San Diego County Property Tax Rates by City, Area, and Tax District 2026
San Diego County’s median annual property tax is approximately $5,774, based on 2024 Census data, while the county’s effective rate is about 0.68%. Actual bills vary by assessed value, tax rate area, local levies, exemptions, bonds, and parcel-specific charges.
Effective Tax Rate
0.68%
Median Property Tax
$5,774
Tax per $100K
$680
Last Update
August 2026
Property Tax Rates by Area in San Diego County
A property’s final tax rate is tied to its specific tax rate area rather than one countywide percentage. San Diego County includes numerous cities, school districts, and revenue districts, and the applicable combination can differ from one parcel to another.
Base rate
1.0000% general ad valorem tax under Proposition 13.
Added rates
Debt service and local voter-approved bond rates vary by TRA.
Direct charges
Special assessments and parcel charges are added separately.
Area
Representative Rate
Alameda
1.2185%
Albany
1.2450%
Berkeley
1.2610%
Castro Valley
1.1850%
Countywide-Unitary
1.0000%
Dublin
1.1735%
Emeryville
1.2580%
Fremont
1.1620%
Hayward
1.1945%
Livermore
1.1810%
Mountain House School
1.1550%
Newark
1.1840%
Oakland
1.3725%
Piedmont
1.2850%
Pleasanton
1.1590%
San Leandro
1.2230%
San Lorenzo
1.1820%
Sunol
1.1390%
Union City
1.2360%
Other San Diego County Property Tools
Property tax research is easier when you can connect a tax estimate with parcel details, location, ownership information, and zoning. These tools provide additional ways to investigate a property before making a purchase, investment, or assessment decision.
San Diego County Property Search
Search property information using an owner name, address, parcel number, city, ZIP code, or other available filters.
San Diego Property Tax Calculator
Estimate potential annual property taxes by entering property value and using relevant tax-rate information.
San Diego Doc Stamp Calculator
Estimate applicable documentary transfer taxes or related document charges for qualifying real estate transactions.
San Diego County Zoning and Maps
Explore property locations, parcel boundaries, zoning information, maps, and other geographic details connected with local properties.
How Property Tax Rates Are Applied in San Diego County
The calculation begins with the property’s assessed value and the tax rate assigned to its tax rate area. California’s Proposition 13 framework generally limits the basic property tax rate to 1% of assessed value, while voter-approved bonded indebtedness can add to that amount. Other direct charges may also appear on the tax bill.
Assessed Value Is the Starting Point
The County Assessor establishes the assessed value used for property taxation. A change in ownership or qualifying new construction can establish a new base-year value, while Proposition 13 generally limits annual increases in a factored base-year value to 2%, subject to applicable exceptions.
The Tax Rate Area Matters
San Diego County uses tax rate areas to identify the combination of cities, schools, and revenue districts applying to a particular geographic area. Each area has a specific TRA number, allowing the applicable taxing jurisdictions to be identified for individual parcels.
Local Levies Add to the Basic Rate
The basic 1% property tax is not necessarily the entire amount shown on a tax bill. Voter-approved bonded indebtedness and other authorized local charges can increase the total obligation associated with a parcel.
Special Assessments Can Be Parcel-Specific
Some tax bills contain special assessments, direct charges, or district-related amounts that are separate from the basic ad valorem property tax. Their presence and amount depend on the property’s location and the services or obligations affecting that parcel.
Ownership Changes Can Trigger Reassessment
Buying a property can establish a new base-year value for property tax purposes. Certain transfers may qualify for exclusions from reassessment, so the tax consequences of an ownership change depend on the specific transaction and applicable California rules.
Supplemental Assessments Cover Certain Changes
A supplemental assessment may follow a change in ownership or qualifying new construction. It adjusts the tax obligation for the period affected by the newly established value and is separate from the regular annual assessment roll.
Why San Diego County Has Multiple Tax Districts and Rate Areas
The county includes a large collection of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities, school districts, and other local service areas. Because these jurisdictions do not all overlap in the same way, parcels can fall into different tax rate areas and receive different combinations of taxes and charges.
- Local districts help finance services delivered to particular geographic communities.
- Cities and unincorporated areas can have different governmental service responsibilities and taxing arrangements.
- Tax rate areas identify the specific combination of local jurisdictions affecting a parcel.
- Properties located close together may still fall within different tax rate areas and receive different total rates.
- Voter-approved bonds can add charges to properties within the jurisdictions or areas they finance.
- The parcel’s exact location determines which districts, assessments, and authorized charges can appear on its bill.
Check Property Tax Rates in Nearby California Counties
Comparing nearby counties can give buyers, homeowners, investors, and researchers useful context when evaluating real estate costs across Southern California. California Property Checker provides county-specific property information that can support broader property and tax research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does buying a home in San Diego County automatically change the property tax?
A purchase can trigger a change in the property’s assessed value because a change in ownership may establish a new base-year value. However, qualifying transfers can receive exclusions from reassessment under California law. The applicable treatment depends on the details of the transfer.
How can I find the tax rate area for my property?
San Diego County provides a Tax Rate Area Search that allows users to research TRA information by fiscal year, tax rate area, city, and school district. The California State Board of Equalization also provides 2026 San Diego County tax rate area maps.
What is the difference between my assessed value and my home’s market value?
Market value reflects what a property could generally sell for under relevant market conditions. Assessed value is the value used for property taxation. Under California’s Proposition 13 system, the taxable assessed value does not simply reset to current market value every year.
Can my property tax bill increase after I remodel my home?
Certain new construction can result in additional assessed value and a supplemental assessment. Whether work qualifies as taxable new construction depends on the nature of the project. Ordinary maintenance and repairs are not necessarily treated the same way as qualifying improvements.
What should I do if I believe my San Diego County assessment is too high?
Start by reviewing the assessment and contacting the Assessor if you believe an error exists. If the issue cannot be resolved, you may file an assessment appeal with the Assessment Appeals Board during the applicable filing period.
When can San Diego County property owners file an assessment appeal?
For fiscal year 2025–26, the county states that assessment appeals may be filed from July 2, 2026, through November 30, 2026. Different appeal types can have different deadlines, so the applicable filing period should be confirmed before submitting an application.
Do I still have to pay my property taxes while appealing an assessment?
Yes. Filing an assessment appeal does not remove the obligation to pay taxes when they are due. The county advises taxpayers to continue making timely payments while an assessment dispute is being considered.
When are secured property taxes due in San Diego County?
The first secured property tax installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent after December 10 at 5 p.m. The second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent after April 10 at 5 p.m.
How does the Homeowners’ Exemption affect property taxes?
An eligible homeowner using the property as a principal residence may qualify for a Homeowners’ Exemption of up to $7,000 of assessed value. San Diego County’s exemption materials also address claims connected with qualifying supplemental assessments following ownership changes or new construction.
Why might my actual tax bill be higher than a 0.68% estimate?
The 0.68% figure is an effective county-level estimate rather than the rate assigned to every parcel. Your actual bill can reflect your assessed value, tax rate area, voter-approved bonds, special assessments, exemptions, and other applicable charges. The county’s parcel-level information provides the more appropriate basis for an actual tax calculation.