Lawrence, Kansas Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Lawrence, KS is 1.47%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Kansas state median of 1.43%. With the median home value in Lawrence at $274,100, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,011, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Lawrence 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 Lawrence'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 Lawrence 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
Lawrence, Kansas Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.43%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,860
Ownwell’s Lawrence Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Lawrence with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Lawrence 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 Lawrence, Kansas
Property taxes in Lawrence, Kansas, are essential in funding vital local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Lawrence is 1.47%, higher than both the Kansas state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Lawrence set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Lawrence 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 Lawrence's effective property tax rate to other counties in Kansas and the national median. For comparison, the 66049 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.48%, while the 66044 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 1.46%. Understanding how these cities compare with Lawrence provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Douglas County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Lawrence Tax Rate
1.47%
Average Douglas County Tax Rate
1.47%
Average Kansas Tax Rate
1.43%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Lawrence, Kansas
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66044 | 1.40% | 1.45% | 1.46% | 1.48% | 1.49% |
| 66046 | 1.36% | 1.45% | 1.46% | 1.47% | 1.48% |
| 66047 | 1.34% | 1.46% | 1.47% | 1.48% | 1.49% |
| 66049 | 1.44% | 1.47% | 1.48% | 1.48% | 1.49% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lawrence, Kansas
In Lawrence, Kansas, 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 Douglas County Appraisal District 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 Lawrence, 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. Being aware of these valuation processes in Lawrence helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The zip code with the highest median tax bill is 66049 at $4,908, while the lowest is 66044 at $3,162.
Average Lawrence Assessed Value
$274,100
Average Douglas County Assessed Value
$271,900
Average Kansas Assessed Value
$156,260
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lawrence, Kansas
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66044 | $127,700 | $168,600 | $217,200 | $292,700 | $415,800 |
| 66046 | $170,500 | $200,610 | $234,700 | $289,900 | $351,100 |
| 66047 | $198,700 | $234,700 | $296,450 | $401,970 | $563,864 |
| 66049 | $199,600 | $259,900 | $334,700 | $426,500 | $530,252 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lawrence, Kansas
Property tax bills in Lawrence, within Douglas County, KS, are calculated based on the assessed value of a property and the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor, who evaluates the market value of the property and then applies an assessment ratio. In Kansas, residential properties are typically assessed at 11.5% of their market value. For instance, a home with a median market price of $274,100 would have an assessed value of approximately $31,522. The local tax rate, or mill levy, is then applied to this assessed value to determine the annual property tax bill. Property tax bills in Lawrence show significant variation, with the 25th percentile at $3,070 and the 75th percentile at $5,411. The highest median tax bill in the area is $4,908, found in the 66049 zip code, while the lowest is $3,162 in the 66044 zip code. These taxes fund essential community services, and fluctuations in assessed values and tax rates can significantly impact homeowners' annual expenses.
Average Lawrence Tax Bill
$4,011
Average Douglas County Tax Bill
$4,065
Average Kansas Tax Bill
$2,595
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Lawrence, Kansas
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66044 | $1,818 | $2,438 | $3,162 | $4,285 | $6,109 |
| 66046 | $2,471 | $2,919 | $3,428 | $4,232 | $5,119 |
| 66047 | $2,860 | $3,427 | $4,340 | $5,844 | $8,188 |
| 66049 | $2,907 | $3,797 | $4,908 | $6,300 | $7,821 |
Source: Ownwell