Kern County, California Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Kern County, California
Median Kern County effective property tax rate: 1.43%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Kern County home value: $219,332
Median annual Kern County tax bill: $3,124, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Kern County calculated?
Property taxes in Kern County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Kern County or another part of Kern County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Kern County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.43%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,136
$2,911
How Does the Kern County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Kern County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Kern County's median effective tax rate of 1.43% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure used for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.
Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Kern County.
Property Tax Rates Across Kern County, California
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Kern County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Kern County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.
Below, compare Kern County's effective property tax rate to other counties in California or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Kern County's median effective rate stands at 1.43%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Kern County, the highest rate is found in Maricopa at 2.09%, while Keene has the lowest at 1.13%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, Mello-Roos Community Facility Districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Kern County Tax Rate
1.43%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective California Tax Rate
1.21%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Kern County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Sierra | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.21% | 1.37% | 1.49% |
| Arvin | 1.35% | 1.60% | 1.81% | 2.16% | 2.79% |
| Bakersfield | 1.25% | 1.36% | 1.48% | 1.68% | 2.09% |
| Bodfish | 1.16% | 1.21% | 1.27% | 1.43% | 1.71% |
| Boron | 1.11% | 1.29% | 1.40% | 1.66% | 2.06% |
| Buttonwillow | 1.26% | 1.51% | 1.78% | 2.32% | 3.08% |
| Caliente | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.27% | 1.99% |
| California City | 1.31% | 1.34% | 1.37% | 1.45% | 1.59% |
| Cantil | 1.25% | 1.35% | 1.50% | 2.08% | 3.15% |
| Delano | 1.14% | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.25% | 1.33% |
| Derby Acres | 1.07% | 1.12% | 1.19% | 1.29% | 1.84% |
| Dustin Acres | 1.37% | 1.45% | 1.56% | 1.79% | 1.93% |
| Edwards | 1.20% | 1.27% | 1.33% | 1.54% | 1.90% |
| Fellows | 1.06% | 1.13% | 1.20% | 1.42% | 1.64% |
| Frazier Park | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.15% | 1.22% | 1.37% |
| Glennville | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.15% | 1.23% | 1.38% |
| Grass Valley | 1.15% | 1.18% | 1.21% | 1.26% | 1.31% |
| Inyokern | 1.08% | 1.13% | 1.19% | 1.43% | 2.24% |
| Johannesburg | 1.22% | 1.30% | 1.56% | 1.88% | 2.84% |
| Keene | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.17% | 1.25% |
| Kernville | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.18% | 1.23% | 1.31% |
| Lake Isabella | 1.11% | 1.19% | 1.33% | 1.54% | 1.86% |
| Lake Of The Woods | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.24% | 1.34% |
| Lamont | 1.31% | 1.44% | 1.60% | 2.01% | 2.84% |
| Lebec | 1.07% | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.20% | 1.31% |
| Lost Hills | 1.08% | 1.17% | 1.67% | 2.03% | 3.55% |
| Maricopa | 1.14% | 1.45% | 2.09% | 3.09% | 4.93% |
| Mc Farland | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.27% | 1.35% | 1.51% |
| Mc Kittrick | 0.53% | 1.04% | 1.20% | 1.55% | 1.72% |
| Mojave | 1.04% | 1.18% | 1.26% | 1.40% | 1.65% |
| Mountain Mesa | 1.10% | 1.17% | 1.23% | 1.38% | 1.92% |
| North Edwards | 1.24% | 1.40% | 1.63% | 1.82% | 1.95% |
| Onyx | 1.13% | 1.17% | 1.27% | 1.51% | 1.93% |
| Pine Mountain Club | 1.10% | 1.13% | 1.16% | 1.21% | 1.28% |
| Randsburg | 1.19% | 1.28% | 1.44% | 1.85% | 3.00% |
| Ridgecrest | 1.10% | 1.23% | 1.33% | 1.51% | 1.94% |
| Rosamond | 1.12% | 1.26% | 1.64% | 1.94% | 2.37% |
