Watertown, Lewis County, New York Property Taxes
Median Watertown, NY effective property tax rate: 2.49%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the New York state median of 2.39%.
Median Watertown, NY home value: $105,350
Median annual Watertown, NY tax bill: $2,493, $93 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Lewis County calculated?
Property taxes in Watertown, NY 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 Watertown’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Watertown, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Watertown, Lewis County, New York Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
2.49%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,623
$2,434
Property Tax Rates Across Watertown, Lewis County, New York
Local government entities determine property tax rates, which can significantly differ across a state. Each year, counties estimate the budget needed to maintain services and divide that by the total value of all taxable properties within their jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. This process, though influenced by votes and legislation, essentially determines how property taxes are set annually.
In Watertown, Lewis County, New York, the property tax rate stands out when compared to other cities within the state and nationwide. New York’s median property tax rate is notably higher than the national median of 1.02%. This reflects the state's emphasis on funding public services through property taxes. Consequently, property owners in Watertown may find themselves paying more than the national average, impacting their overall cost of living.
Understanding these rates is crucial for property owners considering an appeal or exemption, as even small changes in the tax rate can lead to significant savings. Property owners in Watertown should stay informed about local tax rates and explore opportunities to manage their tax liabilities effectively.
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 Watertown Tax Rate
2.49%
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 Lewis County Tax Rate
2.38%
Median Effective New York Tax Rate
2.39%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Watertown, Lewis County, New York
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
13601 | 2.41% | 2.44% | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.49% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watertown, Lewis County, New York
When examining property taxes in Watertown, NY, 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 Lewis 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 Lewis County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March. 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 Watertown.
For example, the median home price in Watertown is $105,350, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 13601 has the highest median home price at $105,350.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watertown, Lewis County, New York
Source: Ownwell

$52,600
$120,750
$188,900
Median Watertown Market Value
$105,350
Median Lewis County Market Value
$102,300
Median New York Market Value
$255,644
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watertown, Lewis County, New York
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
13601 | $39,490 | $66,425 | $105,350 | $145,200 | $182,120 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Watertown, Lewis County, New York
Median Watertown Tax Bill
$2,493
Median Lewis County Tax Bill
$2,429
Median New York Tax Bill
$5,938
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Watertown, Lewis County, New York
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
13601 | $846 | $1,607 | $2,493 | $3,580 | $4,449 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to file a grievance!
Dates |
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Links | |
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Lewis Assessment Review Commission | |
Website | lewiscountyny.gov |