Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Sterling, IL effective property tax rate: 2.58%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Illinois state median of 2.35%.
Median Sterling, IL home value: $92,214
Median annual Sterling, IL tax bill: $2,394, $6 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Whiteside calculated?

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

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

2.58%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$2,379

$2,208

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

Property Tax Rates Across Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois

Local government entities determine tax rates, which can differ significantly within a state. This variation occurs because each county annually calculates its necessary budget to fund services and divides this by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While the setting of tax rates and budgets involves votes and regulations, this is essentially the yearly procedure.

In Sterling, located in Whiteside County, Illinois, the effective property tax rate stands out when compared to other cities in Illinois and the national median. Illinois is known for having one of the highest median property tax rates in the country, and Sterling is no exception. The rate here is considerably higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This difference can significantly impact homeowners, as higher tax rates mean higher annual tax bills. Understanding these rates is crucial for property owners who wish to manage their tax liabilities effectively. Comparing Sterling's tax rate with other areas can provide valuable insights for potential homebuyers and existing homeowners alike.

Property Tax Rates Across Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois

Source: Ownwell

1.83%

2.30%

2.76%

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 Sterling Tax Rate

2.58%

Median Effective Whiteside County Tax Rate

2.37%

Median Effective Illinois Tax Rate

2.35%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
61081	1.60%	2.07%	2.58%	3.03%	3.56%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois

When examining property taxes in Sterling, IL, 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 Whiteside 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 Whiteside County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May. 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 Sterling.

For example, the median home price in Sterling is $92,214, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. The 61081 zip code has the highest median home price at $92,214.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois

Source: Ownwell

$80,166

$105,994

$131,822

Median Sterling Market Value

$92,214

Median Whiteside County Market Value

$92,852

Median Illinois Market Value

$194,700

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
61081	$45,964	$66,348	$92,214	$139,929	$205,055

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois

In Sterling, IL, property tax bills are determined by multiplying the assessed value of a home by the local tax rate. The assessed value is a percentage of the property's market value, which is determined by the county assessor. Homeowners in Sterling experience a range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $1,598 and the 75th percentile at $3,560. Compared to the national median property tax bill of $2,400, Sterling's property taxes can be considered relatively moderate. However, some homeowners face higher tax burdens, as indicated by the 90th percentile tax bill of $5,021. These taxes can significantly impact homeowners' finances, especially when they exceed the national median. Ownwell helps homeowners in Sterling by providing property tax appeal and exemption services. Our team analyzes the assessed value of your property and identifies opportunities for reductions. By challenging inaccuracies and ensuring fair assessments, Ownwell can help you save money and reduce your property tax burden, making homeownership more affordable.

Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois

Source: Ownwell

$1,439

$2,254

$3,069

Median Sterling Tax Bill

$2,394

Median Whiteside County Tax Bill

$2,245

Median Illinois Tax Bill

$4,715

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Whiteside County, Illinois

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
61081	$951	$1,598	$2,394	$3,560	$5,021

Source: Ownwell