Home›Calculators›Property Tax›Washington›Bellingham

Looking for the national Property Tax? Property Tax Calculator.

Property Tax Calculator for Bellingham, WA

Local data pre-filled

Written by Jere Salmisto·Reviewed by CalcFi Editorial·Methodology
TL;DR

Housing: $615,913 median home, $2,023/mo/mo median rent, PITI ~$3,918/mo (13% down, 6.30% PMMS). Income: $80,989 median household; rent burden 30.0% (within 30% guideline). Taxes: 1.00% effective property tax rate → ~$6,159 annual bill. Cost of living: BEA RPP index 118 (national baseline = 100); estimated annual commute cost ~$3,310. Context: unemployment 4.2%; job market led by Washington state industries.

Source: Zillow ZHVI/ZORI · Census ACS · Tax Foundation, 2025–2026

📍 Customized for Bellingham, Washington

Property taxes in Bellingham run approximately 1.00% of assessed value. On the median home of $615,913, that's roughly $6,159/year ($513/mo). This is below the national average rate of 1.10%.

Median Home
$616k
Median Rent
$2,023/mo
Median Income
$81k/yr
Property Tax
1.00%
Cost of Living
118 / 100 avg

✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Bellingham local data

Data as of Apr 2026 · Sources: Zillow, Census ACS, Tax Foundation, Freddie Mac

★Reality Score— See how your Bellingham numbers actually stack up in 60 seconds.See my full picture →
3-minute readout across rent, debt, and savings — not a credit pull.

Washington Financial Snapshot (2026) — Property Tax Calculator

Home value, monthly carrying cost, property tax, and insurance are the four levers for the property tax calculator in Washington. Every row cites a primary public dataset. Numbers reflect the most recent vintage available; refresh cadence is documented in the methodology.

MetricWashingtonSource
Median home value (ZHVI)$615,000[1][1]
Avg monthly PITI (est.)$3,902/mo[2][2]
Property tax effective rate0.98%[3][3]
Annual property tax (median home)$6,027[4][4]
Avg homeowners insurance$1,060/yr[5][5]
Cost-of-living index (BEA RPP)108.4 (US = 100)[6][6]

How the Property Tax Calculator Math Works Under Washington Law

Every real-estate number on this page runs through the same core identity: the monthly principal-and-interest payment on a fully amortizing fixed-rate loan is M = P · r / (1 − (1+r)^(−n)), where P is the loan principal, r is the monthly rate (annual rate / 12), and n is the term in months. For a typical Washington buyer in 2026, P starts from an $615,000 median home value (Zillow ZHVI)[1], minus a standard 20% down payment.

On top of P&I the calculator adds the two Washington-specific carrying costs: property tax at the state effective rate of 0.98%[2] and homeowners insurance at roughly $1,060/year (NAIC state average)[3]. The Freddie Mac PMMS national average 30-year fixed rate (6.30% (Freddie Mac PMMS · week of May 14, 2026))[4] drives the payment curve — Washington rate quotes can move a few basis points around that number depending on lender, loan size, and credit band.

Calc-specific note: Effective rate × assessed value = annual bill. Intra-state county variance can swing ±30% around Washington's headline rate.

Worked example — Washington

On Washington's $615,000 median home, the 0.98% effective rate produces a $6,027 annual bill — roughly $502/month added to PITI. County variance within Washington can push this ±30% depending on mill levies and homestead exemptions.

Local context: Bellingham, WA

Housing economics in Bellingham, WA. The median home value runs 72.0% above the U.S. baseline for Bellingham, WA is $615,913 per Zillow's home-value index. Median rent runs $2,023 a month per Zillow ZORI, a premium over the national $1,850 baseline. Effective property tax sits at 1.00% of assessed value, meaningfully higher than the 0.99% national average tracked by the Tax Foundation. Lenders in Bellingham, WA have quoted 6.30% on the 30-year fixed product over the trailing four-week window per Freddie Mac PMMS — the prevailing posted rate before any borrower-specific lock-ins.

