San Francisco County, California Property Taxes
Property Taxes in San Francisco County, California
Median San Francisco County effective property tax rate: 1.22%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median San Francisco County home value: $772,647
Median annual San Francisco County tax bill: $9,489, $7,089 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in San Francisco County calculated?
Property taxes in San Francisco 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 San Francisco or another part of San Francisco County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
San Francisco County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.22%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$9,426
$8,747
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
How Does the San Francisco County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this San Francisco County property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies San Francisco County's median effective tax rate of 1.22% — drawn from real transactions across the county — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the value the assessment authority assigns to your property, typically lower than market value after exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate (actual bills divided by market value), which accounts for typical exemptions and is more accurate than applying the statutory millage rate directly.
Note: your assessed value reflects any exemptions you currently have. Rates vary across San Francisco County — scroll down to explore city-level trends and find the rate specific to your area.
San Francisco County's median property tax bill is $9,489, which is higher than the California median by $7,089 and well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400. If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can protest your San Francisco County assessment.
Property Tax Rates Across San Francisco County, California
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across San Francisco County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across San Francisco 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 San Francisco County's effective property tax rate to other counties in California or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
San Francisco County's median effective rate stands at 1.22%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within San Francisco County, the highest rate is found in San Francisco at 1.22%, while San Francisco has the lowest at 1.22%.
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 San Francisco County Tax Rate
1.22%
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 San Francisco County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | 1.16% | 1.18% | 1.22% | 1.31% | 1.51% |
| Daly City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Presidio | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Francisco County, California
When examining property taxes in San Francisco 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 San Francisco County appraisal district 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 San Francisco County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of August.
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 San Francisco County.
For example, the median tax bill in San Francisco County is $9,489, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. San Francisco has the highest median home price at $772,647.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Francisco County, California
Source: Ownwell
$474,669
$1,080,159
$1,685,649
Median San Francisco County Market Value
$772,647
Median California Market Value
$427,605
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Francisco County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $153,112 | $382,486 | $772,647 | $1,316,306 | $2,030,883 |
| Daly City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Presidio | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across San Francisco County, California
Property tax bills in San Francisco are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market value alone, and are shaped by local tax rates and any applicable exemptions. With a median home price of $772,647, homeowners can see very different bills depending on how their property is assessed and whether they qualify for savings.
The county’s tax burden is significant, with a median tax bill of $9,489, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Bills can range widely, from the 25th percentile at $4,871 to the 75th percentile at $15,780, and even reach the 90th percentile at $24,149. That means a higher assessment can quickly translate into a much larger annual bill for homeowners.
Ownwell helps homeowners lower property tax bills by reviewing assessments for errors, identifying potential exemptions, and filing appeals when a property is overassessed. By challenging an unfair valuation, Ownwell can help reduce what homeowners owe and create meaningful savings year after year.
Median San Francisco County Tax Bill
$9,489
Median California Tax Bill
$5,134
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across San Francisco County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $2,243 | $4,871 | $9,489 | $15,780 | $24,149 |
| Daly City | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Presidio | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Want to lower your San Francisco County property taxes?
How Can I Lower My Property Taxes in San Francisco County?
Looking to reduce your San Francisco County property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax appeal company serving San Francisco County. We specialize in helping property owners in the San Francisco area and beyond lower their tax bills by working directly with the San Francisco County Assessor-Recorder.
Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the San Francisco County property tax appeal process and identify all available exemptions, so you don't have to.
Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate investor, or an asset manager, our local team at Ownwell has the expertise to assess your current property tax situation and find strategic opportunities for reducing your tax burden.
Property Tax Appeals in California
How does the property tax protest process work in San Francisco County?
Homeowners in San Francisco County can appeal their property tax assessments when they believe their property has been valued too high by the Tax Assessor. The protest process begins by reviewing the assessed value, comparing it with recent market conditions, and gathering evidence that supports a lower valuation. This can include sales data for similar homes, photos, repair estimates, or other documents that show the assessment does not reflect the property’s true market value.
What does the appeal process involve?
After filing the appeal by the deadline, homeowners present their case to the board that hears assessment disputes. The board reviews the facts, the assessor’s valuation, and the homeowner’s evidence before deciding whether to keep the assessment the same or reduce it. The process can feel complex, but it is designed to give property owners a fair chance to challenge an unfair tax bill.
What are the possible outcomes?
The board may lower the assessed value, leave it unchanged, or, in some cases, determine that the original assessment should stand. A successful appeal can reduce future property tax bills and help ensure the homeowner is taxed more accurately based on market conditions.
How can Ownwell help?
Ownwell helps homeowners navigate the appeal process from start to finish by identifying potential savings, preparing a strong case, and handling the paperwork and deadlines. With support from property tax experts, homeowners can challenge an unfair assessment with more confidence and less stress, while improving their chances of a better outcome before the board.
Exemptions in California
What property tax exemption programs are available in San Francisco County?
San Francisco County homeowners may qualify for several property tax exemptions, with the most important being the homeowner’s exemption for a primary residence. This exemption is designed for owners who live in the home as their principal place of residence, and it can help reduce the assessed value used for property taxes. Other exemptions may also be available for eligible homeowners, including programs for seniors, disabled homeowners, veterans, and certain surviving spouses, depending on their circumstances.
Who can claim a primary residence exemption?
The primary residence exemption is generally available to homeowners who occupy the property as their main home. To qualify, the owner must live in the home and use it as their principal residence. This exemption is especially important because it directly supports homeowners who are paying taxes on the home they actually live in.
How do homeowners apply for exemptions?
Homeowners usually apply by submitting the required exemption form to the county assessor’s office and providing proof of eligibility. The process can vary by exemption type, so it is important to confirm the specific filing requirements and deadlines for each program.
How can Ownwell help?
Ownwell helps homeowners identify every exemption they may qualify for, including the primary residence exemption, and guides them through the application process so they do not miss savings they are entitled to claim.
Available Exemptions
Disabled
Home Stead
Solar/Wind
Non-Profit
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | September 15 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| San Francisco Tax Assessor | |
| Website | sfplanninggis.org |