Bethlehem, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Bethlehem, PA is 2.82%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Pennsylvania state median of 2.81%. With the median home value in Bethlehem at $146,900, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,130, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem'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 Bethlehem 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
Bethlehem, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
2.82%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,143
$3,844
Ownwell’s Bethlehem Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Bethlehem with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Bethlehem is 2.82%, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Bethlehem set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem's effective property tax rate to other areas in Lehigh County and the national median. For comparison, the 18020 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 3.24%, while the 18018 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 2.82%. Understanding how these areas compare with Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem Tax Rate
2.82%
Average Lehigh County Tax Rate
2.78%
Average Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Bethlehem, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18015 | 2.24% | 2.24% | 2.85% | 2.85% | 2.85% |
| 18017 | 2.81% | 2.81% | 2.82% | 2.82% | 2.82% |
| 18018 | 2.81% | 2.81% | 2.81% | 2.82% | 2.82% |
| 18020 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bethlehem, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes in Bethlehem, PA. 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. 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. For instance, in Bethlehem, the highest median tax bill is $4,922 in the 18015 zip code, while the lowest is $2,649 in the 18020 zip code. Being aware of these valuation processes helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bethlehem, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$58,200
$170,400
$282,600
Average Bethlehem Assessed Value
$146,900
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 Bethlehem, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18015 | $107,190 | $137,100 | $180,600 | $264,650 | $439,600 |
| 18017 | $107,800 | $108,500 | $122,900 | $144,600 | $168,380 |
| 18018 | $102,600 | $120,500 | $142,500 | $170,400 | $204,560 |
| 18020 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Bethlehem, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
In Bethlehem, located in Lehigh 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. Factors such as the property's market value, location, and any applicable exemptions or deductions can influence the assessed value. Homeowners in Bethlehem experience varying tax bills depending on their property's value and location within the city. For example, the median home price in Bethlehem is $146,900, and the tax bills range significantly. The 25th percentile tax bill is around $3,415, while the 75th percentile tax bill reaches approximately $5,002. At the higher end, the 90th percentile tax bill can go up to $6,257. Notably, the highest median tax bill in the area is $4,922 in the 18015 zip code, whereas the lowest median tax bill is $2,649 in the 18020 zip code. These variations highlight how property taxes can significantly impact homeowners in different parts of Bethlehem.
Average Bethlehem Tax Bill
$4,130
Average Lehigh County Tax Bill
$4,452
Average Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Bethlehem, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18015 | $3,045 | $3,858 | $4,922 | $6,791 | $10,796 |
| 18017 | $3,035 | $3,054 | $3,474 | $4,087 | $4,773 |
| 18018 | $2,888 | $3,389 | $4,009 | $4,791 | $5,739 |
| 18020 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell