Sonoma County, California Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Sonoma County, California
Median Sonoma County effective property tax rate: 1.17%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Sonoma County home value: $473,427
Median annual Sonoma County tax bill: $5,647, $3,247 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Sonoma County calculated?
Property taxes in Sonoma 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 Sonoma or another part of Sonoma County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Sonoma County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.17%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,539
$5,140
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
How Does the Sonoma County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Sonoma County property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Sonoma County's median effective tax rate of 1.17% — drawn from real transactions across the county — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the value the appraisal district 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. Sonoma County's median property tax bill is $5,647, which is higher than California's median tax bill by $3,247 and above the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Rates vary across Sonoma County — scroll down to explore city-level trends and find the rate specific to your area.
If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can protest your Sonoma County assessment.
Property Tax Rates Across Sonoma County, California
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Sonoma County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Sonoma 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 Sonoma County's effective property tax rate to other counties in California or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Sonoma County's median effective rate stands at 1.17%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Sonoma County, the highest rate is found in Rio Nido at 2.36%, while Calistoga has the lowest at 1.11%.
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 Sonoma County Tax Rate
1.17%
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 Sonoma County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapolis | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.23% | 1.31% | 1.64% |
| Bodega | 1.18% | 1.19% | 1.24% | 1.43% | 1.92% |
| Bodega Bay | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.15% | 1.19% | 1.30% |
| Boyes Hot Springs | 1.38% | 1.45% | 1.67% | 2.19% | 3.41% |
| Calistoga | 1.08% | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.24% |
| Camp Meeker | 1.28% | 1.34% | 1.55% | 1.96% | 4.51% |
| Cazadero | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.23% | 1.51% |
| Cloverdale | 1.20% | 1.25% | 1.28% | 1.32% | 1.41% |
| Cotati | 1.18% | 1.20% | 1.24% | 1.29% | 1.41% |
| El Verano | 1.34% | 1.44% | 1.59% | 2.14% | 2.95% |
| Forestville | 1.20% | 1.22% | 1.29% | 1.61% | 2.27% |
| Fulton | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.30% |
| Geyserville | 1.12% | 1.16% | 1.37% | 1.65% | 2.46% |
| Glen Ellen | 1.15% | 1.18% | 1.32% | 1.59% | 2.16% |
| Graton | 1.32% | 1.41% | 1.61% | 2.01% | 2.65% |
| Guerneville | 1.25% | 1.56% | 1.86% | 2.60% | 5.05% |
| Healdsburg | 1.15% | 1.16% | 1.17% | 1.21% | 1.29% |
| Jenner | 1.15% | 1.18% | 1.22% | 1.34% | 1.64% |
| Kenwood | 1.14% | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.21% | 1.37% |
| Mh Unincorp County | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% |
| Monte Rio | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.30% | 1.50% | 2.00% |
| Occidental | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.36% | 1.73% |
| Penngrove | 1.12% | 1.14% | 1.28% | 1.51% | 1.95% |
| Petaluma | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.14% | 1.22% |
| Rio Nido | 1.65% | 1.92% | 2.36% | 4.05% | 7.63% |
| Rohnert Park | 1.15% | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.52% |
| Santa Rosa | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.28% |
| Sea Ranch | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.14% | 1.21% | 1.35% |
| Sebastopol | 1.16% | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.26% | 1.45% |
| Sonoma | 1.18% | 1.27% | 1.39% | 1.60% | 2.03% |
| The Sea Ranch | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.16% | 1.28% | 1.44% |
| Valley Ford | 1.12% | 1.14% | 1.17% | 1.21% | 1.55% |
| Villa Grande | 1.21% | 1.23% | 1.37% | 1.69% | 3.71% |
| Windsor | 1.18% | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.25% | 1.30% |
| Duncans Mills | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fetters Hot Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Gualala | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mh Petaluma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Scottsdale | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Tulare | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unincorp County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unknown | 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 Sonoma County, California
When examining property taxes in Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of October.
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 Sonoma County.
