Saginaw, Bay County, Michigan Property Taxes
Median Saginaw, MI effective property tax rate: 0.79%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Michigan state median of 1.07%.
Median Saginaw, MI home value: $147,900
Median annual Saginaw, MI tax bill: $1,171, $1,229 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Bay County calculated?
Property taxes in Saginaw, MI 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 Saginaw’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Saginaw, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Saginaw, Bay County, Michigan Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.79%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,168
$1,084
Property Tax Rates Across Saginaw, Bay County, Michigan
Local government entities determine tax rates, which can vary significantly within Michigan. This variation arises because each county annually estimates its budgetary needs to provide essential services and divides this by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While setting tax rates and budgets involves votes and laws, this is essentially the annual process.
In Saginaw, the property tax rate is a reflection of this calculation. Compared to other cities in Michigan, Saginaw's effective property tax rate is influenced by similar budgetary demands and property values. Interestingly, the median property tax rate in Saginaw is 0.79%, which is lower than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This can be seen as a financial advantage for property owners in Saginaw, as their property tax bills may be comparatively lower than those in other regions across the country. By understanding these dynamics, property owners can better navigate their financial responsibilities and potentially explore appealing or seeking exemptions to further optimize their property tax obligations.
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 Saginaw Tax Rate
0.79%
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 Bay County Tax Rate
1.00%
Median Effective Michigan Tax Rate
1.07%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Saginaw, Bay County, Michigan
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
48604 | 0.62% | 0.71% | 0.82% | 0.93% | 1.02% |
48601 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Saginaw, Bay County, Michigan
When examining property taxes in Saginaw, MI, 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 Bay County Appraisal District 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 Bay 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 Saginaw. For example, the median home price in Saginaw is $147,900, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 48604 has the highest median home price at $149,100.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Saginaw, Bay County, Michigan
Source: Ownwell

$84,800
$137,700
$190,600
Median Saginaw Market Value
$147,900
Median Bay County Market Value
$117,300
Median Michigan Market Value
$177,800
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Saginaw, Bay County, Michigan
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
48604 | $112,770 | $120,150 | $149,100 | $200,400 | $266,290 |
48601 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Saginaw, Bay County, Michigan
Median Saginaw Tax Bill
$1,171
Median Bay County Tax Bill
$1,271
Median Michigan Tax Bill
$1,795
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Saginaw, Bay County, Michigan
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
48604 | $839 | $1,017 | $1,251 | $1,702 | $2,031 |
48601 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell