West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in West Chester, PA is 2.87%, significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and Pennsylvania's state median of 2.81%. With a median home value of $184,390 in West Chester, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $5,390, far exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in West Chester are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding West Chester'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 West Chester 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
West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
2.87%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,292
$4,911
Ownwell’s WEST CHESTER Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in WEST CHESTER with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in WEST CHESTER 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 West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Property taxes in West Chester, Pennsylvania, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in West Chester is 2.87%, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within West Chester set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, West Chester 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 West Chester's effective property tax rate to other areas in Chester County and the national median. For comparison, the 19335 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 3.36%, while the 19380 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 2.87%. Understanding how these areas compare with West Chester provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Chester County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average West Chester Tax Rate
2.87%
Average Chester County Tax Rate
3.50%
Average Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19335 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 19380 | 2.74% | 2.77% | 2.87% | 2.90% | 3.36% |
| 19382 | 2.80% | 2.87% | 2.98% | 3.47% | 3.69% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania
In West Chester, Pennsylvania, 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 Chester County Assessment Office 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 West Chester, 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. For instance, the median home price in West Chester is $184,390, with tax bills ranging from $3,852 at the 25th percentile to $10,224 at the 90th percentile. The highest median tax bill is found in zip code 19335 at $7,656, while the lowest median tax bill is in zip code 19380 at $5,251. 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 West Chester helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$74,035
$221,953
$369,870
Average West Chester Assessed Value
$184,390
Average Chester County Assessed Value
$166,835
Average Pennsylvania Assessed Value
$114,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19335 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 19380 | $103,615 | $133,138 | $184,470 | $244,445 | $310,779 |
| 19382 | $77,620 | $127,680 | $184,280 | $258,402 | $355,201 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Property tax bills in West Chester, located in Chester County, PA, are calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is determined by the local tax assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. Factors such as property size, location, and market conditions play a significant role in the assessment. In West Chester, the tax bills can vary widely. For instance, the tax bill at the 25th percentile is around $3,852, while at the 75th percentile, it reaches approximately $7,491. The highest median tax bill in the county is $7,656 in the 19335 zip code, whereas the lowest is $5,251 in the 19380 zip code. These property tax rates can significantly impact homeowners, with higher taxes potentially affecting affordability and homeownership costs. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, West Chester's property taxes can be considerable, influencing the overall financial planning for residents.
Property Tax Bills Across West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$3,552
$6,951
$10,350
Average West Chester Tax Bill
$5,390
Average Chester County Tax Bill
$6,037
Average Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19335 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 19380 | $3,059 | $3,829 | $5,251 | $6,985 | $8,954 |
| 19382 | $2,358 | $3,910 | $5,582 | $8,209 | $11,317 |
Source: Ownwell