| Shafter | 1.07% | 1.26% | 1.40% | 1.62% | 1.79% |
| South Gate | 1.03% | 1.11% | 1.17% | 1.22% | 1.43% |
| Squirrel Moutain Valley | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.25% |
| Taft | 1.37% | 1.67% | 2.07% | 2.99% | 4.42% |
| Tehachapi | 1.15% | 1.19% | 1.23% | 1.31% | 1.41% |
| Tupman | 1.18% | 1.26% | 1.45% | 1.84% | 2.50% |
| Walker Basin | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.34% |
| Wasco | 1.20% | 1.25% | 1.31% | 1.41% | 1.57% |
| Weldon | 1.13% | 1.18% | 1.27% | 1.47% | 1.76% |
| Wofford Heights | 1.11% | 1.18% | 1.24% | 1.36% | 1.59% |
| Woody | 1.04% | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.20% | 1.65% |
| Bear Valley Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bella Vista | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Breckenridge | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Canebrake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| China Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Claraville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cummings Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Devils Den | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Edison | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fremont Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Greenfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Havilah | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Indian Wells | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lancaster | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mettler | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Old River | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Paris Loraine | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pinyon Pines | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pond | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Stallion Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Twin Oaks | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Valley Acres | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Walker Pass | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kern County, California
When examining property taxes in Kern County, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.
The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Kern County assessor estimates the market value for tax purposes.
The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices:
In Kern County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May.
Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Kern County.
For example, the median tax bill in Kern County is $3,124, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Keene has the highest median home price at $458,349.
Median Kern County Market Value
$219,332
Median California Market Value
$427,605
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kern County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Sierra | $49,085 | $85,372 | $195,332 | $345,602 | $464,944 |
| Arvin | $59,862 | $106,820 | $157,080 | $239,119 | $291,836 |
| Bakersfield | $84,759 | $150,712 | $249,383 | $361,844 | $483,271 |
| Bodfish | $28,844 | $50,702 | $85,312 | $140,724 | $194,902 |
| Boron | $17,234 | $31,388 | $62,701 | $113,578 | $187,214 |
| Buttonwillow | $39,210 | $65,840 | $110,608 | $174,165 | $244,077 |
| Caliente | $35,395 | $81,989 | $172,105 | $273,408 | $371,422 |
| California City | $56,574 | $96,942 | $164,906 | $260,000 | $324,995 |
| Cantil | $10,329 | $22,531 | $56,318 | $99,409 | $188,502 |
| Delano | $71,836 | $118,688 | $167,442 | $256,570 | $338,799 |
| Derby Acres | $12,267 | $41,497 | $105,557 | $150,466 | $203,328 |
| Dustin Acres | $91,865 | $109,264 | $178,497 | $220,506 | $311,258 |
| Edwards | $25,540 | $50,477 | $90,511 | $144,086 | $211,018 |
| Fellows | $22,346 | $44,783 | $74,654 | $165,474 | $271,373 |
| Frazier Park | $56,945 | $110,478 | $193,733 | $296,227 | $412,306 |
| Glennville | $56,441 | $106,839 | $187,737 | $265,200 | $399,645 |
| Grass Valley | $92,193 | $138,154 | $251,647 | $293,000 | $364,291 |
| Inyokern | $13,035 | $40,611 | $102,852 | $187,881 | $295,140 |
| Johannesburg | $8,805 | $16,283 | $32,472 | $68,799 | $89,703 |
| Keene | $144,725 | $281,847 | $458,349 | $633,658 | $800,285 |
