Santa Cruz, California Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Santa Cruz, CA is 1.23%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the California state median of 1.21%. With the median home value in Santa Cruz at $509,203, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $6,610, significantly exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Santa Cruz are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Santa Cruz's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Santa Cruz or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Santa Cruz, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.21%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,420
Ownwell’s Santa Cruz Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Santa Cruz with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Santa Cruz to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Santa Cruz, California
Property taxes in Santa Cruz, California, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Santa Cruz is 1.23%, higher than both the California state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Santa Cruz set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Santa Cruz estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Santa Cruz's effective property tax rate to other areas in California and the national median. For comparison, the 95018 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.59%, while the 95060 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 1.19%. Understanding how these areas compare with Santa Cruz provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across the county, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Santa Cruz Tax Rate
1.23%
Average Santa Cruz County Tax Rate
1.26%
Average California Tax Rate
1.21%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Santa Cruz, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95018 | 1.59% | 1.59% | 1.59% | 1.59% | 1.59% |
| 95060 | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.28% | 1.56% |
| 95062 | 1.14% | 1.18% | 1.29% | 1.50% | 1.97% |
| 95064 | 1.17% | 1.18% | 1.22% | 1.24% | 1.27% |
| 95065 | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.27% | 1.42% | 1.75% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Cruz, California
In Santa Cruz, California, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Santa Cruz County Assessor for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value 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. In Santa Cruz, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. The zip code with the highest median tax bill in Santa Cruz is 95018 at $11,337, while the lowest is 95064 at $4,434. Being aware of these valuation processes helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Average Santa Cruz Assessed Value
$509,203
Average Santa Cruz County Assessed Value
$477,836
Average California Assessed Value
$378,421
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Santa Cruz, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95018 | $712,122 | $712,122 | $712,122 | $712,122 | $712,122 |
| 95060 | $102,847 | $253,402 | $528,198 | $877,005 | $1,249,936 |
| 95062 | $71,809 | $220,452 | $475,828 | $823,930 | $1,193,764 |
| 95064 | $225,133 | $282,696 | $364,514 | $625,370 | $772,369 |
| 95065 | $118,292 | $306,323 | $573,576 | $865,253 | $1,098,097 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Santa Cruz, California
In Santa Cruz, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of your home. The assessed value is determined by the Santa Cruz County Assessor's Office and is typically a percentage of the market value. Factors such as recent home sales, property improvements, and changes in the local real estate market can influence this assessed value. Once the assessed value is established, the property tax rate is applied to calculate the annual tax bill. In Santa Cruz, the tax bill can vary significantly. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill is around $3,508, while the 75th percentile reaches $10,515, and the 90th percentile can go up to $14,798. These figures highlight the range of tax burdens that homeowners might face depending on their property's assessed value and location. Homeowners in Santa Cruz should be mindful of these factors as they can significantly impact their annual expenses. Comparing these figures to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Santa Cruz's tax bills tend to be on the higher side, reflecting the area's property values and local tax policies.
Average Santa Cruz Tax Bill
$6,610
Average Santa Cruz County Tax Bill
$6,319
Average California Tax Bill
$4,683
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Santa Cruz, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95018 | $11,337 | $11,337 | $11,337 | $11,337 | $11,337 |
| 95060 | $1,562 | $3,293 | $6,480 | $10,548 | $14,907 |
| 95062 | $1,299 | $3,610 | $6,611 | $10,518 | $14,983 |
| 95064 | $2,841 | $3,532 | $4,434 | $7,349 | $9,013 |
| 95065 | $2,292 | $4,341 | $7,554 | $10,663 | $13,681 |
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 | |
|---|---|
| Santa Cruz Tax Assessor | |
| Website | sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us |