Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Ephrata, PA is 2.19%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Pennsylvania state median of 2.81%. With the median home value in Ephrata, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,623, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Ephrata 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 Ephrata'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 Ephrata 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
Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
2.19%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,688
$3,422
Ownwell’s Ephrata Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Ephrata with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Ephrata 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 Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Ephrata is 2.19%, significantly higher than both the Pennsylvania state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Ephrata set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Ephrata 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 Ephrata's effective property tax rate to other counties in Pennsylvania and the national median. For comparison, the zip code 17522 has both the highest and lowest median property tax rate of 2.19%. Understanding how these areas compare with Ephrata provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Lancaster County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Ephrata Tax Rate
2.19%
Average Lancaster County Tax Rate
2.13%
Average Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17522 | 1.87% | 2.18% | 2.19% | 2.24% | 2.24% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
In Ephrata, 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 Lancaster 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 Ephrata, 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 Ephrata helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. Notably, the zip code 17522 has both the highest and lowest median tax bills at $3,623.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$118,800
$189,350
$259,900
Average Ephrata Assessed Value
$168,400
Average Lancaster County Assessed Value
$177,300
Average Pennsylvania Assessed Value
$114,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17522 | $64,730 | $126,000 | $168,400 | $214,200 | $272,100 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
In Ephrata, located in Lancaster County, PA, 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 then multiplied by the local property tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. For homeowners in Ephrata, the median home price is $168,400, which influences the tax bill significantly. Homeowners can expect tax bills that vary widely depending on their property's assessed value. For instance, at the 25th percentile, the tax bill is approximately $2,784, while at the 75th percentile, it rises to about $4,671. Those in the 90th percentile face even higher bills, around $5,859. The highest median tax bill recorded in the area is $3,623, which is consistent across all zip codes in Ephrata. These property taxes fund essential local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure, making them a crucial aspect of community wellbeing. However, they also represent a significant expense for homeowners, impacting their overall cost of living and financial planning.
Average Ephrata Tax Bill
$3,623
Average Lancaster County Tax Bill
$3,883
Average Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17522 | $1,609 | $2,784 | $3,623 | $4,671 | $5,859 |
Source: Ownwell