Santa Clara County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Santa Clara County is 1.31%, significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the California state median of 1.21%. With the median home value in Santa Clara County at $683,381, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $8,895, far exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Santa Clara County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions, such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding Santa Clara County'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 Jose or another part of Santa Clara County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Santa Clara County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.21%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,420
$1,272
$1,148
Average Santa Clara County Tax Savings
Ownwell’s Santa Clara Property Tax Bill Calculator assists homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers in estimating their annual property taxes in Santa Clara with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator uses the median tax rate in Santa Clara to provide an estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable tool not only helps you understand potential tax liabilities but also showcases how Ownwell can help reduce property taxes in Santa Clara. To explore trends at the city level, scroll down to access more localized information. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by the county for tax calculations, considering any exemptions you may have.
Property Tax Rates Across Santa Clara County, California
Property taxes in Santa Clara play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Santa Clara is 1.31%, which is higher than both the California state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Santa Clara set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara's effective property tax rate with other counties in California and the national median. For comparison, the city of Redwood Estates has one of the higher property tax rates in California at 1.97%, while the city of Morgan Hill boasts one of the lowest at 1.14%. Analyzing how Santa Clara's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Santa Clara County Tax Rate
1.31%
Average California Tax Rate
1.21%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Santa Clara County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alviso | 1.06% | 1.28% | 1.38% | 1.85% | 5.90% |
| Campbell | 1.26% | 1.30% | 1.36% | 1.49% | 1.91% |
| Coyote | 1.18% | 1.19% | 1.20% | 1.20% | 1.20% |
| Cupertino | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.26% | 1.35% | 1.63% |
| Gilroy | 1.21% | 1.23% | 1.24% | 1.25% | 1.30% |
| Holy City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| La Honda | 1.16% | 1.16% | 1.16% | 1.16% | 1.16% |
| Los Altos | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.32% | 1.59% |
| Los Altos Hills | 1.16% | 1.18% | 1.21% | 1.27% | 1.43% |
| Los Gatos | 1.15% | 1.18% | 1.24% | 1.34% | 1.60% |
| Milpitas | 1.17% | 1.18% | 1.20% | 1.24% | 1.29% |
| Monte Sereno | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.27% | 1.55% |
| Morgan Hill | 1.12% | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.15% | 1.19% |
| Mountain View | 1.16% | 1.18% | 1.21% | 1.25% | 1.34% |
| Mount Hamilton | 1.27% | 1.27% | 1.28% | 1.31% | 1.45% |
| Palo Alto | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.29% | 1.50% |
| Portola Valley | 1.17% | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.21% | 1.28% |
| Redwood Estates | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% | 1.97% |
| San Jose | 1.25% | 1.34% | 1.46% | 1.65% | 2.13% |
| San Martin | 1.13% | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.17% | 1.25% |
| Santa Clara | 1.16% | 1.16% | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.26% |
| Saratoga | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.23% | 1.31% | 1.55% |
| Stanford | 1.16% | 1.18% | 1.21% | 1.27% | 1.42% |
| Sunnyvale | 1.10% | 1.16% | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.27% |
| Watsonville | 1.22% | 1.22% | 1.23% | 1.23% | 1.27% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Santa Clara County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Clara County, California
In Santa Clara County, 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara County 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. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. For instance, Los Altos Hills has the highest median tax bill at $32,723, while Redwood Estates has the lowest at $1,252. Being aware of these valuation processes in Santa Clara County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Clara County, California
Source: Ownwell
$41,240
$1,437,154
$2,833,068
Average Santa Clara County Assessed Value
$683,381
Average California Assessed Value
$378,421
