San Diego County, California Property Taxes
Median San Diego County effective property tax rate: 1.21%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median San Diego County home value: $454,653
Median annual San Diego County tax bill: $5,506, $3,106 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in San Diego County calculated?
Property taxes in San Diego 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 San Diego or another part of San Diego County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
San Diego County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.21%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,501
$5,105
$1,102
Average Tax Savings
Property Tax Rates Across San Diego County, California
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. The process begins with each county estimating its required budget to provide essential services. This budget is then divided by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this is the fundamental annual process.
In San Diego County, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.21%, which is above the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This means residents in San Diego County pay higher property taxes compared to the national average. Within the county, National City has the highest median tax rate at 1.41%, while Ranchita boasts the lowest at 1.00%. These figures highlight the diversity of property tax rates even within a single county, influenced by varying local budgets and property values. Comparing San Diego County's effective property tax rate to other counties in California or the U.S. median rate provides valuable insights for property owners looking to understand their tax obligations.
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 San Diego County Tax Rate
1.21%
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 San Diego County, California
City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aguanga | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Alpine | 1.17% | 1.18% | 1.19% | 1.27% | 1.35% |
Bonita | 1.18% | 1.19% | 1.26% | 1.32% | 1.45% |
Bonsall | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.06% | 1.17% |
Borrego Springs | 1.07% | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.13% | 1.18% |
Boulevard | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.06% | 1.07% | 2.35% |
Campo | 1.04% | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.14% | 1.70% |
Cardiff | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Cardiff By The Sea | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.16% | 1.23% | 1.37% |
Carlsbad | 1.08% | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.18% | 1.26% |
Chula Vista | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.23% | 1.61% | 1.87% |
Coronado | 1.07% | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.16% | 1.34% |
Del Mar | 1.06% | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.08% | 1.12% |
Descanso | 1.07% | 1.08% | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.14% |
Dulzura | 1.13% | 1.17% | 1.18% | 1.20% | 1.22% |
El Cajon | 1.18% | 1.20% | 1.30% | 1.41% | 1.62% |
Encinitas | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.14% | 1.21% | 1.34% |
Escondido | 1.11% | 1.12% | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.28% |
Fallbrook | 1.03% | 1.05% | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.20% |
Guatay | 0.89% | 1.00% | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.09% |
Imperial Beach | 1.22% | 1.26% | 1.32% | 1.48% | 1.83% |
Jacumba | 1.05% | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.14% | 1.22% |
Jamul | 1.19% | 1.19% | 1.20% | 1.22% | 1.26% |
Julian | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.07% | 1.10% | 1.14% |
La Jolla | 1.21% | 1.22% | 1.23% | 1.23% | 1.24% |
Lakeside | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.29% | 1.39% | 1.58% |
La Mesa | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.27% | 1.36% | 1.57% |
Lemon Grove | 1.29% | 1.32% | 1.40% | 1.54% | 1.95% |
Mountain Center | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Mount Laguna | 1.07% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.15% | 1.24% |
National City | 1.26% | 1.30% | 1.41% | 1.60% | 1.97% |
Oceanside | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.14% |
Pala | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.15% | 1.24% |
Palomar Mountain | 1.08% | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.24% |
Pauma Valley | 1.05% | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.14% |
Pine Valley | 1.05% | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.10% |
Potrero | 1.07% | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.11% | 1.15% |
Poway | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.16% |
Ramona | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.13% | 1.23% | 1.34% |
Ranchita | 0.97% | 0.99% | 1.00% | 1.02% | 1.03% |
Rancho Santa Fe | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.13% | 1.17% |
San Diego | 1.12% | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.24% | 1.29% |
San Marcos | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.18% | 1.36% | 1.51% |
Santa Ysabel | 1.02% | 1.05% | 1.08% | 1.12% | 1.16% |
Santee | 1.18% | 1.19% | 1.20% | 1.22% | 1.30% |
San Ysidro | 1.14% | 1.17% | 1.21% | 1.25% | 1.52% |
Solana Beach | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.16% | 1.25% | 1.45% |
Spring Valley | 1.19% | 1.26% | 1.32% | 1.43% | 1.67% |
Tecate | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.16% | 1.20% |
Valley Center | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.27% | 1.68% |
Vista | 1.08% | 1.14% | 1.22% | 1.32% | 1.49% |
Warner Springs | 0.96% | 0.98% | 1.02% | 1.02% | 1.03% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average San Diego County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Diego County, California
When examining property taxes in San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego County.
