Southwest, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Southwest, PA is 11.67%, significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and Pennsylvania's state median of 2.81%. With the median home value in Southwest at $8,205, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $958, which is less than the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Southwest are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to various exemptions such as primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Southwest's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to substantial annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Southwest or another part of Westmoreland County, grasping the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Southwest, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
11.67%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$958
-$10,035
Ownwell’s Southwest Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Southwest with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Southwest 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 Southwest, Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Southwest, Pennsylvania, are essential in funding critical local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Southwest is 11.67%, significantly higher than both the Pennsylvania state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Southwest set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Southwest 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 Southwest's effective property tax rate to other counties in Pennsylvania and the national median. For comparison, the 15685 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 11.67%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 11.67%. Understanding how these cities compare with Southwest provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Westmoreland County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Southwest Tax Rate
11.67%
Average Westmoreland County Tax Rate
12.81%
Average Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Southwest, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15685 | 11.67% | 11.67% | 11.67% | 11.67% | 11.67% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Southwest, Pennsylvania
In SOUTHWEST, 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 Westmoreland County Appraisal District 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 SOUTHWEST, 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. The median home price in the area is $8,205, with tax bills ranging from $633 at the 25th percentile to $1,648 at the 90th percentile. The highest median tax bill is $958 in the 15685 zip code, which also has the lowest median 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 SOUTHWEST helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Average Southwest Assessed Value
$8,205
Average Westmoreland County Assessed Value
$16,850
Average Pennsylvania Assessed Value
$114,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Southwest, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15685 | $3,965 | $5,422 | $8,205 | $11,002 | $14,120 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Southwest, Pennsylvania
Property tax bills in Southwest, located in Westmoreland County, PA, are calculated based on the assessed value of a property and the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by county assessors who evaluate the property's market value and apply an assessment ratio. For homeowners in Southwest, the median home price is $8,205. Local tax rates are then applied to this assessed value to calculate the annual property tax bill. In this region, property tax bills can vary significantly. For instance, the 25th percentile of tax bills is approximately $633, while the 75th percentile reaches about $1,284. At the 90th percentile, homeowners might see tax bills around $1,648. Comparatively, the national median property tax rate is 0.99%, making Southwest's tax rates competitive. These property taxes fund essential local services, such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure, directly impacting the community's quality of life. Homeowners should be aware of these factors, as they play a crucial role in financial planning and property investment decisions.
Average Southwest Tax Bill
$958
Average Westmoreland County Tax Bill
$2,150
Average Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Southwest, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15685 | $463 | $633 | $958 | $1,284 | $1,648 |
Source: Ownwell