Ruston, Louisiana Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Ruston, LA is 0.89%, which is lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Louisiana state median of 0.91%. With the median home value in Ruston at $125,966, the typical annual property tax bill is $1,136, well below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Ruston are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding Ruston'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 Ruston 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
Ruston, Louisiana Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.91%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,820
Ownwell’s Ruston Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Ruston with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Ruston 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 Ruston, Louisiana
Property taxes in Ruston, Louisiana, are vital in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Ruston is 0.89%, slightly below the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Ruston set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Ruston 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 Ruston's effective property tax rate to other regions in Louisiana and the national median. For comparison, the zip code 71270 has both the highest and lowest median property tax rate of 0.89%. Understanding how these areas compare with Ruston provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Lincoln County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Ruston Tax Rate
0.89%
Average Lincoln County Tax Rate
0.89%
Average Louisiana Tax Rate
0.91%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Ruston, Louisiana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71270 | 0.85% | 0.89% | 0.89% | 0.89% | 1.12% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ruston, Louisiana
Understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes in Ruston, Louisiana. 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 Lincoln 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 Ruston, 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. The median home price in Ruston is $125,966, with tax bills ranging from $529 at the 25th percentile to $2,649 at the 90th percentile. The zip code 71270 has the highest and lowest median tax bill of $1,136. Being aware of these valuation processes helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Average Ruston Assessed Value
$125,966
Average Lincoln County Assessed Value
$106,951
Average Louisiana Assessed Value
$105,500
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ruston, Louisiana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71270 | $21,943 | $57,408 | $125,966 | $210,208 | $303,380 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Ruston, Louisiana
In Ruston, Lincoln County, property tax bills are determined by the assessed value of a home, which is a percentage of its market value. Local tax authorities assess this value annually. The property tax rate in Ruston is applied to this assessed value to calculate the annual tax bill. For example, homeowners in Ruston with a median home price of $125,966 can expect variations in their tax bills. The tax bill for the 25th percentile is around $529, while those in the 75th percentile pay about $1,852. At the 90th percentile, the tax bill can reach up to $2,649. The highest median tax bill in Ruston is $1,136, which is relatively lower compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%. These tax bills can significantly impact homeowners by influencing their monthly mortgage payments and overall housing affordability. Understanding these factors can help homeowners better manage their finances and plan for future expenses.
Average Ruston Tax Bill
$1,136
Average Lincoln County Tax Bill
$972
Average Louisiana Tax Bill
$865
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Ruston, Louisiana
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71270 | $240 | $529 | $1,136 | $1,852 | $2,649 |
Source: Ownwell