For example, the median tax bill in San Diego County is $4,546.53, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Rancho Santa Fe has the highest median home price at $2,404,349.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Diego County, California
Source: Ownwell

$101,578
$1,369,856
$2,638,134
Median San Diego County Market Value
$454,653
Median California Market Value
$378,421
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Diego County, California
City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aguanga | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Alpine | $192,412 | $341,343 | $537,154 | $741,004 | $944,000 |
Bonita | $171,653 | $329,733 | $503,830 | $734,602 | $948,632 |
Bonsall | $219,164 | $369,088 | $627,782 | $916,304 | $1,394,818 |
Borrego Springs | $50,771 | $111,600 | $189,209 | $295,850 | $454,526 |
Boulevard | $68,078 | $135,446 | $233,359 | $353,736 | $459,933 |
Campo | $104,082 | $169,008 | $274,020 | $369,988 | $460,132 |
Cardiff | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Cardiff By The Sea | $174,966 | $341,901 | $667,151 | $1,199,493 | $1,884,299 |
Carlsbad | $247,840 | $420,836 | $682,407 | $985,348 | $1,353,930 |
Chula Vista | $154,700 | $288,787 | $448,390 | $610,356 | $769,765 |
Coronado | $203,730 | $539,262 | $1,040,400 | $1,796,724 | $2,692,093 |
Del Mar | $176,436 | $495,145 | $1,055,837 | $1,827,352 | $2,922,686 |
Descanso | $93,920 | $183,429 | $341,787 | $509,999 | $679,908 |
Dulzura | $35,096 | $122,336 | $280,929 | $436,918 | $575,305 |
El Cajon | $89,435 | $204,094 | $374,542 | $576,380 | $767,358 |
Encinitas | $201,175 | $369,163 | $689,322 | $1,167,468 | $1,844,278 |
Escondido | $131,850 | $254,086 | $431,836 | $639,797 | $846,600 |
Fallbrook | $164,818 | $312,076 | $509,710 | $697,436 | $903,073 |
Guatay | $29,755 | $47,532 | $101,578 | $247,343 | $416,404 |
Imperial Beach | $89,694 | $200,701 | $388,826 | $618,578 | $798,286 |
Jacumba | $42,320 | $70,539 | $113,576 | $191,456 | $282,710 |
Jamul | $194,801 | $344,064 | $544,599 | $769,894 | $1,012,900 |
Julian | $68,427 | $150,838 | $301,186 | $451,457 | $624,544 |
La Jolla | $260,534 | $469,845 | $884,562 | $1,744,602 | $3,017,737 |
Lakeside | $79,057 | $186,920 | $343,566 | $542,991 | $692,571 |
La Mesa | $110,114 | $227,501 | $400,588 | $611,344 | $806,290 |
Lemon Grove | $98,502 | $206,410 | $325,955 | $492,592 | $612,309 |
Mountain Center | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Mount Laguna | $42,104 | $78,431 | $125,297 | $206,187 | $321,931 |
National City | $72,095 | $138,623 | $246,268 | $404,441 | $541,008 |
Oceanside | $142,938 | $252,012 | $399,175 | $587,453 | $763,616 |
Pala | $198,533 | $368,569 | $543,575 | $806,918 | $998,008 |
Palomar Mountain | $95,403 | $182,378 | $282,812 | $441,531 | $655,603 |
Pauma Valley | $233,245 | $351,384 | $481,845 | $663,136 | $904,106 |
Pine Valley | $99,532 | $214,677 | $346,551 | $510,296 | $620,046 |
Potrero | $53,744 | $128,473 | $249,089 | $356,337 | $474,939 |
Poway | $158,978 | $315,624 | $579,421 | $875,625 | $1,314,716 |
Ramona | $176,976 | $298,704 | $465,394 | $630,000 | $774,498 |
Ranchita | $83,417 | $145,613 | $228,642 | $340,643 | $407,864 |
Rancho Santa Fe | $765,870 | $1,444,334 | $2,404,349 | $3,570,000 | $5,020,924 |
San Diego | $130,262 | $253,725 | $447,370 | $711,137 | $1,033,000 |
San Marcos | $146,882 | $290,139 | $499,582 | $712,197 | $930,290 |
Santa Ysabel | $102,059 | $235,607 | $403,789 | $589,664 | $781,288 |
Santee | $88,729 | $204,725 | $374,424 | $558,662 | $711,869 |
San Ysidro | $73,828 | $141,601 | $234,923 | $362,175 | $499,463 |
Solana Beach | $207,793 | $441,876 | $817,866 | $1,378,819 | $2,082,075 |
