Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Watsonville, CA effective property tax rate: 1.23%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the California state median of 1.21%.
Median Watsonville, CA home value: $366,612
Median annual Watsonville, CA tax bill: $4,788, $2,388 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Santa Cruz calculated?

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

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.23%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$4,509

$4,185

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

Property Tax Rates Across Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This is because each county annually estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that 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, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.

Watsonville in Santa Cruz County, California, has an effective property tax rate that aligns with the county's median of 1.23%. This rate is slightly above the national median property tax rate of 1.02%, indicating a higher tax burden for property owners in this region compared to the national average. However, it is important to note that property taxes in California can vary significantly depending on the specific location and the assessed value of the property. Comparing Watsonville’s property tax rate to other cities in California and the U.S. can provide useful insights for property owners and potential buyers. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions regarding property investments and financial planning.

Property Tax Rates Across Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California

Source: Ownwell

1.19%

1.60%

2.01%

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 Watsonville Tax Rate

1.23%

Median Effective Santa Cruz County Tax Rate

1.26%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
95076	1.17%	1.20%	1.23%	1.34%	1.64%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California

When examining property taxes in Watsonville, 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 Santa Cruz 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. Assessment notices: In Santa Cruz 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 Watsonville. For example, the median home price in Watsonville is $366,612, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 95076 has the highest median home price at $366,612.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California

Source: Ownwell

$64,992

$417,597

$770,201

Median Watsonville Market Value

$366,612

Median Santa Cruz County Market Value

$477,836

Median California Market Value

$378,421

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
95076	$82,407	$204,031	$366,612	$579,578	$827,999

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California

Property tax bills in Watsonville, located in Santa Cruz County, CA, are calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is determined by the Santa Cruz County Assessor's Office. This assessed value is typically a percentage of the property's market value. Homeowners in Watsonville experience property tax bills that vary significantly, with amounts ranging from the 25th percentile at $2,812 to the 90th percentile at $10,354. The median tax bill in the 95076 zip code stands at $4,788, which is above the national median property tax bill of $2,400. These taxes fund essential local services, impacting homeowners by influencing their overall cost of living. Ownwell can assist homeowners in Watsonville by evaluating their property tax assessments and identifying opportunities for appeals or exemptions. By leveraging expert knowledge and tailored strategies, Ownwell helps homeowners potentially reduce their property tax burdens, ensuring they only pay their fair share. This can result in significant savings and financial relief for property owners in the area.

Property Tax Bills Across Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California

Source: Ownwell

$1,275

$5,539

$9,802

Median Watsonville Tax Bill

$4,788

Median Santa Cruz County Tax Bill

$6,319

Median California Tax Bill

$4,683

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
95076	$1,359	$2,812	$4,788	$7,355	$10,354

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