| Kernville | $51,722 | $120,000 | $213,719 | $329,376 | $469,200 |
| Lake Isabella | $13,548 | $32,908 | $61,692 | $133,026 | $174,750 |
| Lake Of The Woods | $67,590 | $78,148 | $148,042 | $212,370 | $248,108 |
| Lamont | $31,514 | $65,248 | $110,050 | $150,717 | $212,308 |
| Lebec | $43,296 | $93,277 | $180,000 | $304,572 | $434,034 |
| Lost Hills | $7,677 | $35,142 | $98,680 | $177,018 | $245,514 |
| Maricopa | $18,091 | $35,689 | $66,196 | $111,242 | $180,405 |
| Mc Farland | $69,699 | $103,387 | $165,856 | $243,934 | $305,708 |
| Mc Kittrick | $22,542 | $30,188 | $76,378 | $182,850 | $389,640 |
| Mojave | $30,025 | $55,458 | $98,418 | $182,074 | $261,924 |
| Mountain Mesa | $25,049 | $51,397 | $104,378 | $183,115 | $270,606 |
| North Edwards | $21,755 | $30,698 | $43,296 | $145,000 | $190,787 |
| Onyx | $22,142 | $40,768 | $76,485 | $164,001 | $253,849 |
| Pine Mountain Club | $125,814 | $185,751 | $274,523 | $381,004 | $477,543 |
| Randsburg | $7,108 | $20,847 | $45,039 | $74,931 | $122,815 |
| Ridgecrest | $38,206 | $96,357 | $178,544 | $264,602 | $353,000 |
| Rosamond | $49,734 | $120,363 | $224,322 | $357,000 | $451,009 |
| Shafter | $71,089 | $125,110 | $247,821 | $370,242 | $448,800 |
| South Gate | $19,380 | $55,492 | $135,779 | $199,258 | $309,722 |
| Squirrel Moutain Valley | $74,149 | $134,648 | $200,195 | $344,250 | $521,129 |
| Taft | $31,389 | $59,024 | $115,766 | $193,204 | $275,705 |
| Tehachapi | $117,125 | $191,378 | $295,360 | $399,000 | $503,328 |
| Tupman | $11,492 | $21,164 | $39,409 | $61,888 | $110,306 |
| Walker Basin | $69,095 | $129,841 | $174,220 | $219,783 | $254,210 |
| Wasco | $67,930 | $112,944 | $172,945 | $254,949 | $310,074 |
| Weldon | $24,658 | $43,353 | $77,104 | $131,686 | $205,556 |
| Wofford Heights | $22,614 | $54,364 | $107,210 | $174,989 | $265,158 |
| Woody | $46,522 | $115,584 | $166,880 | $267,612 | $364,984 |
| Bear Valley Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bella Vista | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Breckenridge | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Canebrake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| China Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Claraville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cummings Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Devils Den | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Edison | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fremont Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Greenfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Havilah | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Indian Wells | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lancaster | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mettler | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Old River | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Paris Loraine | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pinyon Pines | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pond | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Stallion Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Twin Oaks | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Valley Acres | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Walker Pass | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Kern County, California
Property tax bills in Kern County are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price alone, and the final amount depends on the local tax rate and any voter-approved charges or special assessments. When a home’s assessed value rises, the tax bill can increase as well, which makes the assessment process a major factor for homeowners to watch.
With a median home price of $219,332, many owners in the county face bills that vary widely depending on location and property characteristics. The 25th percentile tax bill is $1,944, while the 75th percentile is $4,564 and the 90th percentile reaches $6,067, showing how much taxes can differ from one household to another.
For homeowners, this means property taxes can have a meaningful impact on monthly housing costs and long-term affordability. In places like Keene, where the median tax bill is $4,957, the burden can be much higher than in areas such as Johannesburg, where it is $512.
