Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo County, California Property Taxes
Median Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria, CA home value: $486,057
Median annual Santa Maria, CA tax bill: $4,857, $2,457 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in San Luis Obispo calculated?
Property taxes in Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Santa Maria, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Santa Maria, 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
$5,006
$4,646
Ownwell’s Santa Maria Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Santa Maria with just two data points.
By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Santa Maria’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 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 San Luis Obispo County.
For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!
Property Tax Rates Across Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo County, California
Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, which can differ significantly within a state. The annual process involves each county estimating its required budget to provide essential services and dividing that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation determines the property tax rate. While votes and laws also play a role in establishing tax rates and budgets, this is the core process each year.
In Santa Maria, located in San Luis Obispo County, the effective property tax rate is a crucial factor for homeowners. The median property tax rate in California aligns closely with the national median, offering a basis for comparison. However, variations exist even within the state, highlighting the importance of understanding local rates. The U.S. median property tax rate serves as a benchmark for evaluating Santa Maria’s rate, helping residents gauge their tax obligations relative to national standards. By comparing Santa Maria's effective property tax rate to other cities in California and the broader U.S. median, homeowners can better understand their position within the property tax landscape.
Property Tax Rates Across Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo County, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93454 | 0.92% | 1.01% | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| 93458 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo County, California
When examining property taxes in Santa Maria, 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 appraisal district 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 March. 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 Santa Maria.
For example, the median home price in Santa Maria is $486,057, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 93454 has the highest median home price at $503,718.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo County, California
Source: Ownwell
$267,140
$548,274
$829,408
Median Santa Maria Market Value
$486,057
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 Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo County, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93454 | $182,955 | $275,348 | $503,718 | $743,886 | $1,202,280 |
| 93458 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo County, California
Property Tax Bills Across Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo County, California
Source: Ownwell
$2,864
$5,557
$8,249
Median Santa Maria Tax Bill
$4,857
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 Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo County, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93454 | $1,603 | $2,793 | $4,964 | $6,736 | $10,494 |
| 93458 | 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 |