Property Taxes in South Sterling, Pennsylvania
Median South Sterling, Pennsylvania effective property tax rate: 1.45%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Pennsylvania state median of 2.75%.
Median South Sterling, Pennsylvania home value: $198,400
Median annual South Sterling, Pennsylvania tax bill: $2,869, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Wayne calculated?
Property taxes in South Sterling, Pennsylvania 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 South Sterling's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in South Sterling, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
How Does the South Sterling Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this South Sterling property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies South Sterling's median effective tax rate of 1.45% — based on actual property records in Wayne County — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local assessment office uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies South Sterling'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 South Sterling: rates range from 1.45% in 18460 to 1.45% in 18460, 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 South Sterling.
About South Sterling Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in South Sterling, Wayne, Pennsylvania
South Sterling's median effective property tax rate of 1.45% is higher than the Pennsylvania state median of 2.75% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Wayne County base levy combined with local school district levies and special taxing districts that vary by subdivision throughout the city.
Property tax rates are not uniform across South Sterling. Homeowners in the 18460 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.45%, while those in the same ZIP pay 1.45%. This spread — 0 percentage points across the same city — reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Wayne County. Understanding which part of South Sterling you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
South Sterling homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Tax Assessor before the September 1, 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 South Sterling, Wayne County, Pennsylvania
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 South Sterling's effective property tax rate to other cities in Pennsylvania and the median property tax rates in Pennsylvania and the U.S.
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 South Sterling Tax Rate
1.45%
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 Wayne County Tax Rate
1.63%
Median Effective Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.75%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.27%
Property Tax Rates Across South Sterling, Wayne County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18460 | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across South Sterling, Wayne County, Pennsylvania
When examining property taxes in South Sterling, Pennsylvania, 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. Wayne County 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 Wayne County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month when notices are sent.
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 South Sterling.
For example, the median home price in South Sterling is $198,400, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 18460 has the highest median home price at $198,400.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across South Sterling, Wayne County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$6,400
$150,800
$295,200
Median South Sterling Market Value
$198,400
Median Wayne County Market Value
$182,100
Median Pennsylvania Market Value
$118,310
Median United States Market Value
$274,101
Property Tax Assessment Values Across South Sterling, Wayne County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18460 | $80,620 | $143,500 | $198,400 | $238,000 | $290,240 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across South Sterling, Wayne County, Pennsylvania
Property tax bills in South Sterling are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities. For a home with a median market value of $198,400, the bill reflects how local assessments translate into annual taxes, rather than the purchase price alone.
Several factors affect the final amount homeowners pay, including the property’s assessed value and the rates used by local governments to fund services. In Wayne County, the median property tax bill is $2,869, which is above the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and slightly above the national median property tax rate of 1.02%.
For many homeowners, this means tax bills can vary widely even among similar homes. Bills in the area range from $2,075 at the 25th percentile to $3,441 at the 75th percentile, with the 90th percentile reaching $4,196.
Median South Sterling Tax Bill
$2,869
Median Wayne County Tax Bill
$3,056
Median Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,050
Median United States Tax Bill
$3,209
Property Tax Bills Across South Sterling, Wayne County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18460 | $1,166 | $2,075 | $2,869 | $3,441 | $4,196 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | September 1 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Wayne Tax Assessor | |
| Website | taxservices.waynecountypa.gov |