California City, Kern County, California Property Taxes
Property Taxes in California City, California
Median California City, California effective property tax rate: 1.37%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the California state median of 1.21%.
Median California City, California home value: $164,906
Median annual California City, California tax bill: $2,150, $250 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Kern calculated?
Property taxes in California City, California are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding California City's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in California City, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
California City, Kern County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.37%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,259
$2,096
How Does the California City Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this California City property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies California City's median effective tax rate of 1.37% — based on actual property records in Kern County — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies California City's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.
Your bill may vary by ZIP code within California City: rates range from $2154.00 in 93505 to $2154.00 in 93505, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across California City.
About California City Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in California City, Kern, California
California City’s median effective property tax rate of 1.37% is higher than the California state median of 1.21% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Kern County base levy combined with local school district levies and Mello-Roos Community Facility Districts that vary by subdivision throughout the city.
Property tax rates are not uniform across California City. Homeowners in the 93505 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.37%, while those in 93505 pay 1.37%. This spread — 0 percentage points across the same city — reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Kern County. Understanding which part of California City you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
California City homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Tax Assessor before the November 30, 2026 deadline each year.
If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.
Property Tax Rates Across California City, Kern County, California
As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.
Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.
While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.
Below, you can compare California City’s effective property tax rate to other cities in California and the median property tax rates in California and the U.S.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective California City Tax Rate
1.37%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Kern County Tax Rate
1.43%
Median Effective California Tax Rate
1.21%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across California City, Kern County, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93505 | 1.31% | 1.34% | 1.37% | 1.45% | 1.59% |
| 93504 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across California City, Kern County, California
When examining property taxes in California City, understanding the distinction between market value and assessed value is crucial.
The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Kern County assessor estimates the market value for tax purposes.
The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices are sent in the spring each year and typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month. Each property owner receives a notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill.
For example, the median home price in California City is $164,906, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. ZIP code 93505 has the highest median home price at $164,981.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across California City, Kern County, California
Source: Ownwell
$32,172
$245,261
$458,349
Median California City Market Value
$164,906
Median Kern County Market Value
$219,332
Median California Market Value
$427,605
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across California City, Kern County, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93505 | $57,007 | $97,691 | $164,981 | $260,100 | $324,728 |
| 93504 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across California City, Kern County, California
California City property tax bills are calculated from the assessed value of a home, which is based on its market value and local assessment rules. The amount a homeowner pays depends on the property’s value, the tax rate applied, and any exemptions or special assessments that may affect the final bill.
For California City homeowners, the median home price is $164,906, and the median tax bill is $2,154. That is slightly below the national median property tax bill of $2,400, showing how local assessments can keep taxes more moderate than many areas nationwide. Bills can still vary widely, though, with the 25th percentile at $1,306 and the 75th percentile at $3,264. At the 90th percentile, property tax bills reach $4,197, which means higher-value homes or properties with fewer exemptions can face a much larger annual cost.
Median California City Tax Bill
$2,150
Median Kern County Tax Bill
$3,124
Median California Tax Bill
$5,134
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across California City, Kern County, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 93505 | $786 | $1,315 | $2,154 | $3,265 | $4,196 |
| 93504 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | November 30 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Kern Tax Assessor | |
| Website | www.kerncounty.com |