State Overview
California has a median effective property tax rate of 1.18%. For a home valued at $300,000, the estimated annual property tax is $3,528 — above the national median of 1.07%. Rates vary significantly by county and city; use the calculator below or browse by county to find your exact rate.
California is interesting because the rate looks moderate but the home values are enormous. Proposition 13 (1978) is what holds things together: it caps your assessed value at the purchase price and limits annual increases to 2%. Long-term homeowners can end up paying taxes on a value that's a fraction of what their home is worth today.
Calculate your estimated property tax in California
Annual Property Tax
$1,764
Monthly Property Tax
$147
* This is an estimate based on the median tax rate. Actual taxes may vary based on local assessments and exemptions.
Property tax rates in California
1.141%
25% of properties pay this rate or less
1.176%
50% of properties pay this rate or less
1.231%
25% of properties pay more than this rate
These percentiles show the range of property tax rates. 25% of properties pay less than the low rate, 50% pay less than the median, and 75% pay less than the high rate.
The difference between the 25th and 75th percentiles is 0.089%, indicating the variation in property tax rates within this area. Use the median (50th percentile) for the most typical estimate.
State averages sourced from Tax Foundation 2024 data. National median: 1.07%.
Based on the median rate of 1.176%. Actual taxes depend on assessed value and local exemptions.
| Home Value | Annual Tax | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $1,764 | $147/mo |
| $250,000 | $2,940 | $245/mo |
| $350,000 | $4,116 | $343/mo |
| $500,000 | $5,881 | $490/mo |
| $750,000 | $8,821 | $735/mo |
| $1,000,000 | $11,761 | $980/mo |
The median property tax rate across California is 1.18%. This rate varies significantly by county and city. Browse our comprehensive database to find rates in your specific area.
Payment Schedule
Semi-annual
Due Date(s)
1st installment: December 10 — 2nd installment: April 10
Always verify exact deadlines with your local county assessor or tax collector, as dates can vary by municipality.