San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California Property Taxes
Median San Luis Obispo, CA effective property tax rate: 1.03%, slightly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the California state median of 1.21%.
Median San Luis Obispo, CA home value: $544,462
Median annual San Luis Obispo, CA tax bill: $5,393, $2,993 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in San Luis Obispo calculated?
Property taxes in San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in San Luis Obispo, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.03%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,608
$5,204
Property Tax Rates Across San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Why? Because annually, each county 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 there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process. Below, you can compare San Luis Obispo’s effective property tax rate to other cities in California and the median property tax rates in California and the U.S.
San Luis Obispo County boasts a median property tax rate of 1.03%, aligning closely with the national median of 1.02%. Within the county, the highest median tax rate is found in the 93405 zip code at 1.04%, while the lowest median rate is in the 93401 zip code at 1.03%. These figures highlight the subtle differences within the county, yet they remain competitive on a national scale. Understanding these nuances can empower property owners to make informed decisions and potentially reduce their tax liabilities.
Property Tax Rates Across San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California
Source: Ownwell

1.03%
1.31%
1.58%
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 Luis Obispo Tax Rate
1.03%
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 Luis Obispo County Tax Rate
1.06%
Median Effective California Tax Rate
1.21%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
93401 | 0.95% | 1.02% | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.05% |
93402 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
93405 | 0.96% | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
93420 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
93453 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California
When examining property taxes in San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo County Assessor 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 Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo. For example, the median home price in San Luis Obispo is $544,462, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 93405 has the highest median home price at $549,606.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California
Source: Ownwell

$267,140
$548,274
$829,408
Median San Luis Obispo Market Value
$544,462
Median San Luis Obispo County Market Value
$470,020
Median California Market Value
$378,421
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
93401 | $96,156 | $289,362 | $540,940 | $814,738 | $1,079,190 |
93402 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
93405 | $111,394 | $294,792 | $549,606 | $790,704 | $1,061,208 |
93420 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
93453 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California
Property Tax Bills Across San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California
Source: Ownwell

$2,864
$5,557
$8,249
Median San Luis Obispo Tax Bill
$5,393
Median San Luis Obispo County Tax Bill
$5,157
Median California Tax Bill
$4,683
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
93401 | $1,024 | $2,914 | $5,386 | $8,262 | $10,975 |
93402 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
93405 | $1,128 | $2,958 | $5,401 | $7,912 | $10,772 |
93420 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
93453 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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 |