Lake Charles, Louisiana Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Lake Charles, LA is 0.83%, which is lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Louisiana state median of 0.91%. With a median home value of $67,940 in Lake Charles, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $568, significantly below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Lake Charles are calculated based on the tax assessed value, often lower than the market value due to various exemptions like primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Lake Charles's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to substantial annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Lake Charles or another part of Cameron County, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Lake Charles, Louisiana Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.83%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$564
$523
Ownwell’s Lake Charles Property Tax Bill Calculator assists homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers in estimating their annual property taxes in Lake Charles with just two data points. By inputting your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Lake Charles to provide an estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. For those interested in more detailed trends at the neighborhood level, additional localized information is available below. Your property’s assessed value, determined by Cameron County for tax purposes, includes any applicable exemptions.
Property Tax Rates Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
Property taxes in Lake Charles, Louisiana, are essential for funding crucial local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Lake Charles is 0.83%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Lake Charles set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles's effective property tax rate to other counties in Louisiana and the national median. For comparison, the 70607 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 0.83%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 0.83%. Understanding how these areas compare with Lake Charles provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Calcasieu Parish, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Lake Charles Tax Rate
0.83%
Average Cameron County Tax Rate
1.22%
Average Louisiana Tax Rate
0.91%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70601 | 0.11% | 0.11% | 0.11% | 0.11% | 0.11% |
| 70607 | 0.19% | 0.40% | 0.83% | 1.22% | 1.22% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
In Lake Charles, Louisiana, 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 Cameron Parish Assessor 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 Lake Charles, 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 Lake Charles helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The median home price in Lake Charles is $67,940, with the highest median tax bill found in zip code 70607 at $568.
Average Lake Charles Assessed Value
$67,940
Average Cameron County Assessed Value
$47,775
Average Louisiana Assessed Value
$105,500
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70601 | $82,080 | $82,080 | $82,080 | $82,080 | $82,080 |
| 70607 | $14,578 | $30,005 | $67,920 | $114,087 | $198,961 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
In Lake Charles, Cameron County, LA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local tax assessor. The assessed value is typically a percentage of the market value of the property. For instance, with a median home price of $67,940, the assessed value forms the basis for the tax bill calculation. Various factors influence the tax bill, including property size, location, and condition. Homeowners in Lake Charles experience a wide range of tax bills. At the lower end, the 25th percentile tax bill is around $250, while the 75th percentile tax bill is approximately $1,251. The 90th percentile tax bill can reach up to $2,576. These property taxes significantly impact homeowners by contributing to local services such as schools, infrastructure, and public safety. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, the property tax rates in Lake Charles reflect the local economic conditions and funding needs.
Average Lake Charles Tax Bill
$568
Average Cameron County Tax Bill
$465
Average Louisiana Tax Bill
$865
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Lake Charles, Louisiana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70601 | $87 | $87 | $87 | $87 | $87 |
| 70607 | $113 | $250 | $568 | $1,252 | $2,578 |
Source: Ownwell