Monterey County, California Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Monterey County, California
Median Monterey County effective property tax rate: 1.12%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Monterey County home value: $453,393
Median annual Monterey County tax bill: $5,005, $2,605 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Monterey County calculated?
Property taxes in Monterey 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 Monterey or another part of Monterey County, knowing local property tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Monterey County's median property tax rate is lower than the California median tax rate of 1.21%, but the median tax bill is still higher than the national median.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Monterey County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.12%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,078
$4,712
How Does the Monterey County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Monterey County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Monterey County's median effective tax rate of 1.12% 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 Monterey County.
Property Tax Rates Across Monterey County, California
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Monterey County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Monterey 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 Monterey County's effective property tax rate to other counties in California or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Monterey County's median effective rate stands at 1.12%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Monterey County, the highest rate is found in San Lucas at 1.72%, while San Miguel has the lowest at 1.01%.
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 Monterey County Tax Rate
1.12%
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 Monterey County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aromas | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.08% |
| Big Sur | 0.97% | 1.00% | 1.02% | 1.02% | 1.03% |
| Bradley | 1.03% | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.10% |
| Carmel | 1.01% | 1.03% | 1.08% | 1.16% | 1.37% |
| Carmel Valley | 1.02% | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.07% | 1.11% |
| Castroville | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.13% | 1.23% | 1.64% |
| Chualar | 1.05% | 1.06% | 1.40% | 1.49% | 1.73% |
| East Garrison | 1.31% | 1.48% | 1.58% | 1.63% | 1.67% |
| Gonzales | 1.05% | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.26% | 1.37% |
| Greenfield | 1.14% | 1.19% | 1.24% | 1.35% | 1.45% |
| Jolon | 1.06% | 1.06% | 1.08% | 1.09% | 1.10% |
| King City | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.15% |
| Lockwood | 1.06% | 1.06% | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.11% |
| Marina | 1.06% | 1.06% | 1.08% | 1.13% | 1.51% |
| Monterey | 1.04% | 1.06% | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.18% |
| Moss Landing | 1.06% | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.24% | 1.49% |
| Pacific Grove | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.05% | 1.07% |
| Pebble Beach | 1.03% | 1.06% | 1.10% | 1.14% | 1.28% |
| Royal Oaks | 1.06% | 1.08% | 1.14% | 1.32% | 1.65% |
| Salinas | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.28% | 1.35% |
| San Ardo | 1.07% | 1.11% | 1.12% | 1.14% | 1.18% |
| San Lucas | 1.18% | 1.44% | 1.72% | 2.37% | 4.03% |
| San Miguel | 0.99% | 1.00% | 1.01% | 1.06% | 1.08% |
| Seaside | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.06% | 1.06% | 1.10% |
| Soledad | 1.17% | 1.24% | 1.27% | 1.41% | 1.53% |
| Spreckels | 1.14% | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.23% | 1.38% |
| Watsonville | 1.00% | 1.07% | 1.10% | 1.19% | 1.58% |
| Carmel By The Sea | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Coalinga | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Del Rey Oaks | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Parkfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sand City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Monterey County, California
When examining property taxes in Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey 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 Monterey County.
For example, the median tax bill in Monterey County is $5,005, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, with Pebble Beach at the highest median home price at $1,476,961.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Monterey County, California
Source: Ownwell
$105,696
$930,602
$1,755,507
Median Monterey County Market Value
$453,393
Median California Market Value
$427,605
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Monterey County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aromas | $211,902 | $344,210 | $525,780 | $796,077 | $1,033,753 |
| Big Sur | $293,925 | $492,452 | $1,152,616 | $2,599,463 | $4,270,349 |
| Bradley | $83,521 | $180,332 | $331,727 | $496,644 | $719,179 |
| Carmel | $254,550 | $585,344 | $1,138,292 | $2,075,089 | $3,670,013 |
| Carmel Valley | $210,597 | $439,635 | $808,990 | $1,322,722 | $1,947,942 |
| Castroville | $92,396 | $202,368 | $270,903 | $477,619 | $674,115 |
| Chualar | $161,534 | $188,947 | $233,014 | $448,014 | $832,219 |
| East Garrison | $552,587 | $604,398 | $735,985 | $849,060 | $943,944 |
| Gonzales | $121,920 | $198,043 | $272,392 | $412,698 | $537,665 |
| Greenfield | $117,264 | $167,792 | $257,535 | $396,575 | $540,673 |
| Jolon | $157,079 | $186,700 | $270,372 | $336,855 | $629,600 |
| King City | $117,300 | $179,696 | $290,139 | $414,201 | $544,253 |
| Lockwood | $126,476 | $242,060 | $419,787 | $657,465 | $912,437 |
| Marina | $113,744 | $294,017 | $561,816 | $791,359 | $1,029,723 |
| Monterey | $140,464 | $308,587 | $580,000 | $928,462 | $1,406,100 |
| Moss Landing | $137,757 | $269,891 | $598,548 | $1,142,934 | $1,549,787 |
| Pacific Grove | $110,689 | $328,144 | $692,855 | $1,058,802 | $1,578,512 |
| Pebble Beach | $356,448 | $800,416 | $1,476,961 | $2,983,500 | $5,953,155 |
| Royal Oaks | $101,115 | $246,814 | $426,464 | $663,151 | $897,361 |
| Salinas | $142,557 | $242,596 | $390,427 | $600,917 | $802,086 |
| San Ardo | $53,907 | $78,320 | $165,494 | $285,828 | $404,913 |
| San Lucas | $38,599 | $66,464 | $105,696 | $153,763 | $261,579 |
| San Miguel | $227,098 | $333,508 | $642,519 | $788,578 | $973,380 |
| Seaside | $86,449 | $204,355 | $399,589 | $639,788 | $849,796 |
| Soledad | $121,881 | $215,488 | $329,785 | $485,784 | $624,240 |
| Spreckels | $121,811 | $278,533 | $520,675 | $722,109 | $856,011 |
| Watsonville | $125,840 | $224,450 | $397,957 | $631,899 | $764,978 |
| Carmel By The Sea | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Coalinga | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Del Rey Oaks | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Parkfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sand City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Monterey County, California
Property tax bills in Monterey County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate applied to that value. When a property’s market value rises, the assessed value can increase as well, which can lead to a higher tax bill. Local taxing agencies then use that assessment to calculate what the homeowner owes each year.
For many homeowners, the amount can vary widely depending on location and property value. The county’s median home price is $453,393, while the 25th percentile tax bill is $2,745 and the 75th percentile tax bill is $8,331. At the high end, the 90th percentile tax bill reaches $13,469, showing how much taxes can differ across the county. Some areas see especially high bills, with Pebble Beach posting the highest median tax bill at $15,676, while San Ardo has the lowest median tax bill at $1,735. These differences can have a major impact on monthly housing costs and long-term affordability for homeowners.
Median Monterey County Tax Bill
$5,005
Median California Tax Bill
$5,134
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Monterey County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aromas | $2,185 | $3,635 | $5,581 | $8,319 | $11,262 |
| Big Sur | $2,195 | $4,399 | $10,756 | $24,698 | $38,649 |
| Bradley | $286 | $1,138 | $2,929 | $4,955 | $7,374 |
| Carmel | $3,128 | $6,455 | $11,837 | $21,320 | $37,305 |
| Carmel Valley | $2,125 | $4,478 | $8,237 | $13,357 | $19,592 |
| Castroville | $645 | $1,724 | $3,306 | $4,843 | $7,001 |
| Chualar | $2,094 | $2,751 | $3,269 | $5,011 | $8,702 |
| East Garrison | $8,832 | $9,521 | $10,804 | $12,732 | $13,603 |
| Gonzales | $1,224 | $2,115 | $3,171 | $4,726 | $6,320 |
| Greenfield | $1,460 | $2,038 | $3,213 | $4,799 | $6,704 |
| Jolon | $630 | $1,315 | $2,176 | $3,190 | $6,068 |
| King City | $797 | $1,830 | $2,941 | $4,322 | $5,874 |
| Lockwood | $274 | $696 | $3,303 | $5,663 | $9,109 |
| Marina | $884 | $2,762 | $5,707 | $9,413 | $11,971 |
| Monterey | $1,601 | $3,291 | $6,058 | $9,688 | $14,596 |
| Moss Landing | $630 | $1,263 | $3,753 | $8,471 | $14,722 |
| Pacific Grove | $1,050 | $3,156 | $6,982 | $10,713 | $15,777 |
| Pebble Beach | $4,204 | $8,730 | $15,676 | $30,660 | $60,222 |
| Royal Oaks | $1,534 | $3,023 | $4,876 | $7,429 | $9,885 |
| Salinas | $1,441 | $2,752 | $4,542 | $6,909 | $9,180 |
| San Ardo | $593 | $857 | $1,735 | $2,997 | $4,452 |
| San Lucas | $1,139 | $1,465 | $1,850 | $2,382 | $3,285 |
| San Miguel | $1,200 | $3,194 | $5,888 | $7,796 | $9,222 |
| Seaside | $607 | $1,833 | $3,845 | $6,409 | $8,689 |
| Soledad | $1,037 | $2,487 | $4,342 | $6,437 | $8,097 |
| Spreckels | $1,505 | $3,283 | $5,465 | $8,176 | $9,545 |
| Watsonville | $930 | $1,732 | $3,711 | $6,792 | $8,634 |
| Carmel By The Sea | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Coalinga | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Del Rey Oaks | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Parkfield | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Sand City | 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 | |
|---|---|
| Monterey Tax Assessor | |
| Website | common3.mptsweb.com |