For example, the median tax bill in Sonoma County is $5,647, which is well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, with Sea Ranch showing the highest median home price at $859,577.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sonoma County, California
Source: Ownwell
$180,027
$569,667
$959,306
Median Sonoma County Market Value
$473,427
Median California Market Value
$427,605
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sonoma County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapolis | $66,396 | $177,223 | $245,911 | $433,544 | $565,382 |
| Bodega | $56,955 | $132,301 | $406,224 | $750,458 | $854,041 |
| Bodega Bay | $259,348 | $493,684 | $792,714 | $1,144,440 | $1,592,099 |
| Boyes Hot Springs | $77,928 | $165,927 | $298,102 | $519,187 | $675,254 |
| Calistoga | $92,210 | $270,290 | $635,468 | $1,059,813 | $1,690,411 |
| Camp Meeker | $23,484 | $88,219 | $187,996 | $367,432 | $478,688 |
| Cazadero | $31,838 | $115,466 | $279,998 | $464,371 | $628,808 |
| Cloverdale | $139,974 | $257,556 | $420,942 | $594,874 | $733,523 |
| Cotati | $169,696 | $287,613 | $435,230 | $637,798 | $847,575 |
| El Verano | $92,619 | $181,727 | $341,406 | $520,284 | $743,042 |
| Forestville | $62,267 | $179,143 | $366,437 | $562,902 | $812,567 |
| Fulton | $121,177 | $272,778 | $424,580 | $672,500 | $885,926 |
| Geyserville | $53,782 | $203,406 | $462,794 | $761,660 | $1,339,820 |
| Glen Ellen | $113,523 | $272,783 | $579,432 | $1,042,116 | $1,732,787 |
| Graton | $125,858 | $214,744 | $421,017 | $687,157 | $884,563 |
| Guerneville | $40,412 | $159,304 | $331,862 | $501,980 | $689,785 |
| Healdsburg | $128,613 | $282,999 | $570,066 | $906,033 | $1,505,794 |
| Jenner | $109,608 | $275,315 | $532,474 | $827,118 | $1,132,127 |
| Kenwood | $76,536 | $255,536 | $617,297 | $1,042,949 | $1,989,301 |
| Mh Unincorp County | $325,000 | $325,000 | $325,000 | $325,000 | $325,000 |
| Monte Rio | $69,040 | $156,396 | $336,205 | $531,511 | $765,106 |
| Occidental | $140,517 | $313,249 | $590,423 | $959,480 | $1,433,462 |
| Penngrove | $164,241 | $366,753 | $710,761 | $1,026,055 | $1,352,520 |
| Petaluma | $145,236 | $299,132 | $511,139 | $753,456 | $985,517 |
| Rio Nido | $43,018 | $96,213 | $180,027 | $333,559 | $541,008 |
| Rohnert Park | $163,251 | $261,578 | $403,900 | $620,905 | $761,779 |
| Santa Rosa | $153,071 | $279,866 | $452,897 | $654,919 | $865,173 |
| Sea Ranch | $313,333 | $580,549 | $859,577 | $1,472,845 | $2,133,315 |
| Sebastopol | $145,791 | $289,587 | $545,074 | $855,855 | $1,183,246 |
| Sonoma | $174,746 | $329,990 | $575,722 | $894,744 | $1,548,658 |
| The Sea Ranch | $313,120 | $501,120 | $763,640 | $1,101,304 | $1,616,603 |
| Valley Ford | $105,731 | $421,082 | $625,802 | $1,083,057 | $1,276,939 |
| Villa Grande | $23,866 | $98,584 | $270,714 | $515,542 | $644,681 |
| Windsor | $247,750 | $348,268 | $516,300 | $703,794 | $853,359 |
| Duncans Mills | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fetters Hot Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Gualala | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mh Petaluma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Scottsdale | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Tulare | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unincorp County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unknown | 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 Sonoma County, California
Property tax bills in Sonoma County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate, so homeowners with higher-value properties generally pay more. With a median home price of $473,427, bills can vary widely across the county, from $3,344 at the 25th percentile to $8,375 at the 75th percentile, with the 90th percentile reaching $11,626. The highest median tax bill is $10,202 in Sea Ranch, while the lowest is $205 in MH Unincorp County.
These differences show how location, property value, and assessment outcomes can affect what homeowners owe each year. Compared with the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and national median property tax bill of $2,400, Sonoma County homeowners often face higher bills.
Ownwell helps homeowners lower property tax bills by reviewing assessments, identifying savings opportunities, and filing appeals when a property is overassessed.
Median Sonoma County Tax Bill
$5,647
Median California Tax Bill
$5,134
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Sonoma County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapolis | $1,022 | $2,264 | $2,994 | $4,995 | $6,398 |
| Bodega | $1,077 | $1,894 | $5,039 | $8,923 | $10,134 |
| Bodega Bay | $3,229 | $5,776 | $9,202 | $12,934 | $17,786 |
| Boyes Hot Springs | $2,562 | $3,556 | $5,214 | $7,647 | $9,708 |
| Calistoga | $663 | $2,259 | $6,679 | $11,542 | $18,951 |
| Camp Meeker | $966 | $1,760 | $2,952 | $5,005 | $6,093 |
| Cazadero | $513 | $1,504 | $3,293 | $5,235 | $7,154 |
| Cloverdale | $1,817 | $3,267 | $5,288 | $7,489 | $9,193 |
| Cotati | $2,071 | $3,555 | $5,291 | $7,768 | $10,052 |
| El Verano | $2,655 | $3,979 | $5,511 | $7,802 | $10,597 |
| Forestville | $1,113 | $2,673 | $5,052 | $7,531 | $10,527 |
| Fulton | $1,546 | $3,363 | $5,050 | $7,978 | $10,261 |
| Geyserville | $1,982 | $3,718 | $6,476 | $9,703 | $16,485 |
| Glen Ellen | $2,321 | $4,325 | $7,963 | $12,968 | $20,998 |
| Graton | $3,062 | $4,254 | $6,916 | $10,253 | $12,429 |
| Guerneville | $2,979 | $4,261 | $6,263 | $8,464 | $10,570 |
| Healdsburg | $1,590 | $3,370 | $6,727 | $10,650 | $17,539 |
| Jenner | $1,718 | $3,559 | $6,429 | $9,697 | $13,215 |
| Kenwood | $1,387 | $3,462 | $7,505 | $13,085 | $23,771 |
