California vs Oregon
California
Property Tax Comparison: California vs. Oregon
Short introduction
Both California and Oregon levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), California’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Oregon’s, even though California’s median home values are higher. The following side‑by‑side table presents the key metrics that shape property‑tax costs in each state.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Metric | California | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.83 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $454,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $3,767 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $2,074 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $4,147 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $80,426 |
All figures are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state “wins” on property tax?
Winner (lower tax rate): California
- Effective tax‑rate advantage: 0.71 % vs. 0.83 % → a difference of 0.12 percentage points, which corresponds to a 14.59 % lower rate in California.
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $2,074 (OR) − $1,771 (CA) = $303 lower in California.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $4,147 (OR) − $3,542 (CA) = $605 lower in California.
Because the effective tax rate is the primary determinant of annual property‑tax liability, California provides a lower tax burden on comparable property values.
Who benefits most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the relative tax burden helps assess ongoing costs and potential savings if relocating. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The effective tax rate, combined with median home values, informs total housing affordability calculations. |
| Retirees | Property‑tax rates influence fixed‑income budgeting; lower rates can reduce yearly expenses. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax differentials affect cash‑flow projections and net‑return analyses across state lines. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals who are evaluating the ongoing cost of home ownership rather than one‑time purchase price differences.
Sources and further reading
- According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the figures above reflect the most recent ACS estimates (2023, 5‑year).
- For state‑specific details on assessment methods and exemptions, see the internal pages: California property tax and Oregon property tax.
All numbers are presented without interpretation or recommendation; they are provided solely for factual comparison.
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Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.