2026 rates for 58 counties
The median effective property tax rate in California is 1.18% of a home's value, so a $300,000 home pays about $3,528 a year — above the national median of 1.07%. Most homeowners pay between 1.14% and 1.23%, from 0.99% in Amador County to 1.56% in Alameda County. 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 effective property tax rate in California is 1.18% of a home's value. On a $300,000 home that is about $3,528 a year, or $294 a month if it is paid through mortgage escrow. Your actual bill depends on your county and city rates and on any exemptions, such as a homestead exemption, that lower your taxable value.
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.
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