Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
Median Allentown, PA effective property tax rate: 3.22%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Pennsylvania state median of 2.81%.
Median Allentown, PA home value: $131,300
Median annual Allentown, PA tax bill: $3,926, $1,526 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Lehigh County calculated?
Property taxes in Allentown, 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 Allentown’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Allentown, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
3.22%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,228
$3,923
Property Tax Rates Across Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Local government entities in Pennsylvania, like those in other states, set tax rates that can vary significantly. This variation is due to each county, such as Lehigh, annually estimating its budgetary needs to provide essential services. They then divide this by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While the process involves votes and legislation, this calculation is the core of how tax rates are established each year.
In Allentown, located in Lehigh County, the effective property tax rate is notably higher than both the Pennsylvania and national medians, with a median property tax rate of 3.22%. This rate is among the highest in the state, with the highest median tax rate in Allentown reaching 3.32% in the 18109 zip code. Conversely, the lowest median tax rate in the area is 2.30% in the 18104 zip code.
When compared to the national median property tax rate of 1.02%, Allentown's rates are considerably higher, highlighting the importance of understanding local tax dynamics and potential savings through property tax appeals and exemptions.
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 Allentown Tax Rate
3.22%
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 Lehigh County Tax Rate
2.78%
Median Effective Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
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
When examining property taxes in Allentown, 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 Lehigh County assessment office 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 Lehigh County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March. 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 Allentown.
For example, the median home price in Allentown is $131,300, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 18106 has the highest median home price at $206,900.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell

$58,200
$170,400
$282,600
Median Allentown Market Value
$131,300
Median Lehigh County Market Value
$166,200
Median Pennsylvania Market Value
$114,400
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
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 determined by assessing the property's market value and applying the local tax rate. Homeowners in Allentown face a median property tax bill of $4,854, significantly higher than the national median of $2,400. The city's tax rate, coupled with the assessed market value, plays a crucial role in calculating the final tax bill. Factors such as property location, improvements, and market conditions influence the assessed value, impacting the homeowner's tax obligation. For instance, properties in the 18106 zip code experience the highest median tax bill at $4,854, whereas those in the 18101 zip code see a lower median of $1,866.
Ownwell assists homeowners by providing expert property tax appeal and exemption services. Our team reviews your property's assessment to identify potential inaccuracies and file appeals on your behalf. By ensuring your property is correctly assessed, we help reduce your tax burden, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.
Median Allentown Tax Bill
$3,926
Median Lehigh County Tax Bill
$4,452
Median Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
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