Income and tax climate. Washington's top marginal state income tax bracket lands at 0.00% — one of nine states that levies no broad-based income tax, shifting the revenue burden onto sales, property, and severance levies. BEA's Regional Price Parity scores Bellingham, WA at 118.0 (national = 100), meaning a dollar in Bellingham, WA buys 85¢ of national purchasing power.

How Bellingham, WA's numbers shape the calculator. The mortgage payment, refinance, PMI, and home-affordability calculators all run on three local inputs that swing the answer materially: the prevailing 30-year fixed rate, the effective property tax rate as a share of home value, and the homeowners-insurance premium that the average policyholder is paying for the same coverage envelope. Bellingham, WA-specific values for each of those are pre-loaded above so the calculator's default scenario reflects what an actual buyer would see at closing, not a national average that smooths over the differences. Override any field to test a different scenario; the math reruns instantly in your browser without sending the inputs anywhere.

Local context as of 2026-05-31. Live data sources are listed in the Sources section below; each metric carries its own retrieval date.

Bellingham versus the U.S. baseline

How does Bellingham, WA stack up against the national average on the metrics that drive the calculators on this page? The table below pairs the Bellingham, WA-specific reading against the U.S. baseline so you can see at a glance whether your local scenario runs above or below typical. Three to five percentage points of difference on most of these inputs translates into meaningful changes in calculator output — for example, a 50-basis-point difference in mortgage rate moves the monthly payment on a $400,000 30-year loan by roughly $130.

MetricBellingham, WAU.S. baselineDifference
Median home value[zillow]$615,913$358,00072.0%
Median monthly rent[zillow]$2,023$1,8509.4%
Property tax (effective)[tax-foundation]1.00%0.99%1.0%
State top marginal income tax[tax-foundation]None~4.08% (volume-weighted)−4.08 pp
State cost-of-living index[bea-rpp]118.0100.018.0 pts

How to use the Property Tax Calculator

Walk through using the Property Tax Calculator with Bellingham, WA-specific defaults pre-loaded from primary sources.

  1. Enter your Bellingham numbersFill in the property tax inputs. Defaults reflect Bellingham, WA 2026: median home $615,913, median rent $2,023/mo, 1.00% effective property tax.
  2. Apply the local 2026 inputsThe median home value in Bellingham is $615,913 (Zillow ZHVI), with median monthly rent running $2,023/mo.
  3. Compare against Bellingham contextMonthly PITI on the $615,913 median home in Bellingham is ~$3,918/mo — vs a $2,023/mo median rent.

How Washington Compares to Neighboring States

Moving one state over changes the property tax numbers. Compare median home value (Zillow ZHVI), top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate, and the BEA all-items Regional Price Parity across Washington and its border states.

StateMedian homeTop inc taxProp tax rateRPP (US=100)
Washington (this page)$615,000None0.98%108.4
Idaho side-by-side$465,0005.70%0.69%92.2
compare to Oregon$490,0009.90%0.87%104.8

Sources: Zillow ZHVI[1], state Departments of Revenue / Tax Foundation[2], Tax Foundation property taxes[3], BEA Regional Price Parities[4].

What Changes Your Result in Washington

  • Down payment size:Washington's typical down payment is 13.0%according to NAR survey data. Every 5% shift changes the monthly P&I by roughly 5–6% of the headline payment.
  • First-time buyer programs:Washington runs state-level first-time buyer programs (DPA, MCC) that can cut effective down payment costs by $5,000–$15,000 for qualifying buyers. See programs block below.
  • County-level property tax variance:The state effective rate shown in the snapshot is a statewide weighted average. Within Washington, county rates can swing ±30% around the median, especially in border counties with differing school-district mill levies.

Related Calculations for Washington

These calculators share inputs with the property tax formula, so pair them to pressure-test your answer from multiple angles.

  • Washington Mortgage Payment Calculator — property tax is a line in the PITI payment.
  • Washington's home appreciation rules — appreciating basis raises future tax bills.

How Bellingham Compares to the National Average

Understanding how Bellingham stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.

MetricBellingham, WAUS AverageDifference
Median Home Price$615,913$420,800+46.4%
Median Monthly Rent$2,023$1,713+18.1%
Median Household Income$80,989$74,580+8.6%
Property Tax Rate1.00%1.10%-9.1%
Cost of Living Index118100+18.0%

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.

Bellingham Financial Snapshot

Population (Metro)
98,000
Unemployment
4.2%
Avg Commute
19 min
Median Age
33.2
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.4x
Annual Property Tax
$6,159
← Property Tax Calculator (all states)← Property Tax Calculator for Washington

More Financial Calculators for Bellingham, WA

Mortgage Payment CalculatorMortgage Affordability CalculatorHome Insurance EstimatorCapital Gains Tax CalculatorTax Bracket CalculatorCost of Living ComparisonRent vs Buy CalculatorSelf-Employed Tax Calculator

Property Tax Calculator in Other Washington Cities

SeattleSpokaneKennewickKentTacomaLakewood

Frequently Asked Questions — Bellingham

Can median-income households afford the median home in Bellingham?
With a ~$3,918 monthly PITI and $80,989 median income, housing would consume ~58.1% of gross annual income. Qualifying under the 28% DTI rule requires ~$167,914 in annual income. Educational reference only.
Is it better to rent or buy in Bellingham?
Bellingham's price-to-rent ratio (25.4x) tilts toward renting — above 20x, buying is generally expensive relative to renting.
What is the annual property tax bill on the median home in Bellingham?
Approximately $6,159/yr at the 1.00% effective rate on the $615,913 median home. The national average effective rate is 1.07%.
What share of median income goes to rent in Bellingham?
The $2,023/mo median rent represents 30.0% of the $80,989 median household income. The recommended housing cost threshold is 30%; Bellingham falls within that guideline. Educational reference only.
How much does commuting cost in Bellingham?
Average commute time in Bellingham is 19 minutes per ACS. Estimated annual commute cost runs about $3,310 — a cost frequently overlooked when calculating true household affordability. Educational reference only.
How does the cost of living in Bellingham compare to the national average?
Bellingham's BEA RPP index is 118, 18% above the national baseline of 100. For a household earning the national median income of $77,540, this translates to ~$13,957/yr in purchasing power difference. Educational reference only.
What is the median home price in Bellingham, WA?
The median home price in Bellingham is $615,913 as of 2025–2026.
What is the average rent in Bellingham?
The median monthly rent in Bellingham, WA is $2,023.
Where does Bellingham data on this page come from?
Bellingham numbers are pulled from Zillow ZHVI/ZORI (home values, rent), the U.S. Census Bureau ACS (income, demographics), and Tax Foundation (property tax). Each value is timestamped on the page.
How often is the Bellingham property tax updated?
Source feeds (Zillow, Freddie Mac PMMS, Census ACS) are refreshed on their native cadence — hourly for mortgage rates, monthly for ZHVI/ZORI, annually for ACS. Page caches revalidate every 24 hours via Next.js ISR.
Does the property tax replace professional advice?
No. This calculator gives educational estimates using public Bellingham data and standard formulas. It is not personalized tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult a licensed professional for decisions with material consequences.

Washington State Context

Washington Real Estate Tips

Tip

Washington has no state income tax, but property taxes average 0.98% and King County (Seattle) runs significantly higher.

Tip

WSHFC (Washington State Housing Finance Commission) offers down payment assistance and homebuyer education.

Tip

Seattle-area median home prices exceed $750K — but eastern Washington (Spokane, Tri-Cities) offers medians under $400K.

Tip

Washington's real estate excise tax (REET) is tiered: 1.1% on the first $525K, up to 3% on portions over $3M.

Washington Homebuyer Programs

  • ✓WSHFC Home Advantage — below-market rate mortgages with up to $10,000 DPA.
  • ✓WSHFC House Key Opportunity — additional $10,000 DPA for qualifying buyers.
  • ✓Seattle/King County DPA Programs — various local programs with $15,000-$55,000 in assistance.

Statewide Washington figures apply broadly across Bellingham. County- and city-level variation can be significant — verify against local sources before closing a transaction. [3]

How we compute this — methodology

The Bellingham page uses local median home price ($615,913), median rent ($2,023/mo), and property tax rate (1.00%) alongside the calculator's client-side formula. Calculations run in your browser — no inputs are sent to a server.

Refresh cadence:home price (Zillow ZHVI) and rent (Zillow ZORI) are reviewed monthly when the source publishes. Property tax and cost-of-living figures refresh annually. The page's dateModified reflects the most recent retrievedAt across every sourced value rendered above.

Known limits: ZIP-level variance within Bellingham can be substantial — the figures shown are city-wide medians. For a precise property tax quote, consult your county assessor.

Sources

  1. Zillow Research — ZHVI (Zillow Home Value Index) + ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index), city-level. zillow.com/research/data. Retrieved 2026-04-19.
  2. U.S. Census Bureau — American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates for median household income and population. census.gov/programs-surveys/acs.
  3. CalcFi state financial context — tips + first-time homebuyer programs compiled from each state's Housing Finance Authority (HFA) public pages. See src/data/state-financial-context.ts.
  4. Tax Foundation — state property tax effective rates and state/local sales tax rates. taxfoundation.org.
  5. Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) — weekly national mortgage rate averages used by mortgage-related calculators. freddiemac.com/pmms.
  6. Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) — weekly national mortgage rates — www.freddiemac.com/pmms. Retrieved 2026-04-19.
  7. NAIC Dwelling Fire, Homeowners Owners, and Homeowners Tenants Insurance Report — content.naic.org/article/homeowners-insurance-report. Retrieved 2026-04-19.
  8. HUD Fair Market Rents — 50th-percentile 2-bedroom FY — www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html. Retrieved 2026-04-19.
  9. State Departments of Revenue — official bracket + deduction publications (one primary URL per state; linked in the brackets table below) — taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/state-income-tax-rates. Retrieved 2026-04-19.
  10. Bureau of Economic Analysis — Regional Price Parities by State — www.bea.gov/data/prices-inflation/regional-price-parities-state-and-metro-area. Retrieved 2026-04-19.
  11. U.S. Department of Labor — State Minimum Wage Laws — www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/state. Retrieved 2026-04-19.
  12. FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data) — real median household income, unemployment, HPI, LFPR per state — fred.stlouisfed.org. Retrieved 2026-04-19.
  13. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — state-level occupational wages — www.bls.gov/oes. Retrieved 2026-04-19.

Spot an error? Email hello@calcfi.app with the URL and the correct figure.

Related Calculators & Locations

Same Calculator, Other Cities

  • Atlanta
  • Austin
  • Boston
  • Charlotte
  • Chicago
  • Columbus

Same Calculator, Other States

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado

Related Calculators for Bellingham

  • Mortgage Payment
  • Mortgage Affordability
  • Home Appreciation
  • Rent Vs Buy
  • Down Payment Savings
  • Heloc Calculator

National reference: Property Tax Calculator

Money Score
--

Analyze 3 calcs to unlock

0 of 3 analyzed

View your saved analyses

Recently used

Your recents will appear here

Related calculators

Mortgage Calculator 2026: Your Exact Monthly PaymentRent VS BUY CalculatorHome Insurance Estimator 2026
Browse all categories
Mortgage & Real EstateDebt & LoansInvestments & CryptoRetirement & SavingsTax & BusinessCareerReal EstateCost GuidesHome ImprovementLegal & BusinessAuto & VehicleEducationPetsImmigrationMilitary
HomeReal EstateProperty Tax Calculator

Property Tax Calculator

Estimate your annual property tax bill based on home value, assessment ratio, and local tax rate.

Auto-updated May 30, 2026 · Verified daily against IRS, Fed & Treasury sources

Instant resultsNo signupVerified formula
Free · No signup · Verified
Property Tax Calculator

Enter your numbers below

$
%
%
$

Assumptions· 2026

  • ·Standard fixed-rate amortization: M = P·r(1+r)^n / [(1+r)^n − 1]
  • ·2026 rate environment (30yr ~6.5–7%)
  • ·Principal + interest payment only unless noted
  • ·Monthly compounding on stated annual rate
When this is wrong
  • ·PMI removal triggers (78% LTV automatic / 80% request)
  • ·ARM reset behavior after initial fixed period
  • ·Prepayment penalties on certain loan types
  • ·HELOC draw-period vs. repayment-period behavior
Assumptions· 2026▾
  • ·Standard fixed-rate amortization: M = P·r(1+r)^n / [(1+r)^n − 1]
  • ·2026 rate environment (30yr ~6.5–7%)
  • ·Principal + interest payment only unless noted
  • ·Monthly compounding on stated annual rate
When this is wrong
  • ·PMI removal triggers (78% LTV automatic / 80% request)
  • ·ARM reset behavior after initial fixed period
  • ·Prepayment penalties on certain loan types
  • ·HELOC draw-period vs. repayment-period behavior
Real-world example: Ohio family buying their first home▾

The Chen family is buying a $340,000 home in Columbus, Ohio. Combined income $115,000, 10% down payment, 30-year fixed at 7.125%.

  • Purchase price: $340,000
  • Down payment: $34,000 (10%)
  • Loan amount: $306,000
  • Rate: 7.125%
  • Term: 30 years
  • Property tax (Franklin Co.): ~1.7%
  • Homeowners insurance: ~$1,400/yr
All-in monthly cost (PITI)
~$2,800/month

Takeaway: Columbus/Franklin County averages are the reference baseline. Property tax rates and insurance premiums shift significantly by ZIP code and HOA status. Plug your actual numbers in above.

When this calculator is wrong▾
  • Property tax rates vary by county, not just state

    We default to state-average millage rates. County and municipal rates vary 40%+ within a single state. Ohio ranges from 0.8% (rural counties) to 2.4% (Cuyahoga/Cleveland area). Always cross-check your specific county assessor's published effective rate.

    Property Tax by State
  • HOA fees are excluded from most calculators

    Homeowner association fees add $100-$800/month in condos and planned communities. Condos in urban markets often run $400-$700/month. If your property has HOA, add it manually to any payment estimate — it directly affects your debt-to-income ratio for loan qualification.

    HOA Fee Calculator
  • Closing costs are not included in purchase price inputs

    Closing costs typically run 2-5% of the loan amount — around $6,000-$15,000 on a $300K home. Lender fees, title insurance, escrow, and prepaid taxes add up fast. These are due at closing in cash, not rolled into the mortgage by default.

    Closing Costs Calculator
  • PMI is omitted when down payment is under 20%

    Private mortgage insurance (PMI) costs 0.5-1.5% of the loan annually until you reach 20% equity. On a $300K loan at 1%, that's $250/month. PMI cancels automatically at 78% LTV under federal law — but you can request removal at 80%.

  • Appreciation assumptions may not match your market

    National home price appreciation has averaged ~4% annually since 1968, but markets diverge dramatically. Sun Belt metros averaged 10%+ during 2020-2022; coastal markets often lag the national average during correction cycles. Local supply constraints are the main driver.

  • Capital gains exclusion is not modeled by default

    If you've lived in the home 2 of the last 5 years, you can exclude $250K (single) or $500K (married) of gain from federal capital gains tax. Many calculators show gross profit without applying this exclusion. Relevant when projecting sale proceeds.

    Home Sale Capital Gains Calculator

Related calculators

Mortgage Calculator 2026: Your Exact Monthly PaymentRent VS BUY CalculatorHome Insurance Estimator 2026
Your Results

Based on your inputs

Demo numbers · replace inputs to see yours
Annual Property Tax
$3,780positive

Effective rate: 0.0%

Monthly Escrow
$315positive

Add to mortgage payment

Assessed Value
$315,000
Effective Rate
0.0%
Annual Tax
$3,780

Money Score: Analyze 3 calcs across rent, debt, and savings to unlock.

More actions
Embed
Saved
Money Score
--

Analyze 3 calcs to unlock

0 of 3 analyzed

View your saved analyses

Your next step

📊 Analyze 3+ calcs to unlock your Financial Picture dashboard (cross-analysis of all your numbers).

Continue with Property Tax

Decision guides

How Much House Can I Afford?
Real income-to-mortgage math before you shop.
Rent vs. Buy: The Full Picture
Break-even timeline + hidden costs compared.
First-Time Homebuyer Checklist
Step-by-step from offer to close.

Deep-dive articles

⚡ Key Takeaways

  • Property taxes are calculated as: Assessed Value × Tax Rate. A $300,000 home with a 1.2% rate = $3,600/year
  • Assessed value ≠ market value. Counties typically assess at 80-100% of market value
  • Homestead exemptions can reduce assessed value by $25,000-$50,000+, saving hundreds per year
  • Property tax rates vary enormously: New Jersey averages 2.23% while Hawaii averages 0.32%
  • Appeal your assessment if you believe it's too high—30-40% of appeals result in a reduction

How Property Taxes Are Calculated

Property tax = Assessed Value × Tax Rate. The assessed value is set by your local tax assessor, usually as a percentage of market value. The tax rate is set by local governments to fund schools, roads, and public services.

Example: Home market value $400,000 assessed at 90% = $360,000. Tax rate 1.5%. Annual property tax: $5,400.

Exemptions That Reduce Your Bill

Homestead exemption (primary residence), senior citizen exemption, veteran exemption, and disability exemptions can significantly reduce your taxable assessed value. Always apply for all exemptions you qualify for—they can save $300–$1,000/year or more.

Property tax = Assessed Value × Tax Rate. Assessed value is usually 80-100% of market value, and rates vary by county and state.

The national average is about 1.07% of home value per year, ranging from 0.32% (Hawaii) to 2.23% (New Jersey).

Yes. Apply for homestead and other exemptions, and consider appealing your assessed value if it seems too high.

A homestead exemption reduces the assessed value of your primary residence. For example, a $25,000 exemption on a $300,000 home means you only pay tax on $275,000.

Contact your county assessor to file a formal appeal. Gather evidence of comparable home sales showing lower values, document any property issues, and present your case at a hearing. About 30 to 40 percent of appeals result in reductions.

Market value is what your home would sell for today. Assessed value is the value your county assigns for tax purposes, typically 80 to 100 percent of market value depending on local assessment ratios and caps.

Most counties reassess property values annually or every two to three years. Some states like California limit reassessment until the property is sold under Proposition 13. Check your local rules for reassessment frequency.

Yes, property taxes are deductible if you itemize on Schedule A. However, the SALT deduction cap limits state and local tax deductions including property tax to $10,000 per year for most filers.

A millage rate expresses the tax per $1,000 of assessed value. One mill equals $1 per $1,000. A 20-mill rate on a $250,000 assessed value produces a $5,000 annual property tax bill.

Usually yes. When your home value increases at reassessment, your assessed value rises and so does your tax bill unless the tax rate decreases. Some states cap annual assessment increases at 2 to 3 percent to limit sudden jumps.

Annual Tax = (Home Value × Assessment Ratio − Exemptions) × Tax Rate

Monthly Escrow = Annual Tax ÷ 12. Effective Rate = Annual Tax ÷ Home Value.

Published byJere Salmisto· Founder, CalcFiReviewed byCalcFi EditorialEditorial standardsMethodologyLast updated May 31, 2026

Primary sources & authoritative references

Every formula on this page traces to a federal agency, central bank, or peer-reviewed institution. We cite the rule-makers, not secondhand blogs.

