San Mateo County Property Tax Rates by City, Area, and Tax District 2026
San Mateo County has a relatively high median property tax because of its expensive housing market, while the effective property tax rate remains below 1%. Your actual bill depends on assessed value, tax rate area, bonds, and other local charges.
Effective Tax Rate
0.61%
Median Property Tax
$9,519
Tax per $100K
$610
Last Update
August 2026
San Mateo County Property Tax 2026-27
San Mateo County Property Tax Rate
San Mateo 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
San Mateo 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
Atherton District
1.1150%
Belmont District
1.1850%
Brisbane District
1.1340%
Burlingame District
1.1215%
Colma (Town) District
1.1120%
Countywide-Unitary Base Rate
1.0000%
Daly City District
1.2450%
East Palo Alto District
1.2640%
Foster City District
1.1090%
Half Moon Bay District
1.1460%
Hillsborough District
1.0875%
Menlo Park District
1.1550%
Millbrae District
1.1620%
Pacifica District
1.1945%
Portola Valley District
1.0650%
Redwood City District
1.1415%
San Bruno District
1.1735%
San Carlos District
1.1390%
San Mateo (City) District
1.2205%
South San Francisco District
1.2150%
State Unitary Utility Allocation
1.0000%
Unincorporated Area Baseline
1.0000%
Woodside District
1.0550%
Other San Mateo County Property Tools
Property tax research is easier when you can connect a tax estimate with the specific parcel, its location, and other property details. These tools can help buyers, owners, investors, and researchers review related information in one place.
San Mateo County Property Search
Search property information by owner name, address, parcel number, city, ZIP code, and other available property filters.
San Mateo Property Tax Calculator
Estimate potential property taxes by entering a property value and considering the applicable property tax rate.
San Mateo Doc Stamp Calculator
Estimate applicable documentary transfer tax or related charges when researching a real estate transaction and recorded property transfer.
San Mateo County Zoning and Maps
Explore parcel locations, zoning information, maps, and other geographic details that can provide useful property research context.
How Property Tax Rates Are Applied in San Mateo County
For a typical real property parcel, the assessment is determined first, and the applicable tax rate and additional charges are then applied. California’s Proposition 13 system generally limits the base property tax to 1% of assessed value, while local voter-approved bonds and other charges can increase the total bill. In San Mateo County, the final amount therefore depends on the parcel’s taxable value and tax rate area.
Assessed Value Is the Starting Point
The Assessor generally uses a property’s Factored Base Year Value for taxation. After a change in ownership or qualifying new construction, a new base-year value may be established, while annual increases are generally limited to 2% under Proposition 13.
The Tax Rate Is Applied to Taxable Value
Once taxable value is established, the applicable property tax rates are applied to that value. The county’s effective rate is a broader statistical measure and should not be treated as the exact rate for every San Mateo County parcel.
Tax Rate Areas Matter
San Mateo County contains numerous tax rate areas, each representing a particular combination of taxing jurisdictions. Two properties in different cities, neighborhoods, or service areas can therefore have different total tax rates.
Local Charges Add to Bills
A property tax bill can include voter-approved bonds, special taxes, assessments, and other direct charges in addition to the general property tax levy. These amounts depend on the property’s specific location and the jurisdictions serving it.
Changes Can Trigger Reassessment
Buying a property or completing qualifying new construction can trigger reassessment. The Assessor calculates a supplemental assessment when appropriate, and the resulting supplemental tax bill covers the applicable portion of the fiscal year.
Exemptions Can Reduce Taxes
Eligible property owners may qualify for programs such as the Homeowners’ Exemption or certain reassessment exclusions and property-tax relief programs. Eligibility depends on the taxpayer, property, transaction, and applicable California rules.
Why San Mateo County Has Different Tax Districts and Local Rates
San Mateo County includes dense urban communities, suburban neighborhoods, coastal areas, and unincorporated communities. Each parcel belongs to a specific combination of taxing jurisdictions, so the total property tax burden can vary even between nearby properties.
- Different local agencies levy taxes to fund services provided within their respective jurisdictions.
- Tax rate areas combine the particular cities, schools, and districts serving each geographic location.
- Neighboring parcels may fall into different taxing combinations despite having similar market values.
- Voter-approved bonds and special taxes can add charges beyond the general property tax levy.
- Fire, school, transportation, and other district services can differ according to where a parcel sits.
- The parcel's exact tax rate area determines which local charges appear on its property tax bill.
Check Property Tax Rates in Nearby California Counties
Comparing nearby counties can help homeowners, prospective buyers, investors, and researchers understand how property taxes differ across the Bay Area and surrounding California markets. California Property Checker provides county-specific property information for broader real estate research.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is my San Mateo County property tax bill calculated?
Your bill is based primarily on the property’s taxable value and the tax rates assigned to its tax rate area. Additional voter-approved taxes, bonds, assessments, and other charges can also affect the final amount.
Will buying a home change its assessed value?
A purchase generally constitutes a change in ownership that can trigger reassessment. The Assessor may establish a new base-year value based on the property’s applicable market value, subject to California’s reassessment rules and any qualifying exclusion.
What is a supplemental property tax bill?
A supplemental bill results from a change in assessed value caused by events such as a change in ownership or qualifying new construction. It generally covers the difference between the previous and newly assessed values for the applicable period.
Why did I receive two supplemental tax bills?
A transaction or qualifying construction occurring during certain months can affect two fiscal years. In those circumstances, California law can require separate supplemental assessments covering the remainder of one fiscal year and the following fiscal year.
When are regular secured property taxes due?
San Mateo County’s secured property taxes are paid in two installments. The first is due November 1 and becomes delinquent after December 10; the second is due February 1 and becomes delinquent after April 10, subject to applicable weekend and holiday rules.
What happens if I pay my property taxes late?
Late secured-tax installments can incur penalties and, for sufficiently delinquent parcels, additional redemption charges. The exact consequences depend on the installment and the length of the delinquency.
Can I challenge my property's assessed value?
Yes. Property owners who believe an assessment is incorrect can first contact the Assessor’s Division. If the issue is not resolved, an owner may have the right to pursue an assessment appeal through the county’s Assessment Appeals Board.
Can a home improvement increase my property taxes?
Qualifying new construction can create a supplemental assessment for the added value. Ordinary maintenance and repairs generally do not have the same assessment treatment as qualifying new construction, but the specific work matters.
Is the 0.61% effective rate the rate I will actually pay?
Not necessarily. The 0.61% figure is a countywide effective rate based on median property taxes and median home values. Your parcel can have a different effective burden because its assessed value, tax rate area, exemptions, and additional charges differ.
Where can I verify the actual amount owed on my property?
For the official amount due, use the San Mateo County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s property-tax services or contact the county directly. A property-information platform can help with research and estimates, but it is not a government tax bill or official assessment record.