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Lake Forest, Orange County, California Property Taxes

  • Median Lake Forest, CA effective property tax rate: 1.04%, slightly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the California state median of 1.21%.

  • Median Lake Forest, CA home value: $505,634

  • Median annual Lake Forest, CA tax bill: $5,258, $2,858 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Orange County calculated?

Property taxes in Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Lake Forest, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Lake Forest, Orange County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.04%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$5,259

$4,880

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$1,102

Average Tax Savings

Ownwell’s Lake Forest Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Lake Forest with just two data points.

By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Lake Forest’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 Orange County.

For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Lake Forest, Orange County, California

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This variation occurs because each county annually estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that 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 essentially the annual process.

In Lake Forest, located in Orange County, California, the effective property tax rate is a key figure for homeowners to consider. The median property tax rate in California is slightly above the national median, which stands at 1.02%. Lake Forest’s rate aligns with California's median, indicating a consistency in the tax burden for property owners in this region. This makes Lake Forest an appealing option for those looking to balance property ownership costs in a state known for its diverse real estate market. Comparing Lake Forest's rate to other cities in California and the U.S. can provide valuable insights for potential homeowners and investors. Understanding these rates can aid in making informed decisions about property investments in the area.

Property Tax Rates Across Lake Forest, Orange County, California

Source: Ownwell

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1.01%

1.33%

1.65%

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 Forest Tax Rate

1.04%

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 Orange County Tax Rate

1.14%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Lake Forest, Orange County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
926101.03%1.04%1.04%1.05%1.05%
926301.01%1.02%1.04%1.05%1.05%
926791.03%1.03%1.04%1.04%1.04%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Forest, Orange County, California

When examining property taxes in Lake Forest, 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 Orange 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: Orange 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 Lake Forest. For example, the median home price in Lake Forest is $505,634, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 92679 has the highest median home price at $1,675,458.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Forest, Orange County, California

Source: Ownwell

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$272,184

$1,289,425

$2,306,666

Median Lake Forest Market Value

$505,634

Median Orange County Market Value

$514,928

Median California Market Value

$378,421

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Forest, Orange County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
92610$691,712$810,472$1,020,000$1,249,186$1,479,718
92630$138,863$299,864$489,787$793,002$1,044,940
92679$1,397,222$1,487,576$1,675,458$1,813,200$1,944,450

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Lake Forest, Orange County, California

In Lake Forest, property tax bills are determined based on the assessed value of a home, which is a percentage of its market value. The tax rate in Orange County is applied to this assessed value to calculate the annual tax bill. Factors such as home improvements or changes in market conditions can influence the assessed value, impacting the tax bill. With the national median property tax rate at 1.02%, homeowners in Lake Forest often face higher tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $3,143 and the 75th percentile reaching $8,510. This can be a significant financial burden, especially when compared to the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Ownwell offers valuable services to homeowners by identifying potential errors in assessments and applying for exemptions, potentially lowering these expenses. By leveraging expert knowledge and experience, Ownwell helps ensure that homeowners are not overpaying and can achieve substantial savings on their property tax bills.

Property Tax Bills Across Lake Forest, Orange County, California

Source: Ownwell

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$3,105

$14,278

$25,450

Median Lake Forest Tax Bill

$5,258

Median Orange County Tax Bill

$5,879

Median California Tax Bill

$4,683

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Lake Forest, Orange County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
92610$7,201$8,466$10,669$12,981$15,307
92630$1,446$3,086$5,093$8,272$10,938
92679$14,516$15,331$17,383$18,794$20,258

Source: Ownwell

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