Sterling, Bay County, Michigan Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Bay County, Michigan
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Sterling, MI effective property tax rate: 0.35%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Michigan state median of 1.07%.
Median Sterling, MI home value: $129,200
Median annual Sterling, MI tax bill: $451, $1,949 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Bay calculated?

Property taxes in Sterling, MI 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 Sterling’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Sterling, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Sterling, Bay County, Michigan Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.35%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$452

$420

Ownwell’s Sterling Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Sterling with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Sterling’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Bay County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Sterling, Bay County, Michigan

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process. Below, you can compare Sterling’s effective property tax rate to other cities in Michigan and the median property tax rates in Michigan and the U.S.

Sterling, located in Bay County, Michigan, boasts a property tax rate that is significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%. With a median property tax rate of 0.35%, residents of Sterling enjoy one of the most affordable property tax rates in the state. This lower rate can be attributed to the efficient management of the county's budget and the overall valuation of properties in the area. When compared to the national median property tax bill of $2400, Sterling's residents benefit from considerable savings, making it an attractive location for property owners looking for lower tax burdens.

Property Tax Rates Across Sterling, Bay County, Michigan

Source: Ownwell

0.34%

0.94%

1.55%

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 Sterling Tax Rate

0.35%

Median Effective Bay County Tax Rate

1.00%

Median Effective Michigan Tax Rate

1.07%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Sterling, Bay County, Michigan

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
48659	0.25%	0.29%	0.35%	0.43%	0.51%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sterling, Bay County, Michigan

When examining property taxes in Sterling, Michigan, 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 Bay 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 Bay 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 Sterling. For example, the median home price in Sterling is $129,200, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 48659 has the highest median home price at $129,200.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sterling, Bay County, Michigan

Source: Ownwell

$84,800

$137,700

$190,600

Median Sterling Market Value

$129,200

Median Bay County Market Value

$117,300

Median Michigan Market Value

$177,800

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sterling, Bay County, Michigan

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
48659	$45,640	$86,600	$129,200	$202,600	$258,840

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Bay County, Michigan

In Sterling, MI, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is typically a percentage of the market value. With a median home price of $129,200, the property tax bill can vary significantly. Homeowners in Sterling can expect tax bills ranging from $279 at the 25th percentile to $1,074 at the 90th percentile, with the median tax bill at $451. This is notably lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400, providing some relief to local homeowners. However, the variability in tax bills means that many residents could be paying more than necessary. Factors such as changes in market value, local tax rates, and exemptions influence the final tax bill. Ownwell offers valuable assistance in reducing property tax expenses by identifying potential savings through appeals and exemptions. By leveraging their expertise, homeowners can ensure they are not overpaying on their property taxes, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually.

Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Bay County, Michigan

Source: Ownwell

$451

$1,110

$1,769

Median Sterling Tax Bill

$451

Median Bay County Tax Bill

$1,271

Median Michigan Tax Bill

$1,795

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Bay County, Michigan

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
48659	$161	$279	$451	$802	$1,074

Source: Ownwell