Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
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
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
2.14%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,486
$3,235
Property Tax Rates Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
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%
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 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
17551 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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% |
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
17551 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
17551 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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 |
Source: Ownwell