Lake County, Indiana Property Taxes
Median Lake County effective property tax rate: 1.07%, slightly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Lake County home value: $187,400
Median annual Lake County tax bill: $2,011, $389 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Lake County calculated?
Property taxes in Lake County 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 your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Gary or another part of Lake County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Lake County, Indiana Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.07%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,005
$1,861
Property Tax Rates Across Lake County, Indiana
Local government entities determine tax rates, which can significantly differ within a state. Each year, counties estimate their necessary budget to fund services and then divide that by the total value of all taxable property in their area. This process establishes the property tax rate. Although votes and laws play a role in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the basic annual procedure.
Comparing Lake County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Indiana or the U.S. median reveals interesting insights. Lake County boasts a median property tax rate of 1.07%, slightly above the national median of 1.02%. This positions Lake County higher than the average U.S. rate, reflecting its local fiscal policies and budgetary needs. Within Indiana, Lake County's rate is nestled between the highest median tax rate of 1.41% in New Chicago and the lowest of 0.75% in Shelby. This variation underscores the diverse economic landscapes and budgetary demands across the state. Understanding these differences can empower property owners to make informed decisions about their investments and potential tax liabilities.
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 Lake County Tax Rate
1.07%
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 Indiana Tax Rate
0.99%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Lake County, Indiana
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Lake | 0.75% | 0.95% | 1.09% | 1.17% | 2.11% |
| Crown Point | 0.73% | 0.90% | 1.03% | 1.07% | 1.14% |
| Dyer | 0.75% | 0.95% | 1.14% | 1.19% | 1.22% |
| East Chicago | 0.67% | 0.89% | 1.00% | 1.76% | 1.91% |
| Gary | 0.45% | 1.00% | 1.31% | 2.33% | 2.51% |
| Griffith | 0.87% | 1.03% | 1.07% | 1.11% | 1.60% |
| Hammond | 0.98% | 1.16% | 1.22% | 2.51% | 2.54% |
| Hebron | 0.64% | 0.75% | 0.90% | 1.05% | 1.32% |
| Highland | 0.74% | 0.84% | 0.91% | 0.96% | 1.65% |
| Hobart | 0.88% | 1.05% | 1.12% | 1.19% | 2.22% |
| Lake Station | 0.80% | 1.05% | 1.16% | 2.27% | 2.83% |
| Leroy | 0.31% | 0.60% | 0.85% | 1.71% | 1.73% |
| Lowell | 0.73% | 0.84% | 0.93% | 0.97% | 1.32% |
| Merrillville | 0.60% | 0.75% | 0.85% | 0.90% | 1.72% |
| Munster | 1.12% | 1.22% | 1.25% | 1.27% | 1.36% |
| New Chicago | 0.78% | 1.11% | 1.41% | 2.88% | 3.04% |
| Saint John | 0.82% | 0.93% | 1.00% | 1.10% | 1.16% |
| Schererville | 0.72% | 0.82% | 0.90% | 0.99% | 1.10% |
| Schneider | 0.48% | 0.70% | 0.93% | 1.62% | 1.89% |
| Shelby | 0.41% | 0.53% | 0.75% | 1.60% | 1.62% |
| Whiting | 0.80% | 0.94% | 1.24% | 1.30% | 2.56% |
| Fishers | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Winfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake County, Indiana
When examining property taxes in Lake County, 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 Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake County. For example, the median tax bill in Lake County is $1,195, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Saint John has the highest median home price at $377,900.
Median Lake County Market Value
$187,400
Median Indiana Market Value
$170,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake County, Indiana
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Lake | $108,120 | $171,000 | $249,600 | $322,300 | $399,840 |
| Crown Point | $173,600 | $217,500 | $280,000 | $367,500 | $470,800 |
| Dyer | $196,930 | $239,700 | $299,200 | $380,225 | $468,770 |
| East Chicago | $50,930 | $67,025 | $85,400 | $112,100 | $145,800 |
| Gary | $18,200 | $34,300 | $46,700 | $71,700 | $122,600 |
| Griffith | $137,500 | $173,300 | $203,800 | $239,500 | $289,000 |
| Hammond | $82,200 | $101,000 | $124,300 | $152,700 | $184,400 |
| Hebron | $175,000 | $254,100 | $326,700 | $418,250 | $520,500 |
| Highland | $160,700 | $191,100 | $225,750 | $259,500 | $301,990 |
| Hobart | $104,500 | $135,300 | $175,100 | $223,950 | $281,400 |
| Lake Station | $60,600 | $74,500 | $97,500 | $129,700 | $160,600 |
| Leroy | $54,080 | $93,850 | $147,700 | $203,300 | $253,800 |
| Lowell | $168,940 | $200,700 | $257,000 | $335,000 | $415,820 |
| Merrillville | $118,300 | $148,500 | $181,500 | $225,100 | $279,000 |
| Munster | $173,700 | $229,600 | $288,100 | $379,750 | $524,400 |
| New Chicago | $60,140 | $82,350 | $106,100 | $132,500 | $161,540 |
| Saint John | $262,100 | $311,700 | $377,900 | $464,800 | $593,800 |
| Schererville | $190,840 | $228,600 | $291,500 | $362,500 | $440,800 |
| Schneider | $20,860 | $71,075 | $113,000 | $147,975 | $190,670 |
| Shelby | $30,250 | $66,750 | $99,400 | $148,650 | $186,100 |
| Whiting | $110,660 | $131,300 | $158,300 | $189,400 | $223,900 |
| Fishers | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Winfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lake County, Indiana
Median Lake County Tax Bill
$2,011
Median Indiana Tax Bill
$1,691
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Lake County, Indiana
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Lake | $942 | $1,734 | $2,688 | $3,621 | $4,665 |
| Crown Point | $1,519 | $2,049 | $2,761 | $3,910 | $5,140 |
| Dyer | $1,769 | $2,453 | $3,268 | $4,336 | $5,482 |
| East Chicago | $409 | $681 | $1,017 | $1,422 | $1,820 |
| Gary | $141 | $395 | $733 | $1,122 | $1,661 |
| Griffith | $1,293 | $1,837 | $2,219 | $2,733 | $3,476 |
| Hammond | $911 | $1,315 | $1,760 | $2,405 | $3,125 |
| Hebron | $1,293 | $1,918 | $2,845 | $4,189 | $5,426 |
| Highland | $1,322 | $1,711 | $2,099 | $2,554 | $3,264 |
| Hobart | $1,126 | $1,567 | $2,081 | $2,666 | $3,359 |
| Lake Station | $591 | $911 | $1,375 | $1,873 | $2,443 |
| Leroy | $211 | $584 | $1,343 | $1,956 | $3,117 |
| Lowell | $1,336 | $1,807 | $2,415 | $3,223 | $4,082 |
| Merrillville | $821 | $1,173 | $1,610 | $2,151 | $2,840 |
| Munster | $2,149 | $2,960 | $3,697 | $5,048 | $6,847 |
| New Chicago | $473 | $900 | $1,569 | $2,506 | $3,140 |
| Saint John | $2,181 | $2,922 | $3,785 | $4,829 | $6,288 |
| Schererville | $1,418 | $1,938 | $2,683 | $3,548 | $4,573 |
| Schneider | $216 | $523 | $1,023 | $1,490 | $2,177 |
| Shelby | $227 | $422 | $823 | $1,348 | $2,048 |
| Whiting | $1,131 | $1,489 | $1,901 | $2,526 | $3,462 |
| Fishers | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Winfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell