California Property Tax

Effective Property Tax Rate

70.84%

Median Annual Tax

$4,926

Median Home Value

$695,400

California Property Tax Overview

Based on the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates (2026).

Key Statistics

Metric	Figure
Median home value (California)	$695,400
Average effective property tax rate	0.71 %
Median annual property tax	$4,926
National average effective tax rate	0.97 %
California’s rank (effective rate)	#18 of 52 states/territories
Difference vs. national average	26.8 % lower

Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) (5‑year estimates, 2023).

How Property Taxes Are Calculated

California property tax is generally calculated by applying the effective tax rate to the assessed value of the property. The effective rate reflects the total taxes paid divided by the market value of the home.

Example Tax Bills

Assessed Home Value	Approximate Annual Property Tax*
$250,000	$1,771
$500,000	$3,542

* Calculated using the average effective tax rate of 0.71 % (0.0071 × Home Value).

Comparison to the National Average

Effective tax rate: California’s 0.71 % is 26.8 % lower than the national average of 0.97 %.
Rank: At #18 out of 52 states and territories, California’s property tax burden is lower than many jurisdictions but higher than several states with lower rates (e.g., Alabama, Louisiana).

Variation by County

While the statewide average effective rate is 0.71 %, actual property tax rates can differ among California’s 58 counties. Local governments set additional parcel taxes, special assessments, and voter‑approved bonds that affect the total bill. Therefore, a property in a high‑valued urban county (e.g., San Francisco) may have a higher dollar amount of tax than a similarly valued home in a rural county, even though the percentage rate is similar.

Considerations for Retirees and Landlords

Retirees

Tax burden: The lower effective rate means that, on average, retirees may pay less in property taxes relative to home value than in many other states.
Assessment limits: Proposition 13 caps annual increases in assessed value at 2 % (unless the property changes ownership), which can further limit tax growth for long‑term homeowners, many of whom are retirees.

Landlords

Revenue vs. expense: Landlords must account for the 0.71 % effective tax rate when estimating operating expenses. The rate is lower than the national average, potentially reducing the tax component of rental costs.
County differences: In counties with additional parcel taxes or special assessments, the total tax burden may be higher, affecting cash‑flow projections.

Both groups should verify the exact tax rate for the specific county and parcel, as local variations can materially affect overall costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
What is the “effective property tax rate” for California?	It is the total property taxes paid divided by the market value of the home. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the average effective rate in California is 0.71 % (2023 ACS).
How does California’s property tax compare to the national average?	California’s effective rate of 0.71 % is 26.8 % lower than the national average of 0.97 %, placing the state at #18 among 52 states/territories.
Do property tax rates differ across the state?	Yes. While the statewide average is 0.71 %, each county may impose additional parcel taxes, special assessments, or voter‑approved bonds that alter the total tax bill for a given property.

All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates for 2023.

Neighboring States