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Petaluma, Sonoma County, California Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Petaluma, California

  • Median Petaluma, California effective property tax rate: 1.12%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the California state median of 1.21%.

  • Median Petaluma, California home value: $511,139

  • Median annual Petaluma, California tax bill: $5,636, $3,236 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Sonoma calculated?

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

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Petaluma, Sonoma County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.12%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$5,725

$5,312

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the Petaluma Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Petaluma property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Petaluma's median effective tax rate of 1.12% — based on actual property records in Sonoma 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 Petaluma'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 Petaluma: rates range from $5,252 in 94954 to $6,186 in 94952, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

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

About Petaluma Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Petaluma, Sonoma, California

Petaluma’s median effective property tax rate of 1.12% is lower than the California state median of 1.21% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Sonoma County base levy combined with local school district levies and district assessments that vary by subdivision throughout the city.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Petaluma. Homeowners in ZIP code 94954 carry a median effective rate of 1.12%, while those in 94952 pay 1.11%. That difference, though small, can still affect your annual tax bill depending on where your home is located in Sonoma County.

Petaluma 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 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 Petaluma, Sonoma 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 Petaluma'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 Petaluma, Sonoma County, California

Source: Ownwell

1.11%

1.73%

2.36%

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 Petaluma Tax Rate

1.12%

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 Sonoma County Tax Rate

1.17%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
949521.09%1.10%1.11%1.16%1.34%
949541.10%1.10%1.12%1.13%1.16%
94951N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California

When examining property taxes in Petaluma, 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. Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County are sent in October each year. 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 Petaluma is $511,139, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 94952 has the highest median home price at $552,650.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California

Source: Ownwell

$180,027

$569,667

$959,306

Median Petaluma Market Value

$511,139

Median Sonoma County Market Value

$473,427

Median California Market Value

$427,605

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
94952$121,593$289,252$552,650$847,825$1,148,652
94954$172,648$305,241$485,234$687,133$872,308
94951N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California

Property tax bills in Petaluma are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by Sonoma County and other taxing authorities. For a home with a median value of $511,139, the bill reflects how that assessed value is taxed, along with local levies that fund schools, services, and infrastructure. That means two homeowners with similar homes can still see different tax bills if their assessments or locations differ.

For many homeowners, property taxes are a major part of the cost of owning a home, especially when bills rise faster than expected. In Petaluma, the 25th percentile tax bill is $3,269, while the 75th percentile is $8,352 and the 90th percentile is $11,045, showing how much bills can vary.

Ownwell helps homeowners review their assessments, identify savings opportunities, and appeal unfair property tax bills. If your home is overassessed, Ownwell can help you pursue a lower bill and keep more money in your pocket.

Property Tax Bills Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California

Source: Ownwell

$2,952

$7,083

$11,214

Median Petaluma Tax Bill

$5,636

Median Sonoma County Tax Bill

$5,647

Median California Tax Bill

$5,134

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Petaluma, Sonoma County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
94952$1,426$3,380$6,186$9,539$13,006
94954$1,254$3,195$5,252$7,582$9,678
94951N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Petaluma, California

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