San Luis Obispo County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in San Luis Obispo is 1.06%, which is significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the California state median of 1.21%. With the median home value in San Luis Obispo, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $5,157, which exceeds the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in San Luis Obispo are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding San Luis Obispo's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in San Luis Obispo or another part of the county, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
San Luis Obispo County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.21%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,420
Ownwell’s San Luis Obispo Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in San Luis Obispo with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in San Luis Obispo to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across San Luis Obispo County, California
Property taxes in San Luis Obispo play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in San Luis Obispo is 1.06%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within San Luis Obispo set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, San Luis Obispo estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares San Luis Obispo's effective property tax rate with other areas within the county and the national median. For comparison, the city of Los Osos has one of the higher property tax rates in the county at 1.58%, while the city of Rural San Luis Obispo boasts one of the lowest at 0.97%. Analyzing how San Luis Obispo's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average San Luis Obispo County Tax Rate
1.06%
Average California Tax Rate
1.21%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across San Luis Obispo County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.06% | 1.07% |
| Arroyo Grande | 0.98% | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.05% |
| Atascadero | 1.06% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.24% | 1.38% |
| Avila Beach | 1.01% | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Bradley | 1.08% | 1.19% | 1.25% | 1.34% | 1.45% |
| Cambria | 1.05% | 1.07% | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.17% |
| Cayucos | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.05% | 1.07% | 1.11% |
| Creston | 1.04% | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.12% | 1.12% |
| Grover Beach | 1.08% | 1.12% | 1.14% | 1.14% | 1.14% |
| Harmony | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.07% |
| Los Osos | 1.04% | 1.35% | 1.58% | 1.98% | 2.51% |
| Morro Bay | 0.99% | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Nipomo | 0.99% | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.23% |
| Oceano | 0.97% | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.19% | 1.35% |
| Paso Robles | 1.03% | 1.06% | 1.10% | 1.13% | 1.21% |
| Pismo Beach | 1.05% | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.12% |
| Ragged Point | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rural Adelaida | 0.30% | 0.30% | 0.30% | 0.30% | 0.30% |
| Rural El Pomar Estrella | 1.00% | 1.05% | 1.06% | 1.12% | 1.12% |
| Rural Estero | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rural Huana Lopez | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rural Las Pilitas | 1.11% | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.12% |
| Rural Los Padres | 1.05% | 1.08% | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.12% |
| Rural Nacimiento | 1.06% | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.09% |
| Rural North Coast | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Rural Salinas River | 1.05% | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.12% |
| Rural San Luis Bay | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Rural San Luis Obispo | 0.97% | 0.97% | 0.97% | 0.97% | 0.97% |
| Rural South Coast | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| San Luis Obispo | 0.95% | 1.02% | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| San Miguel | 1.00% | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.14% |
| San Simeon | 0.93% | 1.04% | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.09% |
| Santa Margarita | 1.05% | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.20% |
| Santa Maria | 0.90% | 1.01% | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Shandon | 1.00% | 1.04% | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.09% |
| Templeton | 1.03% | 1.06% | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.12% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Luis Obispo County, California
In San Luis Obispo, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the San Luis Obispo Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. Assessment notices in San Luis Obispo are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. The median home price in San Luis Obispo stands at $470,020, with tax bills ranging from $3,039 at the 25th percentile to $10,446 at the 90th percentile. Rural San Luis Bay boasts the highest median tax bill at $21,749, while Rural North Coast has the lowest at $292. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. Being aware of these valuation processes in San Luis Obispo will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Luis Obispo County, California
Source: Ownwell
$25,600
$1,162,088
$2,298,576
Average San Luis Obispo County Assessed Value
$470,020
Average California Assessed Value
$378,421
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Luis Obispo County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | $214,503 | $360,772 | $775,595 | $1,353,058 | $1,852,888 |
| Arroyo Grande | $115,577 | $298,611 | $539,635 | $814,904 | $1,122,000 |
| Atascadero | $153,831 | $266,300 | $422,537 | $600,000 | $793,425 |
| Avila Beach | $344,969 | $529,562 | $829,408 | $1,178,104 | $1,784,869 |