Median Kern County Tax Bill
$3,124
Median California Tax Bill
$5,134
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Kern County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Sierra | $727 | $1,131 | $2,357 | $4,028 | $5,363 |
| Arvin | $1,758 | $2,370 | $2,983 | $3,915 | $4,468 |
| Bakersfield | $1,654 | $2,443 | $3,625 | $4,997 | $6,494 |
| Bodfish | $467 | $719 | $1,094 | $1,682 | $2,260 |
| Boron | $344 | $535 | $867 | $1,444 | $2,198 |
| Buttonwillow | $1,154 | $1,406 | $1,919 | $2,670 | $3,526 |
| Caliente | $721 | $1,214 | $2,065 | $3,011 | $4,043 |
| California City | $774 | $1,306 | $2,150 | $3,264 | $4,197 |
| Cantil | $267 | $430 | $800 | $1,476 | $3,062 |
| Delano | $880 | $1,425 | $1,986 | $2,984 | $3,871 |
| Derby Acres | $215 | $545 | $837 | $1,739 | $2,284 |
| Dustin Acres | $1,716 | $1,996 | $2,811 | $3,267 | $4,314 |
| Edwards | $423 | $663 | $1,181 | $1,874 | $2,595 |
| Fellows | $293 | $609 | $923 | $1,851 | $2,957 |
| Frazier Park | $771 | $1,337 | $2,187 | $3,339 | $4,594 |
| Glennville | $730 | $1,300 | $2,108 | $2,990 | $4,396 |
| Grass Valley | $1,207 | $1,720 | $2,985 | $3,545 | $4,418 |
| Inyokern | $208 | $699 | $1,311 | $2,201 | $3,117 |
| Johannesburg | $251 | $309 | $512 | $854 | $1,155 |
| Keene | $1,597 | $3,186 | $4,957 | $6,928 | $9,155 |
| Kernville | $616 | $1,473 | $2,502 | $3,777 | $5,410 |
| Lake Isabella | $222 | $538 | $893 | $1,605 | $2,070 |
| Lake Of The Woods | $872 | $1,008 | $1,731 | $2,461 | $2,844 |
| Lamont | $903 | $1,295 | $1,772 | $2,269 | $2,963 |
| Lebec | $465 | $1,098 | $2,049 | $3,461 | $5,018 |
| Lost Hills | $107 | $950 | $1,720 | $2,323 | $3,245 |
| Maricopa | $686 | $1,110 | $1,480 | $2,000 | $2,647 |
| Mc Farland | $937 | $1,317 | $2,017 | $3,077 | $3,789 |
| Mc Kittrick | $333 | $484 | $713 | $1,318 | $2,187 |
| Mojave | $504 | $764 | $1,244 | $2,085 | $2,943 |
| Mountain Mesa | $428 | $814 | $1,403 | $2,169 | $3,153 |
| North Edwards | $391 | $458 | $606 | $2,062 | $2,599 |
| Onyx | $419 | $599 | $968 | $2,004 | $3,035 |
| Pine Mountain Club | $1,524 | $2,165 | $3,077 | $4,254 | $5,290 |
| Randsburg | $263 | $403 | $643 | $912 | $1,460 |
| Ridgecrest | $810 | $1,454 | $2,370 | $3,320 | $4,285 |
| Rosamond | $656 | $2,350 | $3,825 | $5,520 | $6,685 |
| Shafter | $873 | $1,566 | $2,904 | $5,614 | $6,766 |
| South Gate | $180 | $724 | $1,509 | $2,221 | $3,447 |
| Squirrel Moutain Valley | $916 | $1,601 | $2,372 | $3,686 | $5,989 |
| Taft | $1,219 | $1,750 | $2,466 | $3,443 | $4,414 |
| Tehachapi | $1,431 | $2,350 | $3,608 | $4,877 | $6,118 |
| Tupman | $251 | $378 | $589 | $806 | $1,295 |
| Walker Basin | $910 | $1,552 | $2,020 | $2,502 | $2,891 |
| Wasco | $935 | $1,479 | $2,228 | $3,263 | $4,033 |
| Weldon | $405 | $631 | $1,008 | $1,572 | $2,362 |
| Wofford Heights | $356 | $779 | $1,353 | $2,072 | $3,136 |
| Woody | $614 | $1,175 | $1,925 | $3,166 | $4,058 |
| Bear Valley Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bella Vista | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Breckenridge | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Canebrake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| China Lake | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Claraville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Cummings Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Devils Den | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Edison | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fremont Valley | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Greenfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Havilah | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Indian Wells | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lancaster | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mettler | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Old River | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Paris Loraine | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pinyon Pines | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pond | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Stallion Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Twin Oaks | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Valley Acres | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Walker Pass | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | November 30 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Kern Tax Assessor | |
| Website | www.kerncounty.com |
Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Kern County, California
How are property taxes calculated in Kern County, California?
How do I appeal my property taxes in Kern County, California?
What property tax exemptions are available in Kern County, California?
When are property taxes due in Kern County, California?
How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Kern County, California?
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