Kern County, California Property Taxes
Census Bureau ACS property tax data for California. Population: 168,321.
The median annual property tax in Kern County is $2,833, which is 30% lower than the California state average and 47% above the national average. The effective tax rate is 0.91% on a median home value of $310,600. Property taxes represent 4.2% of the median household income in this county.
Median Annual Tax
$2,833
-30% vs State
+47% vs US
Median Home Value
$310,600
-45% vs State
+47% vs US
Effective Tax Rate
0.91%
+28% vs State
-4% vs US
With vs Without Mortgage
With Mortgage
$3,142
$262/mo
Without Mortgage
$2,235
$186/mo
Homeowners with a mortgage typically own higher-valued properties, which can result in higher tax bills.
Property Tax History
| Year | Median Tax | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2,833 +4.5% | 0.91% |
| 2022 | $2,712 +10.1% | 0.96% |
| 2021 | $2,464 +7.4% | 1.02% |
| 2020 | $2,295 +6.3% | 1.01% |
| 2019 | $2,159 | 1.01% |
Tax Burden
Tax-to-Income Ratio
4.2%
of median household income
Median Income
$67,660
per year
Monthly Tax
$236
per month
Other Counties in California
Humboldt County
Tax: $2,731/yr Rate: 0.65%
Imperial County
Tax: $2,348/yr Rate: 0.84%
San Bernardino County
Tax: $3,346/yr Rate: 0.70%
Sierra County
Tax: $2,590/yr Rate: 0.78%
Colusa County
Tax: $2,481/yr Rate: 0.66%
Marin County
Tax: $10,001/yr Rate: 0.72%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax in Kern County, California? ▼
The median annual property tax in Kern County is $2,833 based on the most recent Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The effective tax rate is 0.91% on a median home value of $310,600.
How does Kern County property tax compare to the national average? ▼
Property taxes in Kern County are 47% above the national average of $1,923. The effective rate of 0.91% compares to 0.95% nationally.
Does having a mortgage affect property taxes in Kern County? ▼
In Kern County, homeowners with a mortgage pay a median of $3,142 in annual property taxes, while homeowners without a mortgage pay $2,235. This difference often reflects the value of homes rather than different tax rates.
What percentage of income goes to property taxes in Kern County? ▼
Property taxes in Kern County represent approximately 4.2% of the median household income of $67,660. The national benchmark is generally 2-4% of household income.
Explore More Data
Data source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Property tax data reflects median amounts paid by homeowners. Effective rates are calculated as median tax divided by median home value.