| Mh Unincorp County | $45 | $101 | $205 | $257 | $331 |
| Monte Rio | $1,302 | $2,313 | $4,296 | $6,569 | $9,168 |
| Occidental | $2,235 | $4,343 | $7,816 | $11,683 | $16,800 |
| Penngrove | $2,393 | $5,276 | $9,026 | $13,084 | $16,622 |
| Petaluma | $1,348 | $3,269 | $5,636 | $8,352 | $11,045 |
| Rio Nido | $3,280 | $3,738 | $4,690 | $6,548 | $8,934 |
| Rohnert Park | $1,406 | $2,753 | $4,552 | $7,068 | $10,338 |
| Santa Rosa | $1,382 | $3,106 | $5,209 | $7,612 | $10,133 |
| Sea Ranch | $4,234 | $6,837 | $10,202 | $16,760 | $24,484 |
| Sebastopol | $1,844 | $3,579 | $6,512 | $10,119 | $13,939 |
| Sonoma | $2,761 | $4,929 | $7,859 | $11,489 | $18,409 |
| The Sea Ranch | $4,014 | $6,391 | $9,196 | $12,894 | $18,388 |
| Valley Ford | $868 | $2,803 | $7,041 | $12,149 | $14,185 |
| Villa Grande | $886 | $1,637 | $3,625 | $6,343 | $7,795 |
| Windsor | $2,748 | $4,143 | $6,124 | $8,376 | $10,137 |
| Duncans Mills | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fetters Hot Springs | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Gualala | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mh Petaluma | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Scottsdale | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Tulare | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unincorp County | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unknown | 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 Sonoma County property taxes?
How Can I Lower My Property Taxes in Sonoma County?
Looking to reduce your Sonoma County property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax appeal company serving Sonoma County. We specialize in helping property owners in the Santa Rosa area and beyond lower their tax bills by working directly with the Sonoma County Assessor.
Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the Sonoma 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
Homeowners in Sonoma County can protest their property tax assessment if they believe the assessed value is too high. The process begins by reviewing the notice from the Tax Assessor and comparing the assessed value with the market value of the home. If the assessment seems inaccurate, a homeowner can file an appeal before the deadline of December 1, 2026.
The appeal process usually involves gathering evidence that supports a lower value, such as recent comparable sales, photos, repair estimates, or other records that show the property was overvalued. After the appeal is filed, the case is reviewed by the local board that hears assessment disputes. This board considers the evidence from both the homeowner and the county before deciding whether the assessed value should stay the same or be reduced.
The possible outcomes are straightforward. The board may uphold the original assessment, lower the assessed value, or, in some cases, leave room for further review if additional information is needed. If the appeal is successful, the homeowner may receive a lower property tax bill. If it is not, the original assessment remains in place.
Ownwell can help homeowners navigate the appeal process by identifying whether an assessment looks too high, preparing a strong case, and managing the filing from start to finish. That support can save time and reduce stress while improving the chances of a fair result.
Exemptions in California
What property tax exemption programs are available in Sonoma County?
Sonoma County homeowners may qualify for several property tax exemption programs, with the most important being the homeowner’s exemption for a primary residence. This exemption is designed for owners who occupy the home as their principal place of residence, and it can reduce the assessed value used for property taxes. Other exemptions may be available for eligible seniors, veterans, disabled homeowners, and certain disaster-related situations, depending on the property and the homeowner’s circumstances.
Who is eligible for a property tax exemption in Sonoma County?
Eligibility depends on the exemption type. The primary residence exemption is generally available to homeowners who live in the home as their main residence. Additional exemptions may apply to qualifying veterans, disabled homeowners, and homeowners who meet specific state or local requirements. Each exemption has its own rules, so it is important to confirm which one fits your situation before applying.
How do homeowners apply for exemptions in Sonoma County?
Homeowners usually apply through the county assessor’s office by submitting the required exemption form and supporting documents. For the primary residence exemption, homeowners must typically file a claim and confirm occupancy. Other exemptions may require proof of eligibility, such as disability or veteran status.
How can Ownwell help?
Ownwell can help homeowners identify every exemption they may qualify for, prepare the paperwork, and avoid missing savings tied to a primary residence or other eligible exemption.
Available Exemptions
Disabled
Home Stead
Solar/Wind
Non-Profit
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | December 1 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Sonoma Tax Assessor | |
| Website | common1.mptsweb.com |
Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Sonoma County, California
How are property taxes calculated in Sonoma County, California?
How do I appeal my property taxes in Sonoma County, California?
What property tax exemptions are available in Sonoma County, California?
When are property taxes due in Sonoma County, California?
How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Sonoma County, California?
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