Spring Valley | $97,924 | $198,752 | $344,289 | $519,833 | $663,000 |
Tecate | $107,618 | $125,091 | $254,728 | $362,537 | $538,512 |
Valley Center | $180,918 | $349,632 | $555,170 | $740,000 | $910,122 |
Vista | $123,483 | $247,716 | $411,622 | $595,687 | $775,000 |
Warner Springs | $74,857 | $129,451 | $196,900 | $347,632 | $478,754 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average San Diego County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across San Diego County, California
Median San Diego County Tax Bill
$5,506
Median California Tax Bill
$4,683
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across San Diego County, California
City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aguanga | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Alpine | $2,423 | $4,243 | $6,592 | $8,989 | $11,299 |
Bonita | $2,415 | $4,229 | $6,316 | $9,074 | $11,673 |
Bonsall | $2,302 | $3,892 | $6,666 | $9,795 | $14,726 |
Borrego Springs | $553 | $1,236 | $2,109 | $3,284 | $5,031 |
Boulevard | $997 | $1,822 | $2,686 | $3,959 | $5,188 |
Campo | $1,066 | $1,879 | $3,329 | $4,724 | $5,928 |
Cardiff | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Cardiff By The Sea | $2,319 | $4,177 | $7,752 | $13,748 | $21,101 |
Carlsbad | N/A | $3,259 | $6,847 | $10,701 | $14,875 |
Chula Vista | $1,882 | $3,651 | $6,169 | $9,033 | $12,023 |
Coronado | $2,696 | $6,191 | $11,505 | $19,522 | $29,078 |
Del Mar | $1,979 | $5,463 | $11,480 | $19,736 | $31,737 |
Descanso | $1,012 | $1,981 | $3,770 | $5,569 | $7,500 |
Dulzura | $386 | $1,445 | $3,378 | $5,256 | $7,094 |
El Cajon | $1,354 | $2,871 | $5,002 | $7,477 | $9,689 |
Encinitas | $2,600 | $4,417 | $7,859 | $13,211 | $20,744 |
Escondido | $1,514 | $2,916 | $4,999 | $7,505 | $10,419 |
Fallbrook | $1,751 | $3,351 | $5,526 | $7,924 | $10,292 |
Guatay | $263 | $435 | $1,035 | $2,652 | $4,489 |
Imperial Beach | $1,693 | $2,912 | $5,167 | $7,916 | $10,084 |
Jacumba | $462 | $797 | $1,260 | $2,107 | $3,087 |
Jamul | $2,378 | $4,180 | $6,576 | $9,349 | $12,482 |
Julian | $716 | $1,616 | $3,231 | $4,808 | $6,702 |
La Jolla | $3,172 | $5,775 | $10,973 | $21,680 | $37,664 |
Lakeside | $1,168 | $2,640 | $4,541 | $6,910 | $8,654 |
La Mesa | $1,661 | $3,031 | $5,091 | $7,726 | $10,023 |
Lemon Grove | $1,827 | $3,102 | $4,608 | $6,580 | $8,081 |
Mountain Center | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Mount Laguna | $519 | $908 | $1,405 | $2,203 | $3,442 |
National City | $1,379 | $2,179 | $3,489 | $5,433 | $7,026 |
Oceanside | $1,574 | $2,753 | $4,400 | $6,508 | $8,516 |
Pala | $2,352 | $4,212 | $6,166 | $9,167 | $10,934 |
Palomar Mountain | $1,148 | $2,113 | $3,166 | $4,827 | $7,089 |
Pauma Valley | $2,568 | $3,766 | $5,216 | $7,208 | $9,659 |
Pine Valley | $1,162 | $2,272 | $3,698 | $5,449 | $6,752 |
Potrero | $596 | $1,435 | $2,760 | $4,006 | $5,212 |
Poway | $1,781 | $3,602 | $6,549 | $9,918 | $14,920 |
Ramona | $2,105 | $3,573 | $5,362 | $7,172 | $8,704 |
Ranchita | $811 | $1,433 | $2,245 | $3,448 | $4,113 |
Rancho Santa Fe | $8,698 | $16,162 | $26,681 | $39,274 | $54,785 |
San Diego | $1,555 | $3,065 | $5,475 | $8,762 | $13,403 |
San Marcos | $1,735 | $3,439 | $6,211 | $9,302 | $12,502 |
Santa Ysabel | $1,040 | $2,471 | $4,436 | $6,503 | $8,327 |
Santee | $1,072 | $2,492 | $4,519 | $6,684 | $8,622 |
San Ysidro | $834 | $1,654 | $2,818 | $4,841 | $6,715 |
Solana Beach | $3,044 | $5,495 | $9,497 | $15,520 | $23,301 |
Spring Valley | $1,596 | $2,857 | $4,593 | $6,648 | $8,398 |
Tecate | $1,272 | $1,396 | $2,777 | $4,520 | $6,326 |
Valley Center | $2,304 | $4,247 | $6,597 | $9,557 | $12,401 |
