Petaluma, Sonoma County, California Property Taxes
Median Petaluma, CA effective property tax rate: 1.10%, slightly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the California state median of 1.21%.
Median Petaluma, CA home value: $481,417
Median annual Petaluma, CA tax bill: $5,180, $2,780 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Sonoma County calculated?
Property taxes in Petaluma, 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 Petaluma’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Petaluma, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Petaluma, Sonoma County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.1%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,296
$4,914
$1,102
Average Tax Savings
Property Tax Rates Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California
Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, which can differ significantly across various regions within a state. Annually, each county, such as Sonoma, calculates its budgetary needs to fund essential services and divides this by the total value of all taxable properties within its area. This calculation determines the property tax rate. While setting tax rates and budgets involves votes and legislative measures, this process is repeated each year.
For example, Petaluma in Sonoma County has an effective property tax rate that can be compared to other cities in California, as well as the median property tax rates in the state and across the U.S. With a median property tax rate of 1.10%, Petaluma's rate is slightly above the national median of 1.02%. Within Petaluma, the highest median tax rate is 1.11% in zip code 94954, while the lowest is 1.09% in zip code 94952. These figures highlight the variability in property tax rates even within a single city, reflecting the broader diversity seen across California and the nation.
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 Petaluma Tax Rate
1.10%
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 Sonoma County Tax Rate
1.15%
Median Effective California Tax Rate
1.21%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
94951 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
94952 | 1.08% | 1.08% | 1.09% | 1.13% | 1.27% |
94954 | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.16% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average Petaluma Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California
When examining property taxes in Petaluma, 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March. 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 Petaluma. For example, the median home price in Petaluma is $481,417, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 94952 has the highest median home price at $514,045.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California
Source: Ownwell

$180,448
$462,972
$745,496
Median Petaluma Market Value
$481,417
Median Sonoma County Market Value
$444,836
Median California Market Value
$378,421
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
94951 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
94952 | $106,245 | $263,953 | $514,045 | $806,170 | $1,110,105 |
94954 | $160,153 | $292,936 | $460,412 | $661,636 | $843,746 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average Petaluma Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California
In Petaluma, Sonoma County, CA, property tax bills are determined based on the assessed value of a home, which is typically a percentage of the market value. Homeowners in Petaluma face a median property tax bill of $5,561 in the 94952 zip code, reflecting the area's higher property values compared to the national median property tax bill of $2,400. The tax bill is influenced by factors such as the home's location, size, and any applicable exemptions. For instance, the tax bill at the 25th percentile is $2,956, while at the 90th percentile, it reaches $10,231, indicating significant variability within the area.
Ownwell assists homeowners by identifying potential savings on their property tax bills. Through a comprehensive analysis of the assessed value and comparison with current market trends, Ownwell can uncover opportunities for appeal and exemptions, potentially reducing the tax burden. By leveraging expert knowledge and local insights, Ownwell provides a strategic approach to managing and minimizing property tax obligations, offering homeowners financial relief and peace of mind.
Median Petaluma Tax Bill
$5,180
Median Sonoma County Tax Bill
$5,028
Median California Tax Bill
$4,683
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
94951 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
94952 | $1,159 | $2,920 | $5,561 | $8,727 | $11,717 |
94954 | $1,131 | $2,983 | $4,910 | $7,123 | $9,130 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,102
Average Petaluma Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
---|---|
Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
Appeal Deadline | December 1 |
Tax Bill | |
Issued | October 1 |
Due Date #1 | December 10 |
Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
---|---|
Sonoma Tax Assessor | |
Website | assr.parcelquest.com |
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