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Atherton, San Mateo County, California Property Taxes

  • Median Atherton, CA effective property tax rate: 1.14%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the California state median of 1.21%.

  • Median Atherton, CA home value: $3,584,402

  • Median annual Atherton, CA tax bill: $41,115, $38,715 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in San Mateo calculated?

Property taxes in Atherton, 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 Atherton’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Atherton, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Atherton, San Mateo County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.14%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$40,862

$37,919

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$1,102

Average Tax Savings

Ownwell’s Atherton Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Atherton with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Atherton’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 more 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 Mateo County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This variation is due to the fact that each county annually estimates its required budget to provide necessary services and divides that budget 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, this is the annual process in a nutshell. In Atherton, located in San Mateo County, the effective property tax rate is a reflection of this process. Atherton's property tax rate is consistent with the highest and lowest median tax rates within its zip code, highlighting a uniform rate across the board. When comparing Atherton's property tax rate to the median rates in California and the U.S., Atherton's rate aligns closely with the state median but is slightly above the national median. Understanding these rates can provide insight into the local government's budgetary needs and how they impact property owners in Atherton.

Property Tax Rates Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

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1.08%

1.30%

1.52%

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 Atherton Tax Rate

1.14%

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 Mateo County Tax Rate

1.26%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
940271.10%1.11%1.14%1.21%1.44%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

When examining property taxes in Atherton, 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 Mateo 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 Mateo County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May. 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 Atherton. For example, the median home price in Atherton is $3,584,402, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 94027 has the highest median home price at $3,584,402.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

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$377,686

$1,981,044

$3,584,402

Median Atherton Market Value

$3,584,402

Median San Mateo County Market Value

$685,382

Median California Market Value

$378,421

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
94027$469,793$1,448,092$3,584,402$7,398,750$12,647,753

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

In Atherton, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the San Mateo County Assessor's Office. The assessed value is typically a percentage of the property's market value. Homeowners in Atherton face some of the highest property tax bills in the nation, with a median tax bill of $41,115, significantly surpassing the national median of $2,400. Factors such as the home's location, size, and any improvements made can influence the assessed value and, consequently, the tax bill. The tax bill can range widely, with the 25th percentile at $17,173 and the 90th percentile reaching $138,497. This substantial financial burden can be challenging for homeowners. Ownwell offers property tax appeal and exemption services to help homeowners potentially reduce their tax bills. By analyzing property assessments and ensuring they align with current market values, Ownwell can assist homeowners in Atherton in saving money and easing the financial strain of high property taxes.

Property Tax Bills Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

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$4,534

$22,825

$41,115

Median Atherton Tax Bill

$41,115

Median San Mateo County Tax Bill

$8,692

Median California Tax Bill

$4,683

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
94027$6,948$17,173$41,115$82,442$138,497

Source: Ownwell

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