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Clara County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alviso | $30,088 | $81,447 | $326,758 | $787,884 | $969,510 |
| Campbell | $144,353 | $369,194 | $733,109 | $1,151,360 | $1,600,000 |
| Coyote | $47,209 | $51,341 | $143,930 | $263,172 | $315,281 |
| Cupertino | $214,673 | $564,174 | $1,001,693 | $1,631,629 | $2,398,789 |
| Gilroy | $178,713 | $364,904 | $643,318 | $867,000 | $1,107,219 |
| Holy City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| La Honda | $1,419,090 | $1,419,090 | $1,419,090 | $1,419,090 | $1,419,090 |
| Los Altos | $227,200 | $760,967 | $1,680,000 | $2,901,251 | $4,058,102 |
| Los Altos Hills | $419,178 | $1,320,506 | $2,806,341 | $4,513,851 | $6,652,387 |
| Los Gatos | $182,823 | $515,426 | $1,123,625 | $1,957,514 | $2,904,904 |
| Milpitas | $206,318 | $391,600 | $652,595 | $947,238 | $1,209,904 |
| Monte Sereno | $279,350 | $985,244 | $2,124,920 | $3,342,706 | $4,612,597 |
| Morgan Hill | $212,010 | $446,528 | $766,095 | $1,045,788 | $1,428,000 |
| Mountain View | $138,732 | $397,845 | $823,951 | $1,426,626 | $2,037,086 |
| Mount Hamilton | $408,031 | $680,340 | $1,048,516 | $1,506,576 | $1,847,752 |
| Palo Alto | $169,596 | $527,346 | $1,204,880 | $2,418,318 | $3,707,268 |
| Portola Valley | $527,099 | $982,944 | $2,623,141 | $7,110,558 | $10,344,428 |
| Redwood Estates | $63,522 | $63,522 | $63,522 | $63,522 | $63,522 |
| San Jose | $124,513 | $309,428 | $588,361 | $925,000 | $1,330,762 |
| San Martin | $172,227 | $418,728 | $776,844 | $1,222,208 | $1,682,683 |
| Santa Clara | $126,687 | $355,371 | $680,734 | $1,077,071 | $1,502,519 |
| Saratoga | $249,544 | $766,486 | $1,552,173 | $2,519,672 | $3,615,583 |
| Stanford | $201,848 | $499,702 | $1,086,268 | $2,183,774 | $3,445,713 |
| Sunnyvale | $100,615 | $300,417 | $701,906 | $1,220,000 | $1,775,368 |
| Watsonville | $308,475 | $428,984 | $673,645 | $938,122 | $1,257,574 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Santa Clara County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Bills Across Santa Clara County, California
Property tax bills in Santa Clara County, CA, are calculated based on the assessed value of the property. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and is typically a percentage of the market value. Homeowners in Santa Clara County face a median property tax rate of 0.99%, aligning with the national median. Various factors, such as property type, location, and any applicable exemptions, influence the final tax bill. For instance, homeowners in Los Altos Hills experience some of the highest median tax bills at $32,723, while those in Redwood Estates see significantly lower bills at $1,252. These tax bills can be a substantial burden, with the 25th percentile at $4,995 and the 75th percentile reaching $13,829. Ownwell can help homeowners navigate this complex landscape by providing expert property tax appeal and exemption services. By ensuring that properties are fairly assessed and taking advantage of all possible exemptions, Ownwell helps homeowners in Santa Clara County save significantly on their property tax bills.
Average Santa Clara County Tax Bill
$8,895
Average California Tax Bill
$4,683
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Santa Clara County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alviso | $803 | $2,190 | $5,245 | $10,502 | $12,819 |
| Campbell | $2,660 | $5,319 | $9,560 | $14,264 | $19,780 |
| Coyote | $565 | $614 | $1,733 | $3,150 | $3,736 |
| Cupertino | $3,216 | $7,248 | $12,254 | $19,343 | $27,675 |
| Gilroy | $2,111 | $4,354 | $7,662 | $10,524 | $13,328 |
| Holy City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| La Honda | $16,424 | $16,424 | $16,424 | $16,424 | $16,424 |
| Los Altos | $3,662 | $9,545 | $19,731 | $33,173 | $46,315 |
| Los Altos Hills | $5,695 | $15,914 | $32,723 | $52,085 | $75,796 |
| Los Gatos | $2,709 | $6,159 | $13,088 | $22,528 | $32,809 |
| Milpitas | $2,494 | $4,665 | $7,680 | $11,218 | $14,240 |
| Monte Sereno | $4,058 | $11,439 | $23,813 | $38,198 | $52,136 |
| Morgan Hill | $2,298 | $4,796 | $8,472 | $11,649 | $15,591 |
| Mountain View | $1,706 | $4,681 | $9,774 | $16,454 | $23,452 |
| Mount Hamilton | $6,126 | $9,149 | $13,488 | $19,586 | $23,798 |
| Palo Alto | $2,462 | $6,360 | $14,364 | $27,692 | $43,268 |
| Portola Valley | $4,476 | $11,131 | $29,288 | $81,901 | $119,363 |
| Redwood Estates | $1,252 | $1,252 | $1,252 | $1,252 | $1,252 |
| San Jose | $2,800 | $5,026 | $8,329 | $12,474 | $17,121 |
| San Martin | $1,850 | $4,649 | $8,629 | $13,356 | $18,503 |
| Santa Clara | $1,401 | $3,983 | $7,663 | $11,875 | $16,933 |
| Saratoga | $3,479 | $9,352 | $18,191 | $29,001 | $41,252 |
| Stanford | $2,408 | $5,503 | $12,481 | $23,770 | $36,848 |
| Sunnyvale | $1,196 | $3,423 | $8,011 | $13,684 | $19,665 |
| Watsonville | $3,904 | $5,269 | $8,212 | $11,487 | $15,316 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Santa Clara County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Want to lower your Santa Clara County property taxes?
