Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Allentown, PA is 3.22%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Pennsylvania state median of 2.81%. With the median home value in Allentown at $131,300, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,926, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Allentown are calculated based on the assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Allentown'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 Allentown 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
Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
3.22%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,228
$3,923
Ownwell’s Allentown Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Allentown with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Allentown 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 Lehigh County for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Allentown, Pennsylvania, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Allentown is 3.22%, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Allentown set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Allentown 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 Allentown's effective property tax rate to other areas in Lehigh County and the national median. For comparison, the 18109 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 3.32%, while the 18104 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 2.30%. Understanding how these areas compare with Allentown provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Lehigh County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Allentown Tax Rate
3.22%
Average Lehigh County Tax Rate
2.78%
Average Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18101 | 3.19% | 3.21% | 3.24% | 3.26% | 3.29% |
| 18102 | 3.20% | 3.22% | 3.24% | 3.27% | 3.31% |
| 18103 | 2.42% | 2.85% | 3.24% | 3.41% | 3.52% |
| 18104 | 2.03% | 2.30% | 2.30% | 3.25% | 3.40% |
| 18106 | 2.03% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% |
| 18109 | 3.09% | 3.26% | 3.32% | 3.44% | 3.52% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
In Allentown, 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 Lehigh 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 Allentown, 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 Allentown helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. For example, the highest median tax bill in Allentown is $4,854 in the 18106 zip code, while the lowest median tax bill is $1,866 in the 18101 zip code.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$58,200
$170,400
$282,600
Average Allentown Assessed Value
$131,300
Average Lehigh County Assessed Value
$166,200
Average Pennsylvania Assessed Value
$114,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18101 | $41,660 | $49,250 | $58,200 | $72,100 | $106,880 |
| 18102 | $47,300 | $56,900 | $70,800 | $90,100 | $117,560 |
| 18103 | $85,890 | $100,700 | $134,200 | $193,425 | $280,600 |
| 18104 | $115,570 | $139,700 | $187,300 | $254,100 | $314,430 |
| 18106 | $40,800 | $120,400 | $206,900 | $266,000 | $367,100 |
| 18109 | $67,100 | $82,200 | $101,900 | $127,100 | $155,500 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
In Allentown, located in Lehigh County, PA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by local government assessors. This value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. For instance, with a median home price of $131,300, the tax bill can vary significantly. Homeowners in the 25th percentile see tax bills around $2,841, while those in the 75th percentile face bills of about $5,293. The 90th percentile tax bill can reach up to $7,002. Several factors influence these variations, including the property's assessed value, any applicable exemptions, and the specific tax rates set by local authorities. This system ensures that homeowners contribute a fair share based on their property's value, but it also means that higher-valued properties incur higher tax bills. In comparison to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Allentown's tax rates can result in substantial financial obligations for homeowners, particularly in higher-value neighborhoods.
Average Allentown Tax Bill
$3,926
Average Lehigh County Tax Bill
$4,452
Average Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18101 | $1,327 | $1,575 | $1,866 | $2,312 | $3,403 |
| 18102 | $1,543 | $1,852 | $2,296 | $2,914 | $3,798 |
| 18103 | $2,767 | $3,283 | $4,240 | $5,612 | $7,494 |
| 18104 | $3,158 | $3,825 | $4,770 | $6,037 | $7,727 |
| 18106 | $961 | $2,883 | $4,854 | $6,217 | $7,964 |
| 18109 | $2,164 | $2,644 | $3,427 | $4,260 | $5,072 |
Source: Ownwell