Lake County, California Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Lake County, California
Median Lake County effective property tax rate: 1.19%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Lake County home value: $215,510
Median annual Lake County tax bill: $2,503, $103 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Lake County calculated?
Property taxes in Lake 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 Lake County's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Lake County or another part of the county, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Lake County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.19%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,565
$2,380
How Does the Lake County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Lake County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Lake County's median effective tax rate of 1.19% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the county assessor assigns 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. Lake County's median tax rate is higher than California's 1.21% state median rate, and the median property tax bill is $2,503, which is $103 higher than the state median bill of $2,400.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Lake County.
Property Tax Rates Across Lake County, California
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Lake County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Lake 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 Lake County's effective property tax rate to other counties in California or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Lake County's median effective rate stands at 1.19%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Lake County, the highest rate is found in Clearlake at 1.26%, while Kelseyville has the lowest at 1.09%.
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 Ă· 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 Lake County Tax Rate
1.19%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· 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 Lake County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearlake | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.26% | 1.39% | 1.65% |
| Clearlake Oaks | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.27% |
| Clearlake Park | 1.16% | 1.17% | 1.21% | 1.32% | 1.49% |
| Clearlake Pk | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.26% | 1.38% | 1.57% |
| Cobb | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.25% | 1.52% | 1.88% |
| Finley | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.15% | 1.21% | 1.39% |
| Glenhaven | 1.11% | 1.12% | 1.14% | 1.18% | 1.23% |
| Hidden Valley Lake | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.23% | 1.28% | 1.35% |
| Kelseyville | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.11% |
| Lakeport | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.25% | 1.34% |
| Loch Lomond | 1.07% | 1.12% | 1.15% | 1.23% | 1.40% |
| Lower Lake | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.27% | 1.44% |
| Lucerne | 1.11% | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.19% | 1.31% |
| Middletown | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.25% | 1.41% | 1.79% |
| Nice | 1.12% | 1.13% | 1.16% | 1.21% | 1.30% |
| Potter Valley | 1.13% | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.18% | 1.21% |
| Upper Lake | 1.12% | 1.13% | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.27% |
| Witter Springs | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.13% | 1.15% | 1.17% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake County, California
When examining property taxes in Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake 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 Lake County.
For example, the median tax bill in Lake County is $2,503, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Hidden Valley Lake has the highest median home price at $307,642.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake County, California
Source: Ownwell
$105,069
$206,356
$307,642
Median Lake County Market Value
$215,510
Median California Market Value
$427,605
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lake County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearlake | $33,750 | $67,626 | $125,269 | $203,715 | $285,981 |
| Clearlake Oaks | $49,097 | $101,757 | $176,910 | $263,833 | $346,452 |
| Clearlake Park | $30,600 | $66,659 | $162,106 | $311,374 | $463,743 |
| Clearlake Pk | $31,212 | $56,646 | $105,069 | $178,622 | $243,419 |
| Cobb | $28,440 | $55,157 | $181,044 | $298,800 | $394,263 |
| Finley | $70,802 | $140,143 | $244,606 | $375,825 | $489,090 |
| Glenhaven | $69,744 | $113,370 | $179,427 | $322,780 | $591,534 |
| Hidden Valley Lake | $152,599 | $218,508 | $307,642 | $380,557 | $460,000 |
| Kelseyville | $116,575 | $180,000 | $273,791 | $381,336 | $539,829 |
| Lakeport | $100,546 | $159,535 | $268,179 | $391,754 | $545,469 |
| Loch Lomond | $54,090 | $144,636 | $232,647 | $373,756 | $529,646 |
| Lower Lake | $49,447 | $108,634 | $243,015 | $397,743 | $589,297 |
| Lucerne | $55,861 | $100,987 | $168,246 | $269,252 | $456,242 |
| Middletown | $32,933 | $82,192 | $201,173 | $344,610 | $540,851 |
| Nice | $47,487 | $92,208 | $167,003 | $265,302 | $406,378 |
| Potter Valley | $74,402 | $118,681 | $154,056 | $217,814 | $315,441 |
| Upper Lake | $56,089 | $132,600 | $217,385 | $329,676 | $447,120 |
| Witter Springs | $101,330 | $168,510 | $293,308 | $481,052 | $685,003 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Lake County, California
Property tax bills in Lake County are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price alone. Local tax rates are applied to that assessed value, and the final bill can also reflect voter-approved levies and other local charges. For homeowners, that means two houses with similar market values can still have different tax bills if their assessed values or local taxing districts differ.
With a median home price of $215,510, Lake County homeowners often see bills that vary widely. The 25th percentile tax bill is $1,422, while the 75th percentile is $3,838 and the 90th percentile reaches $5,337. That spread shows how location and assessment details can significantly affect what a homeowner pays each year.
Some areas face especially high bills, with Hidden Valley Lake posting the highest median tax bill at $3,753, while Clearlake Park has the lowest median tax bill at $1,308.
Median Lake County Tax Bill
$2,503
Median California Tax Bill
$5,134
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Lake County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearlake | $514 | $930 | $1,575 | $2,467 | $3,356 |
| Clearlake Oaks | $583 | $1,151 | $2,025 | $3,018 | $3,977 |
| Clearlake Park | $422 | $867 | $1,983 | $3,713 | $5,386 |
| Clearlake Pk | $462 | $810 | $1,308 | $1,968 | $2,833 |
| Cobb | $511 | $832 | $2,238 | $3,553 | $4,632 |
| Finley | $839 | $1,589 | $2,739 | $4,080 | $5,434 |
| Glenhaven | $785 | $1,276 | $2,068 | $3,608 | $6,623 |
| Hidden Valley Lake | $1,990 | $2,729 | $3,753 | $4,597 | $5,501 |
| Kelseyville | $1,135 | $1,883 | $2,932 | $4,109 | $5,765 |
| Lakeport | $1,242 | $1,931 | $3,163 | $4,545 | $6,238 |
| Loch Lomond | $504 | $1,607 | $2,549 | $4,255 | $5,799 |
| Lower Lake | $677 | $1,329 | $2,815 | $4,600 | $6,899 |
| Lucerne | $649 | $1,171 | $1,904 | $3,022 | $5,111 |
| Middletown | $579 | $1,143 | $2,444 | $4,111 | $6,229 |
| Nice | $588 | $1,080 | $1,919 | $3,019 | $4,517 |
| Potter Valley | $835 | $1,351 | $1,799 | $2,464 | $3,632 |
| Upper Lake | $617 | $1,495 | $2,488 | $3,826 | $5,082 |
| Witter Springs | $1,204 | $1,965 | $3,239 | $5,476 | $7,724 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | November 30 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Lake Tax Assessor | |
| Website | common2.mptsweb.com |