San Mateo County Property Tax Rate
California
San Mateo County, California has an effective property tax rate of 0.61%, which is 34% lower than the national average of 0.92%. On a home valued at $1,559,600, homeowners pay approximately $9,519 per year in property taxes. San Mateo County ranks #57 out of 58 counties in California for property tax rates.
$9,519
Per year
$1,559,600
2024 estimate
5.99%
Median income: $158,855
#57
of 58 counties in CA
Tax Breakdown
With Mortgage
$10,001
median annual tax
Without Mortgage
$6,502
median annual tax
Homeowners with a mortgage in San Mateo County pay on average $3,499 more per year than those without. This difference often reflects how property tax escrow accounts in mortgaged homes capture the full tax obligation.
How San Mateo County Compares
Top Counties in California
Historical Property Tax Trends
| Year | Median Tax | Median Home Value | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $7,083 | $1,163,100 | 0.61% |
| 2021 | $7,756 | $1,225,900 | 0.63% |
| 2022 | $8,637 | $1,441,300 | 0.60% |
| 2023 | $9,167 | $1,494,500 | 0.61% |
| 2024 | $9,519 | $1,559,600 | 0.61% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
California Property Tax Exemptions
Available to San Mateo County homeowners
General Homestead
$7,000 reduction in assessed value
Owner-occupied primary residence as of January 1
Disabled Veteran
Basic exemption of $161,083 or $241,627 for low-income (adjusted annually for inflation)
Veterans with 100% service-connected disability or unemployable due to disability
Veteran
$4,000 reduction in assessed value
Veterans who served during wartime; cannot be combined with homestead exemption
Proposition 19 (Senior Transfer)
Carry over Proposition 13 assessed value to new home
Homeowners age 55+, severely disabled, or wildfire/disaster victims
Property Tax Calculator
Estimate your annual property tax in San Mateo County
Estimated Annual Property Tax
$1,830
$153/month · Rate: 0.61%
Nearby Counties
Quick Facts
Think your property tax is too high?
Homeowners save an average of $1,148/year by appealing their assessment.
Learn How to Appeal →Cities in San Mateo County
Explore property tax data for 12 cities in San Mateo County, California.
| City | Annual Tax | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| San Mateo | $9,646 | 0.62% |
| Daly City | $6,264 | 0.57% |
| Redwood City | $9,916 | 0.54% |
| South San Francisco | $7,030 | 0.61% |
| San Bruno | $6,051 | 0.50% |
| Pacifica | $7,432 | 0.61% |
| Foster City | $10,001 | 0.56% |
| Menlo Park | $10,001 | 0.50% |
| Burlingame | $10,001 | 0.50% |
| San Carlos | $10,001 | 0.50% |
Show all 12 cities
| East Palo Alto | $7,014 | 0.62% |
| Belmont | $10,001 | 0.50% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Effective tax rates are calculated by dividing median real estate taxes paid by median home value. Actual property tax rates may vary based on local taxing jurisdictions, exemptions, and assessment practices. This information is for general reference only and should not be used as a substitute for professional tax advice.