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Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, California Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Boulder Creek, California

  • Median Boulder Creek, California effective property tax rate: 1.27%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the California state median of 1.21%.

  • Median Boulder Creek, California home value: $431,657

  • Median annual Boulder Creek, California tax bill: $5,725, $3,325 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Santa Cruz calculated?

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

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.27%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$5,482

$5,087

How Does the Boulder Creek Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Boulder Creek property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Boulder Creek's median effective tax rate of 1.27% — based on actual property records in Santa Cruz 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 Boulder Creek'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 Boulder Creek: rates range from 1.27% in 95006 to 1.27% in 95006, 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 Boulder Creek.

About Boulder Creek Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz, California

Boulder Creek's median effective property tax rate of 1.27% is higher than the California state median of 1.21% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Santa Cruz 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 Boulder Creek. Homeowners in the 95006 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.27%, while those in 95006 pay 1.27%. This spread — 0 percentage points across the same city — reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Santa Cruz County. Understanding which part of Boulder Creek you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Boulder Creek 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 Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz 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 Boulder Creek'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 Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, California

Source: Ownwell

1.16%

1.51%

1.86%

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 Boulder Creek Tax Rate

1.27%

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 Santa Cruz County Tax Rate

1.23%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
950061.21%1.23%1.27%1.41%1.79%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, California

When examining property taxes in Boulder Creek, 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month.

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 Boulder Creek is $431,657, with a median tax bill of $5,725. The highest median home price is in 95006 at $431,657.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, California

Source: Ownwell

$76,183

$445,766

$815,349

Median Boulder Creek Market Value

$431,657

Median Santa Cruz County Market Value

$500,310

Median California Market Value

$427,605

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
95006$123,243$252,708$431,657$636,288$828,477

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, California

Property tax bills in Boulder Creek are based on the assessed value of a home, which is set by local taxing authorities and used to calculate what a homeowner owes each year. The bill is determined by applying the local property tax rate to that assessed value, so homes with higher market values generally face larger tax bills.

In Boulder Creek, the median home price is $431,657, and the median property tax bill is $5,725. That is well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400, showing how local home values and tax rates can create a much heavier burden for homeowners. Bills can vary widely, with the 25th percentile at $3,489 and the 75th percentile at $8,136, while the 90th percentile reaches $10,382.

For homeowners, this means property taxes can have a meaningful impact on monthly housing costs and long-term affordability.

Property Tax Bills Across Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, California

Source: Ownwell

$1,420

$5,722

$10,024

Median Boulder Creek Tax Bill

$5,725

Median Santa Cruz County Tax Bill

$6,340

Median California Tax Bill

$5,134

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Boulder Creek, Santa Cruz County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
95006$1,878$3,489$5,725$8,136$10,382

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Boulder Creek, California

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