Property Taxes in Waterford, New York
Median Waterford, New York effective property tax rate: 1.61%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the New York state median of 1.90%.
Median Waterford, New York home value: $278,667
Median annual Waterford, New York tax bill: $4,640, $2,240 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Saratoga calculated?
Property taxes in Waterford, New York 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 Waterford's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Waterford, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
How Does the Waterford Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Waterford property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Waterford's median effective tax rate of 1.61% — based on actual property records in Saratoga County — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Waterford's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.
Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Waterford: rates range from $4,640 in 12188 to $4,640 in 12188, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Waterford.
About Waterford Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in Waterford, Saratoga, New York
Waterford’s median effective property tax rate of 1.61% is lower than the New York state median of 1.90% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Saratoga County base levy combined with local school district levies and special district levies that vary by subdivision throughout the city.
Property tax rates are not uniform across Waterford. Homeowners in the 12188 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.61%, while those in the lowest ZIP also pay 1.61%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Saratoga County. Understanding which part of Waterford you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
Waterford homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Assessment Review Commission before the May 26, 2026 deadline each year.
If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.
Property Tax Rates Across Waterford, Saratoga County, New York
As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.
Why? Because 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 Waterford's effective property tax rate to other cities in New York and the median property tax rates in New York and the U.S.
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 Waterford Tax Rate
1.61%
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 Saratoga County Tax Rate
1.49%
Median Effective New York Tax Rate
1.90%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.27%
Property Tax Rates Across Waterford, Saratoga County, New York
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12188 | 1.41% | 1.41% | 1.61% | 1.94% | 2.24% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waterford, Saratoga County, New York
When examining property taxes in Waterford, New York, 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 Saratoga County assessment office 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 Saratoga County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the notice period.
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 Waterford.
For example, the median home price in Waterford is $278,667, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. ZIP code 12188 has the highest median home price at $278,667.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waterford, Saratoga County, New York
Source: Ownwell
$160,305
$309,545
$458,784
Median Waterford Market Value
$278,667
Median Saratoga County Market Value
$343,400
Median New York Market Value
$312,500
Median United States Market Value
$274,101
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waterford, Saratoga County, New York
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12188 | $180,000 | $220,000 | $278,667 | $355,472 | $475,130 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Waterford, Saratoga County, New York
Waterford property tax bills are calculated by applying the local tax rate to a home’s assessed value, which is based on the market value of the property. Local taxing authorities use that assessment to determine how much each homeowner owes for schools, county services, and other public needs. For a home with a median home price of $278,667, the tax bill can vary widely depending on the assessment and the specific tax rates applied.
What a homeowner pays is shaped by the property’s assessed value, exemptions, and the taxing jurisdictions that apply to the parcel. In Saratoga County, the 25th percentile tax bill is $3,943, while the 75th percentile tax bill is $5,853 and the 90th percentile tax bill is $7,890. The median tax bill is $4,640, which is well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400. That means many homeowners in Waterford face property tax bills that are a meaningful part of annual housing costs.
Median Waterford Tax Bill
$4,640
Median Saratoga County Tax Bill
$5,045
Median New York Tax Bill
$5,420
Median United States Tax Bill
$3,209
Property Tax Bills Across Waterford, Saratoga County, New York
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12188 | $3,261 | $3,943 | $4,640 | $5,853 | $7,890 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to file a grievance!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | May 26 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Saratoga Assessment Review Commission | |
| Website | saratogacounty.prosgar.com |