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Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California Property Taxes

  • Median Palo Alto, CA effective property tax rate: 1.43%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the California state median of 1.21%.

  • Median Palo Alto, CA home value: $948,186

  • Median annual Palo Alto, CA tax bill: $12,887, $10,487 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in San Mateo calculated?

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

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.43%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$13,559

$12,582

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$1,102

Average Tax Savings

Ownwell’s Palo Alto Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Palo Alto with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Palo Alto’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 Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California

Local government entities determine tax rates, leading to significant variation within California. Each county, including San Mateo, estimates its budgetary needs annually and divides this by the total value of all taxable property to determine its property tax rate. This process, while involving votes and legislative measures, is essentially how annual tax rates are set. Palo Alto, located in San Mateo County, provides an interesting case study for property tax rates. When comparing Palo Alto’s effective property tax rate to other cities in California, it is evident that local rates can differ significantly. Notably, Palo Alto’s rate stands out when compared to the state’s median property tax rate, which is higher than the national median. This comparison highlights the unique tax landscape of California, where local economic conditions and budgetary requirements influence property tax rates. Understanding these differences is crucial for homeowners seeking to manage their property tax obligations effectively.

Property Tax Rates Across Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto Tax Rate

1.43%

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 Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
943031.21%1.28%1.43%1.47%1.93%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California

When examining property taxes in Palo Alto, 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'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 Mateo 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 Palo Alto.

For example, the median home price in Palo Alto is $948,186, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 94303 has the highest median home price at $948,186.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

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$377,686

$1,981,044

$3,584,402

Median Palo Alto Market Value

$948,186

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 Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
94303$211,952$481,146$948,186$1,076,052$1,251,950

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California

In Palo Alto, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the San Mateo County Assessor. The assessed value is typically a percentage of the market value, and various factors such as home improvements and changes in market conditions can influence it. The property tax rate in this region is applied to the assessed value to determine the tax bill. With a median home price of $948,186, homeowners in Palo Alto can face significant property tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $6,017 and the 75th percentile reaching $15,267. This is substantially higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400, reflecting the region's high property values. Homeowners can benefit from appealing their assessed values, potentially lowering their tax obligations. Ownwell specializes in this process, offering expertise to help homeowners navigate the complexities of property tax appeals and exemptions, ultimately aiming to reduce their tax burden effectively.

Property Tax Bills Across Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

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$4,534

$22,825

$41,115

Median Palo Alto Tax Bill

$12,887

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 Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
94303$3,705$6,017$12,887$15,267$16,950

Source: Ownwell

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