Madera County Property Tax Rates by City, Area, and Tax District 2026
Madera County’s median annual property tax is about $2,756, with an estimated effective rate of 0.70% based on 2024 U.S. Census ACS data. Actual bills vary by assessed value, tax rate area, exemptions, bonds, and other parcel-specific charges.
Effective Tax Rate
0.70%
Median Property Tax
$2,756
Tax per $100K
$700
Last Update
August 2026
Madera County Property Tax 2026-27
Madera County Property Tax Rate
Madera County property tax rates vary by district in the provided data. Parcel bills can still include fixed charges, parcel taxes, CFD charges, or special assessments depending on the property.
Base rate
1.0000% general ad valorem tax.
District rates
Madera County district rates vary from 1.0000% to 1.4835% in the provided data.
Direct charges
Special assessments and parcel charges are added separately.
Area
Representative Rate
Bass Lake Joint Union District Zone
1.2600%
Chowchilla (City) District
1.1050%
Chowchilla Elementary School Zone
1.0645%
Countywide-Unitary Base Rate
1.0000%
Coarsegold District
1.0450%
Madera (City) District
1.1700%
Madera Unified School District Zone
1.1150%
Oakhurst District
1.0350%
Raymond District
1.0000%
State Center Community College District Allocation
1.0260%
State Unitary Utility Allocation
1.1440%
Unincorporated Area Baseline
1.0000%
Other Madera County Property Tools
Property tax research is easier when you can connect tax information with parcel details, ownership records, location data, and estimated tax calculations. California Property Checker provides related property tools for researching individual properties and comparing available information.
Madera County Property Search
Search property information by owner name, address, parcel number, city, ZIP code, or other available property filters.
Madera Property Tax Calculator
Estimate potential annual property taxes by entering a property value and using relevant tax-rate information.
Madera Doc Stamp Calculator
Estimate applicable documentary or document-related transfer taxes and charges associated with qualifying real property transactions.
Madera County Zoning and Maps
Explore parcel locations, zoning information, property maps, boundaries, and other geographic details tied to real property.
How Property Tax Rates Are Applied in Madera County
The amount appearing on a property tax bill is not determined simply by multiplying the property’s market price by a countywide percentage. California generally uses an assessed-value system under Proposition 13, while the property’s tax rate area determines applicable ad valorem rates and additional local charges. The county’s effective rate is useful for comparison, but it is not a substitute for a parcel-specific tax calculation.
Assessed Value Sets the Tax Base
For most California real property, the assessed value used for taxation is tied to the property’s base-year value and subsequent permitted adjustments. Proposition 13 generally limits annual increases in that base-year value to 2%, unless a reassessment event occurs.
The Applicable Rate Is Then Applied
Once taxable assessed value is established, the applicable property tax rate is applied to calculate the ad valorem portion of the bill. California’s basic Proposition 13 limit is 1% of assessed value, with additional voter-approved bonded indebtedness permitted above that base.
Tax Rate Areas Matter
A parcel’s tax rate area identifies the combination of taxing jurisdictions that apply to that location. This is why the final rate for a property in Madera or Chowchilla can differ from another parcel elsewhere in the county.
Direct Charges Can Add Costs
The total amount due may include special assessments, direct charges, or other voter-approved obligations that are separate from the basic ad valorem property tax. These charges can differ substantially between individual parcels and districts.
Exemptions Can Reduce Taxable Value
Eligible homeowners may claim a Homeowners’ Exemption that reduces taxable value by up to $7,000. Madera County also administers other exemptions, including the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption, subject to eligibility requirements.
Supplemental Bills May Follow Reassessment
A purchase or completed new construction can trigger a supplemental assessment. The resulting supplemental tax bill is separate from the regular annual bill and generally reflects the change in assessed value for the applicable portion of the fiscal year.
Why Madera County Has Multiple Tax Districts and Rate Areas
Madera County covers incorporated communities such as Madera and Chowchilla as well as extensive unincorporated areas. Different parcels receive services from different combinations of school districts, special districts, cities, and other taxing agencies, creating different tax rate areas and total tax obligations.
- Tax districts allow local agencies to fund services provided within defined geographic boundaries.
- School districts and other agencies can contribute different charges depending on where a parcel sits.
- Tax rate areas combine the taxing jurisdictions that apply to an individual property.
- Two nearby parcels can face different bills because their taxing district boundaries are not identical.
- Voter-approved bonds and special taxes can increase charges beyond the basic property tax.
- The parcel's exact location determines which local agencies and direct charges appear on its tax bill.
Check Property Tax Rates in Nearby California Counties
Comparing neighboring counties can help buyers, homeowners, investors, and researchers understand how property tax burdens differ across the central San Joaquin Valley and Sierra foothill region. California Property Checker provides county-specific property information to support that comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does buying a property affect its assessed value?
A change in ownership can trigger reassessment under California’s Proposition 13 framework. The Assessor generally establishes a new base-year value based on the property’s current market value at the time of the ownership change, subject to applicable rules and exclusions.
Can a new home improvement increase my property taxes?
Yes. Completed new construction can be a reassessable event. Madera County may issue a supplemental assessment for the added value, resulting in a supplemental tax bill in addition to the regular annual bill.
What are supplemental property tax bills?
Supplemental bills cover changes in assessed value resulting from events such as a change in ownership or completed new construction. They are separate from regular annual property tax bills and are mailed directly to the property owner.
When are Madera County secured property taxes due?
For the 2026–27 secured tax cycle, the first installment is due November 1, 2026, with payment accepted without penalty until December 10, 2026. The second installment is due February 1, 2027, with payment accepted without penalty until April 10, 2027.
What happens if property taxes become delinquent?
Unpaid real property taxes can become tax-defaulted after the close of the fiscal year. Madera County states that defaulted taxes accrue interest at 1.5% per month, or 18% annually, until the delinquent balance is resolved.
Can I appeal my Madera County property assessment?
Property owners who believe their property is assessed above its taxable value may pursue an assessment appeal. Regular assessment appeals are generally filed between July 2 and November 30; supplemental and escape assessment appeals have different 60-day filing requirements.
What should I do if I think my assessed value is too high?
Madera County recommends first contacting the Assessor’s Office and discussing the valuation with the appropriate appraiser. If the issue is not resolved, an owner may pursue the formal assessment appeal process.
How much can the Homeowners' Exemption reduce my taxable value?
For an eligible principal residence, the Homeowners’ Exemption can reduce assessed value by up to $7,000. Madera County states that this can lower the annual property tax bill by about $70, depending on the applicable tax rate.
Does my mortgage company automatically pay supplemental property taxes?
Not necessarily. Madera County specifically warns that supplemental tax bills are separate from regular annual bills and are generally sent directly to the property owner. Owners should confirm payment arrangements with their lender rather than assuming escrow will cover the bill.
Where can I verify my actual property tax amount?
For an official amount, use the current tax bill or verify the parcel information with the Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector and Assessor. The county’s payment system can search property taxes using an address, assessment number, or fee parcel number.