Tompkins County, New York Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Tompkins County, New York
Median Tompkins County effective property tax rate: 2.53%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Tompkins County home value: $290,000
Median annual Tompkins County tax bill: $6,956, $4,556 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Tompkins County calculated?
Property taxes in Tompkins 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 Tompkins County or another part of Tompkins County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Tompkins County, New York Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
2.53%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$7,337
$6,809
How Does the Tompkins County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Tompkins County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property’s assessed value and our calculator applies Tompkins County’s median effective tax rate of 2.53% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property’s estimated assessed value — the figure the appraisal district assigns 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. Tompkins County’s median effective tax rate is higher than the 1.90% state median and well above the 1.02% national median. The median tax bill is $6,956, which is higher than the state median by $4,556 and above the $2,400 national median.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Tompkins County.
Property Tax Rates Across Tompkins County, New York
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Tompkins County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Tompkins 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 Tompkins County's effective property tax rate to other counties in New York or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Tompkins County's median effective rate stands at 2.53%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Tompkins County, the highest rate is found in Dryden at 3.29%, while Cortland has the lowest at 1.69%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special district levies 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 Tompkins County Tax Rate
2.53%
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 New York Tax Rate
1.90%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Tompkins County, New York
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkshire | 1.81% | 2.20% | 2.34% | 2.47% | 2.81% |
| Brooktondale | 2.03% | 2.23% | 2.33% | 2.43% | 2.55% |
| Cortland | 0.93% | 1.11% | 1.69% | 2.17% | 2.29% |
| Dryden | 2.87% | 3.06% | 3.29% | 3.53% | 3.73% |
| Freeville | 2.29% | 2.35% | 2.99% | 3.59% | 3.60% |
| Groton | 1.51% | 1.57% | 1.98% | 2.45% | 2.48% |
| Ithaca | 2.24% | 2.44% | 2.96% | 3.13% | 3.25% |
| Newfield | 2.02% | 2.28% | 2.37% | 2.46% | 2.63% |
| Slaterville Springs | 1.95% | 2.24% | 2.33% | 2.40% | 2.45% |
| Spencer | 2.14% | 2.34% | 2.44% | 2.54% | 2.65% |
| Trumansburg | 1.79% | 2.12% | 2.34% | 2.51% | 2.63% |
| Willseyville | 1.91% | 2.32% | 2.41% | 2.46% | 2.53% |
| Etna | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jacksonville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lansing | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Locke | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mclean | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mc Lean | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Tompkins County, New York
When examining property taxes in Tompkins 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 Tompkins 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 Tompkins 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 Tompkins County.
For example, the median tax bill in Tompkins County is $6,956, well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, with Groton at $1,526 and Freeville at $9,438. Ithaca has the highest median home price at $360,000.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Tompkins County, New York
Source: Ownwell
$171,000
$265,500
$360,000
Median Tompkins County Market Value
$290,000
Median New York Market Value
$312,500
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Tompkins County, New York
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkshire | $50,000 | $92,500 | $180,000 | $272,500 | $370,000 |
| Brooktondale | $40,000 | $127,000 | $215,000 | $296,800 | $375,000 |
| Cortland | $73,500 | $119,000 | $179,500 | $232,000 | $285,800 |
| Dryden | $141,000 | $195,000 | $250,000 | $300,000 | $365,000 |
| Freeville | $83,000 | $150,000 | $230,000 | $300,000 | $385,000 |
| Groton | $79,000 | $127,000 | $171,000 | $240,000 | $342,000 |
| Ithaca | $180,000 | $265,000 | $360,000 | $475,000 | $615,000 |
| Newfield | $61,000 | $138,000 | $195,000 | $270,000 | $350,000 |
| Slaterville Springs | $156,000 | $187,500 | $230,000 | $282,500 | $453,600 |
| Spencer | $89,000 | $160,000 | $220,000 | $310,000 | $400,000 |
| Trumansburg | $143,000 | $215,000 | $290,000 | $380,000 | $488,000 |
| Willseyville | $79,200 | $140,000 | $202,500 | $278,750 | $350,000 |
| Etna | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jacksonville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lansing | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Locke | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mclean | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mc Lean | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Tompkins County, New York
Property tax bills in Tompkins County are based on a home’s assessed value, which is then multiplied by the local tax rate. That means the market value of a property, along with local taxing jurisdictions, helps determine what a homeowner owes each year. A higher assessed value generally leads to a higher tax bill, while a lower assessment can reduce it.
For a county with a median home price of $290,000, property taxes can vary widely depending on location and assessment. The 25th percentile tax bill is $4,392, while the 75th percentile tax bill is $10,318 and the 90th percentile reaches $13,483. That range shows how much tax bills can differ from one homeowner to another.
Homeowners in places like Freeville, where the median tax bill is $9,438, may face much higher costs than those in Groton, where the median tax bill is $1,526. These differences can significantly affect monthly budgets and long-term housing affordability.
Median Tompkins County Tax Bill
$6,956
Median New York Tax Bill
$5,420
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Tompkins County, New York
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkshire | $1,214 | $2,087 | $4,180 | $6,296 | $8,693 |
| Brooktondale | $1,101 | $2,767 | $4,947 | $6,716 | $8,593 |
| Cortland | $891 | $1,687 | $2,391 | $3,332 | $3,748 |
| Dryden | $5,214 | $6,334 | $7,415 | $8,612 | $10,210 |
| Freeville | $7,578 | $8,461 | $9,438 | $10,064 | $10,316 |
| Groton | $607 | $1,356 | $1,526 | $2,958 | $10,644 |
| Ithaca | $3,426 | $6,075 | $9,178 | $12,135 | $15,169 |
| Newfield | $1,501 | $3,206 | $4,633 | $6,212 | $8,062 |
| Slaterville Springs | $3,417 | $4,168 | $5,195 | $6,450 | $10,149 |
| Spencer | $2,170 | $3,835 | $5,301 | $7,111 | $9,783 |
| Trumansburg | $1,537 | $3,355 | $4,953 | $7,018 | $8,523 |
| Willseyville | $1,824 | $3,067 | $4,886 | $6,698 | $9,076 |
| Etna | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jacksonville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Lansing | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Locke | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mclean | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mc Lean | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to file a grievance!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | May 26 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Tompkins Assessment Review Commission | |
| Website | beacon.schneidercorp.com |