Home
/US Property Taxes
/California
/San Mateo County
/Atherton

Atherton, San Mateo County, California Property Taxes

$774 avg. annual savings
No Upfront Costs
You only pay if we save

Property Taxes in Atherton, California

  • Median Atherton, California effective property tax rate: 1.09%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the California state median of 1.21%.

  • Median Atherton, California home value: $4,735,760

  • Median annual Atherton, California tax bill: $48,785, $46,385 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in San Mateo calculated?

Property taxes in Atherton, 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 Atherton's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Atherton, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Atherton, San Mateo County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.09%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$51,620

$47,902

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the Atherton Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Atherton property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Atherton's median effective tax rate of 1.09% — based on actual property records in San Mateo County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local assessment process uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Atherton'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 Atherton: rates range from 1.09% in 94027 to 1.09% in 94027, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can appeal your Atherton assessment — you only pay if we save you money.

About Atherton Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Atherton, San Mateo, California

Atherton’s median effective property tax rate of 1.09% is lower than the California state median of 1.21% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the San Mateo 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 Atherton. Homeowners in the 94027 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.09%, while those in the same ZIP code pay 1.09%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across San Mateo County. Understanding which part of Atherton you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Atherton homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Tax Assessor before the December 1, 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 Atherton, San Mateo 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 Atherton's effective property tax rate to other cities in California and the median property tax rates in California and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

1.07%

1.27%

1.47%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· 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 Atherton Tax Rate

1.09%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· 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 San Mateo County Tax Rate

1.23%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
940271.05%1.07%1.09%1.16%1.35%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

When examining property taxes in Atherton, California, 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 San Mateo County appraisal district 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:

In San Mateo County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of October.

Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Atherton.

For example, the median home price in Atherton is $4,735,760, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 94027 has the highest median home price at $4,735,760.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

$462,344

$2,599,052

$4,735,760

Median Atherton Market Value

$4,735,760

Median San Mateo County Market Value

$810,000

Median California Market Value

$427,605

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
94027$667,854$1,807,950$4,735,760$9,175,186$15,511,693

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Property tax bills in Atherton are based on the assessed value of a home, which is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine what homeowners owe. Because Atherton’s median home price is $4,735,760, tax bills can be substantial, especially for properties with higher assessed values. The amount a homeowner pays also depends on local levies and any exemptions or appeals that may lower the assessed value.

For many homeowners, this means a property tax bill that can take a meaningful bite out of annual housing costs. In Atherton, the 25th percentile tax bill is $19,976, while the 75th percentile tax bill is $94,743, showing how widely bills can vary across homes. The 90th percentile tax bill reaches $157,972, far above the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

Ownwell helps homeowners lower property tax bills by reviewing assessments, identifying savings opportunities, and filing appeals when a home is overassessed.

Property Tax Bills Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

$4,835

$26,810

$48,785

Median Atherton Tax Bill

$48,785

Median San Mateo County Tax Bill

$9,758

Median California Tax Bill

$5,134

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Atherton, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
94027$8,378$19,976$48,785$94,743$157,972

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Atherton, California

How are property taxes calculated in Atherton, California?
Property taxes in Atherton, California are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.
How do I appeal my property taxes in Atherton, California?
To appeal your property taxes in Atherton, California, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.
What property tax exemptions are available in Atherton, California?
Common property tax exemptions in Atherton, California include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.
When are property taxes due in Atherton, California?
Property tax deadlines in Atherton, California vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.
How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Atherton, California?
Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Atherton, California. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.