  • IRS Topic 503 — Deductible Taxes (State and Local) — Internal Revenue ServiceSALT deduction cap ($10,000) and deductibility of real property taxes. (opens in new tab)
  • U.S. Census Bureau — American Community Survey — U.S. Census BureauAnnual median property tax by county and state used for benchmarks. (opens in new tab)
  • IRS Publication 530 — Tax Information for Homeowners — Internal Revenue ServiceRules for deducting real estate taxes on Schedule A. (opens in new tab)
  • U.S. Census Bureau — Housing Vacancy and Homeownership Survey — U.S. Census BureauHousing value distributions used to model effective property-tax burden. (opens in new tab)
  • IRS Schedule A (Form 1040) — Itemized Deductions — Internal Revenue ServiceLine-level reporting where property tax deduction flows, subject to SALT cap. (opens in new tab)

Found an error in a formula or source? Report it →

Home market value
$520,000
Assessment ratio
100% (NJ is full-value)
NJ effective rate
2.47%
Homestead rebate (ANCHOR)
$1,500 if eligible

Result: $12,844/yr before rebate, $11,344/yr after ANCHOR — $945/mo escrow

New Jersey uses full-value assessment (unlike many states with fractional ratios). The 2.47% statewide effective rate is the highest in the US per Tax Foundation. The ANCHOR program provides $1,500 rebates to homeowners earning under $150k — apply every year; it is not automatic.

2005 purchase price
$380,000
Current Prop 13 assessed value (2% cap/yr)
$556,000
Actual market value
$1,100,000
CA effective rate
0.76%

Result: Long-term owner: $4,226/yr. New buyer same home: $8,360/yr. Difference: $4,134/yr

California Proposition 13 caps annual assessment growth at 2% until a property sells. The original 2005 buyer pays tax on $556k basis; a 2026 buyer pays tax on $1.1M basis. This 2x tax gap persists for the life of the tenure — a major hidden subsidy to long-term Californians and a major cost bump for newcomers.

Home market value
$350,000
Homestead exemption (school)
$100,000
Age-65 additional exemption
$10,000
Taxable value
$240,000
TX effective rate
1.80%

Result: $4,320/yr — $1,980/yr less than without exemptions

Texas raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 via 2023 Proposition 4 (SB 2). Combined with the age-65 senior exemption ($10k) plus the 10% annual cap on homestead appraisal growth, Texas seniors can see dramatic effective-rate reductions. File with your county appraisal district once — it carries forward.

Home market value
$900,000
Non-homestead classification
Residential A tier
HI effective rate (Maui non-homestead)
0.55%
Homestead rate (same county)
0.28%

Result: Non-resident: $4,950/yr. Resident: $2,520/yr. Premium: $2,430/yr for non-homestead status

Hawaii counties tier property tax by owner-occupancy status. Maui's Residential A (non-homestead) rate is ~2x the resident rate. Similar tiering exists in Honolulu. Out-of-state investors and second-home owners pay the premium.

The listing reflects the seller's assessed value, often locked under caps (Prop 13, Save Our Homes, Texas 10% cap). Your assessment resets on purchase — re-quote at market value × local rate.

Impact: A Florida home listed with $2,800 tax may bill at $6,500 in year one for the new owner.

Most states reduce assessed value $25k–$100k for owner-occupants who file. Filing is a one-time county form, but it's not automatic — the default is no exemption.

Impact: Texas homestead saves ~$1,800/yr on a median home. Florida Save Our Homes caps increases at 3%/yr (vs 10%). Missed filings cost thousands.

About 30–40% of appeals succeed per state assessor associations. File when comparable sales show your assessment is 10%+ above market. Deadline is typically 30–60 days after assessment notice.

Impact: A 10% overassessment on a $400k home at 1.5% rate = $600/yr in excess tax — $18,000 over 30 years.

A mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. 20 mills = 2.0%. Local disclosures often quote mills; always convert to percentage for apples-to-apples comparison.

Impact: Mistaking 25 mills for 2.5% (vs correct 2.5%) is accidentally correct; mistaking 25 mills for 25% is a 10x error.

IRS caps the combined state + local + property tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000/yr for 2018–2025 (TCJA). High-tax state homeowners lose deductibility on overage.

Impact: A NJ homeowner with $13,000 property tax + $8,000 state income tax hits SALT cap — $11,000 of those taxes become non-deductible.

Property Tax Calculator by State

State-specific rates, taxes, and cost-of-living adjustments

CaliforniaTexasFloridaNew YorkIllinoisPennsylvaniaOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaMichiganNew JerseyVirginia

Calculations are for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice.

Fill required inputs to see results.