Sterling, Michigan Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Sterling, MI is 0.35%, considerably lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Michigan state median of 1.07%. With the median home value in Sterling, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $451, significantly below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Sterling 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 Sterling'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 Sterling 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
Sterling, Michigan Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.35%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$452
$420
Ownwell’s Sterling Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Sterling with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Sterling 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 Sterling, Michigan
Property taxes in Sterling, Michigan, are crucial for funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Sterling is 0.35%, significantly lower than both the Michigan state median of 1.54% and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Sterling set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Sterling 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 Sterling's effective property tax rate to other counties in Michigan and the national median. For comparison, the highest median property tax rate in Michigan is 2.05%, while the lowest median tax rate is 0.35%. Understanding how these cities compare with Sterling provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Bay County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Sterling Tax Rate
0.35%
Average Bay County Tax Rate
1.00%
Average Michigan Tax Rate
1.07%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Sterling, Michigan
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48659 | 0.25% | 0.29% | 0.35% | 0.43% | 0.51% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sterling, Michigan
In Sterling, Michigan, 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 local authorities 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 Sterling, 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 Sterling helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. For example, the highest median tax bill in Sterling is $451 in the 48659 zip code, while the lowest median tax bill is also $451 in the same zip code.
Average Sterling Assessed Value
$129,200
Average Bay County Assessed Value
$117,300
Average Michigan Assessed Value
$177,800
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sterling, Michigan
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48659 | $45,640 | $86,600 | $129,200 | $202,600 | $258,840 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Michigan
In Sterling, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local tax assessor. This assessed value is a percentage of the market value of the property. Homeowners in Sterling can expect their tax bills to be influenced by various factors, including property size, location, and any improvements made to the home. The median home price in Sterling is $129,200, which serves as a baseline for calculating tax bills. For instance, tax bills in Sterling range from the 25th percentile at $279 to the 75th percentile at $802, with the 90th percentile reaching up to $1,074. This variation illustrates how different factors, such as neighborhood and property enhancements, can impact the final tax amount. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Sterling homeowners experience a diverse range of tax obligations. Understanding these factors can help homeowners better anticipate their annual property tax expenses and budget accordingly.
Average Sterling Tax Bill
$451
Average Bay County Tax Bill
$1,271
Average Michigan Tax Bill
$1,795
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Michigan
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48659 | $161 | $279 | $451 | $802 | $1,074 |
Source: Ownwell