Vista | $1,791 | $3,249 | $5,073 | $7,110 | $9,061 |
Warner Springs | $702 | $1,263 | $1,932 | $3,475 | $4,853 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average San Diego County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Want to lower your San Diego County property taxes?
Property Tax Appeals in California
In San Diego County, property owners have the right to appeal their property tax assessments if they believe their property's assessed value is too high. The process begins with filing an appeal with the Assessment Appeals Board, the body responsible for hearing these cases. Homeowners must provide evidence that supports their claim, such as recent sales data of comparable properties or an independent appraisal report. Once the appeal is filed, the board will schedule a hearing where the homeowner can present their case.
During the hearing, the property owner or their representative will have the opportunity to present their evidence and reasoning for a lower assessed value. The county assessor's office will also present its case to justify the current assessment. After both sides have presented their arguments, the board will deliberate and make a decision. The potential outcomes of an appeal can vary; the board may decide to lower the assessed value, leave it unchanged, or in rare cases, increase it.
Ownwell can significantly aid homeowners throughout this appeal process. Our team of property tax experts assists in gathering and analyzing relevant data to build a strong case for a reduction. We handle the paperwork, file the appeal on behalf of the homeowner, and represent them during the hearing. By leveraging our expertise, homeowners can navigate the complex appeals process with confidence, potentially resulting in a reduced property tax bill. With Ownwell's support, property owners can ensure they are not overpaying on their property taxes, allowing them to save money and gain peace of mind.
Exemptions in California
San Diego County offers various property tax exemption programs designed to ease the financial burden on homeowners. One of the primary exemptions available is the Homeowners' Exemption, which provides a reduction in assessed value for those who occupy their property as their primary residence. To qualify, homeowners must own and occupy their home as of January 1st of the tax year. This exemption can offer significant savings, making it essential for eligible residents to apply.
Veterans and their families may benefit from the Disabled Veterans' Exemption. This program is available to veterans who are 100% disabled due to service-related injuries, or their unmarried surviving spouses. The exemption amount varies based on income levels, offering substantial relief to those who qualify.
Additionally, San Diego County provides exemptions for certain non-profit organizations, including religious and charitable institutions, which can help reduce operational costs.
To apply for these exemptions, homeowners must submit the necessary forms to the San Diego County Assessor's Office. It's crucial to adhere to application deadlines to ensure eligibility for the current tax year.
Ownwell can assist homeowners in navigating these programs, ensuring they understand the requirements and deadlines. By providing expert guidance, Ownwell helps homeowners maximize their savings through eligible exemptions, ensuring they benefit fully from available tax relief options.
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 | |
---|---|
San Diego Tax Assessor | |
Phone | (858) 505-6262 |
Website | assr.parcelquest.com |
arcc.fgg@sdcounty.ca.gov |
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