highest median home price at $295,503.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake County, California
Source: Ownwell
$103,004
$199,254
$295,503
Median Lake County Market Value
$206,366
Median California Market Value
$378,421
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearlake | $33,174 | $64,478 | $118,781 | $197,308 | $274,858 |
| Clearlake Oaks | $47,240 | $97,015 | $172,390 | $253,932 | $332,724 |
| Clearlake Park | $28,303 | $57,622 | $129,744 | $301,282 | $459,887 |
| Clearlake Pk | $32,936 | $54,615 | $103,004 | $153,409 | $216,678 |
| Cobb | $26,513 | $51,672 | $170,426 | $283,869 | $379,212 |
| Finley | $52,707 | $113,700 | $167,659 | $273,003 | $390,055 |
| Glenhaven | $70,092 | $111,870 | $177,480 | $314,314 | $521,849 |
| Hidden Valley Lake | $145,082 | $207,116 | $295,503 | $369,649 | $444,292 |
| Kelseyville | $112,762 | $175,000 | $265,302 | $369,791 | $525,915 |
| Lakeport | $96,515 | $154,365 | $257,519 | $382,632 | $530,592 |
| Lakeside | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Loch Lomond | $37,666 | $106,981 | $200,000 | $332,751 | $529,130 |
| Lower Lake | $48,351 | $105,445 | $235,642 | $382,335 | $599,760 |
| Lucerne | $54,069 | $94,707 | $159,766 | $261,120 | $442,456 |
| Middletown | $30,807 | $78,030 | $179,006 | $320,789 | $506,709 |
| Nice | $45,139 | $88,654 | $152,732 | $254,811 | $390,478 |
| Potter Valley | $65,809 | $112,351 | $151,036 | $217,476 | $310,660 |
| Upper Lake | $54,669 | $127,612 | $209,532 | $315,604 | $427,509 |
| Witter Springs | $99,344 | $165,207 | $287,558 | $471,620 | $671,572 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lake County, California
Median Lake County Tax Bill
$2,425
Median California Tax Bill
$4,683
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Lake County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearlake | $511 | $936 | $1,560 | $2,438 | $3,348 |
| Clearlake Oaks | $570 | $1,138 | $1,995 | $2,935 | $3,876 |
| Clearlake Park | $414 | $797 | $1,693 | $3,605 | $5,394 |
| Clearlake Pk | $500 | $836 | $1,306 | $1,912 | $2,571 |
| Cobb | $495 | $780 | $2,094 | $3,389 | $4,446 |
| Finley | $789 | $1,376 | $1,972 | $3,225 | $4,455 |
| Glenhaven | $818 | $1,244 | $2,003 | $3,405 | $5,745 |
| Hidden Valley Lake | $1,889 | $2,607 | $3,625 | $4,450 | $5,308 |
| Kelseyville | $1,119 | $1,845 | $2,861 | $4,019 | $5,699 |
| Lakeport | $1,185 | $1,873 | $3,027 | $4,435 | $6,064 |
| Lakeside | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Loch Lomond | $377 | $893 | $2,151 | $3,765 | $5,843 |
| Lower Lake | $673 | $1,293 | $2,770 | $4,477 | $6,999 |
| Lucerne | $617 | $1,122 | $1,806 | $2,900 | $4,833 |
| Middletown | $554 | $1,080 | $2,239 | $3,826 | $5,909 |
| Nice | $566 | $989 | $1,779 | $2,892 | $4,253 |
| Potter Valley | $788 | $1,286 | $1,729 | $2,451 | $3,502 |
| Upper Lake | $627 | $1,434 | $2,359 | $3,541 | $4,705 |
| Witter Springs | $1,157 | $1,829 | $3,109 | $5,255 | $7,411 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Links | |
|---|---|
| Lake Tax Assessor | |
| Website | common2.mptsweb.com |