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Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Half Moon Bay, California

  • Median Half Moon Bay, California effective property tax rate: 1.22%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the California state median of 1.21%.

  • Median Half Moon Bay, California home value: $892,830

  • Median annual Half Moon Bay, California tax bill: $10,247, $7,847 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in San Mateo calculated?

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

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.22%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$10,893

$10,108

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the Half Moon Bay Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Half Moon Bay property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Half Moon Bay's median effective tax rate of 1.22% — based on actual property records in San Mateo 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 Half Moon Bay'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 Half Moon Bay: rates range from 1.22% in 94019 to 1.22% in 94019, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

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

About Half Moon Bay Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Half Moon Bay, San Mateo, California

Half Moon Bay’s median effective property tax rate of 1.22% is higher 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 Half Moon Bay. Homeowners in ZIP code 94019 carry a median effective rate of 1.22%, while those in the same ZIP also pay 1.22%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across San Mateo County. Understanding which part of Half Moon Bay you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Half Moon Bay homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the Tax Assessor before December 1, 2026.

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 Half Moon Bay, 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 Half Moon Bay'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 Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

1.07%

1.27%

1.47%

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 Half Moon Bay Tax Rate

1.22%

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 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 Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
940191.11%1.16%1.22%1.36%1.71%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California

When examining property taxes in Half Moon Bay, 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. For example, the median home price in Half Moon Bay is $892,830, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. ZIP code 94019 has the highest median home price at $892,830.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

$462,344

$2,599,052

$4,735,760

Median Half Moon Bay Market Value

$892,830

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 Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
94019$231,510$503,106$892,830$1,399,714$1,975,437

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California

Property tax bills in Half Moon Bay are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price, and the local tax rate is applied to that assessment to determine what homeowners owe. With a median home price of $892,830, bills can vary widely depending on the property’s assessed value, exemptions, and any changes made by the county. In San Mateo County, the 25th percentile tax bill is $5,796, while the 75th percentile is $15,652 and the 90th percentile reaches $21,725, showing how much bills can differ from one homeowner to another.

For many homeowners, a higher assessed value can mean a much larger annual tax burden. That is why reviewing your assessment matters, especially when your bill seems higher than similar homes nearby. Ownwell helps homeowners save by identifying potential overassessments, filing property tax appeals, and checking for exemptions that may reduce what you owe.

Property Tax Bills Across Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

$4,835

$26,810

$48,785

Median Half Moon Bay Tax Bill

$10,247

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 Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
94019$2,577$5,796$10,247$15,652$21,725

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Half Moon Bay, California

How are property taxes calculated in Half Moon Bay, California?
Property taxes in Half Moon Bay, 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 Half Moon Bay, California?
To appeal your property taxes in Half Moon Bay, 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 Half Moon Bay, California?
Common property tax exemptions in Half Moon Bay, 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 Half Moon Bay, California?
Property tax deadlines in Half Moon Bay, 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 Half Moon Bay, California?
Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Half Moon Bay, 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.