Looking to reduce your Santa Clara property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax protest company serving Santa Clara. We specialize in helping property owners in the area and beyond lower their taxes by working directly with the Santa Clara Appraisal District. Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the Santa Clara property tax protest process and identify all available property tax exemptions so you don’t have to. Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate investor, or an asset manager, our local team at Ownwell has the expertise to assess your current property tax situation and identify strategic opportunities for reducing your tax burden. By managing the protest process from beginning to end, we not only simplify the procedure but also increase your chances of obtaining a favorable result. Let Ownwell be your trusted partner in lowering your Santa Clara property tax expenses through our proven strategies and expert advocacy.
Property Tax Appeals in California
In Santa Clara County, the property tax protest process allows homeowners to appeal their property tax assessments if they believe their property has been over-assessed. The process begins with a formal appeal to the county's Assessment Appeals Board. Homeowners must file their appeal within a specific timeframe, typically between July 2 and September 15, for the current tax year. Once the appeal is filed, the homeowner must prepare evidence to support their claim that the assessed value of their property is too high. This evidence can include recent sales data of comparable properties, an independent appraisal, or any other relevant information that demonstrates the market value of the property is lower than the assessed value. The Assessment Appeals Board will then schedule a hearing where the homeowner can present their case. During the hearing, both the homeowner and the county assessor's office will have the opportunity to present their evidence and arguments. The board will review the information presented and make a decision on whether the assessed value should be adjusted. Potential outcomes of the appeal process include a reduction in the assessed value, which can lead to a lower property tax bill, or the board may determine that the original assessment was accurate, resulting in no change. Ownwell can assist homeowners throughout the entire appeal process. Our team of experts can help gather and analyze the necessary evidence, prepare a compelling case, and represent the homeowner during the hearing. By leveraging our expertise, homeowners can increase their chances of a successful appeal and potentially save a significant amount on their property taxes.
Exemptions in California
Santa Clara County in California offers several property tax exemption programs to help homeowners reduce their tax burden. The most common exemption is the Homeowners' Exemption, which is available to those who own and occupy their property as their primary residence. This exemption can provide significant savings by reducing the assessed value of the home, thus lowering the overall property tax bill. Another key exemption is the Veterans' Exemption, available to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses. This exemption offers financial relief by reducing the taxable value of the property. Additionally, the Disabled Veterans' Exemption provides further reductions for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Seniors and low-income homeowners may also benefit from the Property Tax Postponement Program, which allows eligible individuals to defer their property taxes until the property is sold or the homeowner passes away. This program can be particularly beneficial for those on a fixed income, providing immediate financial relief. Applying for these exemptions typically involves submitting an application form to the Santa Clara County Assessor's Office along with any required documentation. Ownwell can assist homeowners in navigating this process, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time. By leveraging Ownwell's expertise, homeowners can maximize their savings and take full advantage of the available property tax relief programs in Santa Clara County.
Available Exemptions
Disabled
Home Stead
Solar/Wind
Non-Profit
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | September 16 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Santa Clara Tax Assessor | |
| Phone | (408) 299-5372 |
| Website | www.sccassessor.org |
| dawn.cieslik@asr.sccgov.org | |
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