San Marcos, San Diego County, California Property Taxes
Median San Marcos, CA effective property tax rate: 1.18%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the California state median of 1.21%.
Median San Marcos, CA home value: $499,582
Median annual San Marcos, CA tax bill: $6,211, $3,811 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in San Diego calculated?
Property taxes in San Marcos, 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 San Marcos’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in San Marcos, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
San Marcos, San Diego County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.18%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,895
$5,470
$1,102
Average Tax Savings
Property Tax Rates Across San Marcos, San Diego County, California
Local government entities determine tax rates, which can differ significantly across California. This variation arises because each county, including San Diego County, estimates its annual budget to deliver necessary services and then divides this amount by the total value of all taxable properties within its area. This calculation forms the property tax rate. Although setting tax rates and budgets involves votes and legislation, this is essentially the yearly process.
In San Marcos, part of San Diego County, you can compare the city’s effective property tax rate with other cities in California, as well as the median property tax rates in the state and across the U.S. While San Marcos has a property tax rate that aligns closely with the highest and lowest rates in the county, it is important to note how these figures compare to the national median property tax rate, which stands at 1.02%. Understanding these differences can provide valuable insights into property tax obligations and potential savings opportunities.
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 Marcos Tax Rate
1.18%
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%
Median Effective California Tax Rate
1.21%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across San Marcos, San Diego County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
92069 | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.16% | 1.31% | 1.51% |
92078 | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.21% | 1.39% | 1.51% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average San Marcos Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Marcos, San Diego County, California
When examining property taxes in San Marcos, 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 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 Marcos. For example, the median home price in San Marcos is $499,582, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 92078 has the highest median home price at $546,608.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Marcos, San Diego County, California
Source: Ownwell

$101,578
$1,369,856
$2,638,134
Median San Marcos Market Value
$499,582
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 Marcos, San Diego County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
92069 | $135,449 | $250,914 | $435,783 | $625,800 | $788,198 |
92078 | $157,087 | $334,996 | $546,608 | $786,497 | $1,014,130 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average San Marcos Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across San Marcos, San Diego County, California
Property Tax Bills Across San Marcos, San Diego County, California
Source: Ownwell

$1,035
$15,124
$29,213
Median San Marcos Tax Bill
$6,211
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 Marcos, San Diego County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
92069 | $1,630 | $2,927 | $5,298 | $7,877 | $10,510 |
92078 | $1,861 | $4,037 | $6,925 | $10,537 | $13,542 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average San Marcos 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 | |
---|---|
San Diego Tax Assessor | |
Phone | (858) 505-6262 |
Website | assr.parcelquest.com |
arcc.fgg@sdcounty.ca.gov |
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