Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median LANCASTER, PA effective property tax rate: 2.14%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Pennsylvania state median of 2.81%.
Median LANCASTER, PA home value: $162,900
Median annual LANCASTER, PA tax bill: $3,911, $1,511 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Lancaster calculated?

Property taxes in LANCASTER, PA 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 LANCASTER’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in LANCASTER, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

2.14%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$3,486

$3,235

Ownwell’s Lancaster Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Lancaster with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Lancaster’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Lancaster County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Local government entities determine property tax rates, which can significantly differ across Pennsylvania. Each year, counties like Lancaster estimate their required budget to fund essential services and divide this by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction. This calculation determines the property tax rate. Though votes and legislation play roles in setting these rates and budgets, this is the core of the annual process. In Lancaster, the effective property tax rate is notably higher than both the state and national medians, reflecting the local government's fiscal needs and property values. The highest median tax rate within the region is 2.65% in the 17602 zip code, while the lowest is 2.07% in the 17601 area. These figures highlight the variation in tax rates even within a single county. When compared to the national median property tax rate of 1.02%, Lancaster's rates underscore the importance of understanding regional differences in property taxation.

Property Tax Rates Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Source: Ownwell

1.45%

2.59%

3.74%

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 Lancaster Tax Rate

2.14%

Median Effective Lancaster County Tax Rate

2.13%

Median Effective Pennsylvania Tax Rate

2.81%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
17601	2.06%	2.06%	2.07%	2.07%	2.07%
17602	1.93%	2.13%	2.65%	3.73%	3.73%
17603	2.14%	2.14%	2.65%	3.73%	3.73%
17551	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

When examining property taxes in Lancaster, PA, 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster.

For example, the median home price in Lancaster is $162,900, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 17601 has the highest median home price at $204,700.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Source: Ownwell

$118,800

$189,350

$259,900

Median Lancaster Market Value

$162,900

Median Lancaster County Market Value

$177,300

Median Pennsylvania Market Value

$114,400

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
17601	$133,010	$165,700	$204,700	$280,600	$367,690
17602	$60,800	$88,800	$135,100	$206,300	$282,800
17603	$55,900	$90,850	$135,600	$185,700	$266,960
17551	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

In Lancaster, PA, property tax bills are determined by assessing the value of a home and applying the local tax rate. With a median home price of $162,900, homeowners in Lancaster face a median tax bill that is notably higher than the national median of $2,400. The 25th percentile tax bill in Lancaster is $2,996, while the 75th percentile reaches $5,245, and the 90th percentile can soar to $7,170. The highest median tax bill within the area is $4,274 in ZIP code 17601, while the lowest is $3,708 in ZIP code 17602. These figures highlight the significant impact property taxes can have on homeowners' finances. Ownwell assists homeowners by identifying potential savings through property tax appeals and exemptions. By analyzing assessments and ensuring they reflect true market values, Ownwell can help reduce these burdensome bills. This service is invaluable for Lancaster residents looking to alleviate the financial strain of high property taxes and ensure they are not overpaying.

Property Tax Bills Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Source: Ownwell

$2,365

$4,201

$6,036

Median Lancaster Tax Bill

$3,911

Median Lancaster County Tax Bill

$3,883

Median Pennsylvania Tax Bill

$3,063

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
17601	$2,751	$3,439	$4,274	$5,781	$7,585
17602	$2,127	$2,718	$3,708	$4,981	$6,536
17603	$2,020	$2,841	$3,725	$4,955	$6,932
17551	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell