Mertztown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Mertztown, PA is 2.42%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Pennsylvania state median of 2.81%. With the median home value in Mertztown at $203,700, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,844, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Mertztown 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 Mertztown'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 Mertztown 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
Mertztown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
2.42%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,930
$4,574
Ownwell’s Mertztown Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Mertztown with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Mertztown 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 Mertztown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Mertztown, Pennsylvania, are crucial for funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Mertztown is 2.42%, significantly higher than both the Pennsylvania state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Mertztown set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Mertztown 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 Mertztown's effective property tax rate to other counties in Pennsylvania and the national median. For comparison, the highest median property tax rate in the county is also 2.42% in the 19539 zip code, while the lowest median tax rate is similarly 2.42% in the same zip code. Understanding how these cities compare with Mertztown 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 Mertztown Tax Rate
2.42%
Average Lehigh County Tax Rate
2.78%
Average Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Mertztown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19539 | 1.94% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% | 2.42% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Mertztown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
In Mertztown, PA, 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. 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 Mertztown helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The median tax bill in the area is $4,844, with the highest and lowest median tax bills both found in zip code 19539.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Mertztown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$58,200
$170,400
$282,600
Average Mertztown Assessed Value
$203,700
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 Mertztown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19539 | $123,850 | $169,225 | $203,700 | $312,975 | $416,050 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Mertztown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Property tax bills in Mertztown, located in Lehigh County, PA, are calculated based on the assessed value of a property and the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the county's assessment office and is a percentage of the property's market value. For instance, with a median home price of $203,700, homeowners can expect their property tax bills to vary significantly. The 25th percentile tax bill stands at $4,002, while those in the 75th percentile pay around $6,577. At the higher end, the 90th percentile tax bill reaches $8,987. These tax bills are influenced by several factors, including property size, location, and any improvements made to the home. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, residents in Mertztown may find their tax bills to be relatively high. This can affect homeowners by increasing their annual expenses, making it crucial to understand the factors that contribute to their property tax calculations.
Average Mertztown Tax Bill
$4,844
Average Lehigh County Tax Bill
$4,452
Average Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Mertztown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19539 | $2,998 | $4,002 | $4,844 | $6,577 | $8,987 |
Source: Ownwell