| Bradley | $194,311 | $278,802 | $410,504 | $560,627 | $769,682 |
| Cambria | $211,865 | $361,550 | $571,359 | $858,782 | $1,210,740 |
| Cayucos | $128,024 | $298,620 | $603,622 | $1,000,276 | $1,553,342 |
| Creston | $145,148 | $284,345 | $467,983 | $749,382 | $1,219,930 |
| Grover Beach | $128,756 | $234,530 | $400,205 | $579,490 | $717,965 |
| Harmony | $309,726 | $415,508 | $507,609 | $897,000 | $1,371,615 |
| Los Osos | $124,167 | $235,992 | $408,962 | $617,552 | $833,502 |
| Morro Bay | $95,836 | $261,004 | $488,944 | $733,742 | $976,077 |
| Nipomo | $181,856 | $313,625 | $525,160 | $766,968 | $1,023,566 |
| Oceano | $32,609 | $123,043 | $290,856 | $457,260 | $639,281 |
| Paso Robles | $155,161 | $259,110 | $418,676 | $597,381 | $796,195 |
| Pismo Beach | $133,588 | $349,534 | $630,314 | $971,990 | $1,366,570 |
| Ragged Point | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rural Adelaida | $2,497,353 | $2,497,353 | $2,497,353 | $2,497,353 | $2,497,353 |
| Rural El Pomar Estrella | $122,103 | $272,991 | $659,987 | $1,233,785 | $2,100,944 |
| Rural Estero | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rural Huana Lopez | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rural Las Pilitas | $100,966 | $242,830 | $403,925 | $586,694 | $833,313 |
| Rural Los Padres | $90,842 | $140,735 | $223,890 | $341,118 | $411,456 |
| Rural Nacimiento | $80,843 | $114,948 | $291,052 | $693,940 | $1,102,206 |
| Rural North Coast | $28,162 | $28,162 | $28,162 | $28,162 | $28,162 |
| Rural Salinas River | $56,962 | $239,900 | $612,724 | $796,112 | $1,871,660 |
| Rural San Luis Bay | $2,096,310 | $2,096,310 | $2,096,310 | $2,096,310 | $2,096,310 |
| Rural San Luis Obispo | $1,022,561 | $1,022,561 | $1,022,561 | $1,022,561 | $1,022,561 |
| Rural South Coast | $201,999 | $350,402 | $597,742 | $845,081 | $993,484 |
| San Luis Obispo | $101,661 | $291,804 | $544,462 | $806,310 | $1,074,349 |
| San Miguel | $140,547 | $266,300 | $378,156 | $465,000 | $754,078 |
| San Simeon | $55,800 | $194,970 | $347,971 | $470,118 | $694,370 |
| Santa Margarita | $47,318 | $120,437 | $267,140 | $494,988 | $699,385 |
| Santa Maria | $136,288 | $257,347 | $486,057 | $735,977 | $1,179,420 |
| Shandon | $74,411 | $145,269 | $284,684 | $403,354 | $631,243 |
| Templeton | $184,735 | $347,178 | $543,500 | $811,961 | $1,218,904 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across San Luis Obispo County, California
In San Luis Obispo County, CA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is often lower than the market value. The county applies a tax rate to this assessed value to determine the annual property tax bill. Factors such as the home's location, improvements, and any applicable exemptions can influence the assessed value. For example, the median home price in the county is $470,020, leading to a range of tax bills. The 25th percentile tax bill is $3,039, while the 75th percentile reaches $7,668, and the 90th percentile can be as high as $10,446. Comparatively, the highest median tax bill in the county is $21,749 in Rural San Luis Bay, whereas the lowest is just $292 in Rural North Coast. These variations significantly impact homeowners, as higher tax bills can strain budgets, while lower ones can offer financial relief. Understanding these factors is crucial for homeowners to manage their expenses effectively.
Average San Luis Obispo County Tax Bill
$5,157
Average California Tax Bill
$4,683
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across San Luis Obispo County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | $2,336 | $3,627 | $7,767 | $13,038 | $19,232 |
| Arroyo Grande | $1,308 | $3,107 | $5,505 | $8,313 | $11,368 |
| Atascadero | $1,957 | $3,109 | $4,928 | $6,851 | $8,836 |
| Avila Beach | $3,467 | $5,267 | $8,249 | $11,914 | $17,466 |
| Bradley | $2,767 | $3,621 | $5,007 | $6,694 | $8,744 |
| Cambria | $2,415 | $3,869 | $6,065 | $8,967 | $12,546 |
| Cayucos | $1,422 | $3,133 | $6,060 | $10,168 | $15,600 |
| Creston | $1,558 | $3,059 | $5,063 | $8,146 | $13,297 |
| Grover Beach | $1,431 | $2,596 | $4,416 | $6,388 | $7,918 |
| Harmony | $3,296 | $4,443 | $5,178 | $9,335 | $14,275 |
| Los Osos | $3,506 | $4,813 | $6,581 | $8,622 | $10,460 |
| Morro Bay | $1,075 | $2,685 | $4,978 | $7,448 | $9,921 |
| Nipomo | $1,971 | $3,217 | $5,401 | $7,846 | $10,287 |
| Oceano | $644 | $1,812 | $3,423 | $5,053 | $6,714 |
| Paso Robles | $1,651 | $2,767 | $4,554 | $6,571 | $8,802 |
| Pismo Beach | $1,658 | $3,784 | $6,626 | $10,077 | $14,021 |
| Ragged Point | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rural Adelaida | $7,469 | $7,469 | $7,469 | $7,469 | $7,469 |
| Rural El Pomar Estrella | $1,097 | $2,728 | $6,172 | $13,108 | $20,753 |
| Rural Estero | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rural Huana Lopez | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Rural Las Pilitas | $1,130 | $2,720 | $4,440 | $6,526 | $9,324 |
| Rural Los Padres | $1,016 | $1,575 | $2,505 | $3,630 | $4,305 |
| Rural Nacimiento | $879 | $1,209 | $3,246 | $7,528 | $12,285 |
| Rural North Coast | $292 | $292 | $292 | $292 | $292 |
| Rural Salinas River | $627 | $2,585 | $6,293 | $8,520 | $19,442 |
| Rural San Luis Bay | $21,749 | $21,749 | $21,749 | $21,749 | $21,749 |
| Rural San Luis Obispo | $9,899 | $9,899 | $9,899 | $9,899 | $9,899 |
| Rural South Coast | $2,097 | $3,632 | $6,191 | $8,749 | $10,284 |
| San Luis Obispo | $1,057 | $2,929 | $5,393 | $8,127 | $10,907 |
| San Miguel | $1,519 | $2,758 | $4,022 | $4,916 | $7,757 |
| San Simeon | $581 | $2,029 | $3,619 | $4,889 | $7,110 |
| Santa Margarita | $565 | $1,312 | $2,864 | $5,307 | $7,667 |
| Santa Maria | $1,336 | $2,607 | $4,857 | $6,620 | $9,298 |
| Shandon | $738 | $1,527 | $2,992 | $4,069 | $6,687 |
| Templeton | $2,024 | $3,705 | $5,742 | $8,467 | $12,550 |
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 | |
|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo Tax Assessor | |
| Website | propertyinquiryportal.slocounty.ca.gov |