Sterling, Cayuga County, New York Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Sterling, New York
Median Sterling, New York effective property tax rate: 1.08%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the New York state median of 1.90%.
Median Sterling, New York home value: $165,000
Median annual Sterling, New York tax bill: $2,050, $350 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Cayuga calculated?
Property taxes in Sterling, New York 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 Sterling's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Sterling, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Sterling, Cayuga County, New York Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.08%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,782
$1,654
How Does the Sterling Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Sterling property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Sterling's median effective tax rate of 1.08% — based on actual property records in Cayuga 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 Sterling'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 Sterling: rates range from 1.08% in 13156 to 1.08% in 13156, 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 Sterling.
About Sterling Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in Sterling, Cayuga, New York
Sterling’s median effective property tax rate of 1.08% is higher than the New York state median of 1.90% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Cayuga County base levy combined with local school district levies and special district levies that vary by subdivision throughout the city.
Property tax rates are not uniform across Sterling. Homeowners in the 13156 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.08%, while those in the same ZIP code pay 1.08%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Cayuga County. Understanding which part of Sterling you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
Sterling homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Assessment Review Commission before the May 26, 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 Sterling, Cayuga County, New York
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 Sterling's effective property tax rate to other cities in New York and the median property tax rates in New York and the U.S.
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 Sterling Tax Rate
1.08%
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 Cayuga County Tax Rate
1.94%
Median Effective New York Tax Rate
1.90%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Sterling, Cayuga County, New York
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13156 | 0.80% | 0.83% | 1.08% | 1.88% | 2.35% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sterling, Cayuga County, New York
When examining property taxes in Sterling, New York, 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 Cayuga County assessment office 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 Cayuga County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the season.
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 Sterling.
For example, the median home price in Sterling is $165,000, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 13156 has the highest median home price at $165,000.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sterling, Cayuga County, New York
Source: Ownwell
$119,149
$322,190
$525,231
Median Sterling Market Value
$165,000
Median Cayuga County Market Value
$168,636
Median New York Market Value
$312,500
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Sterling, Cayuga County, New York
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13156 | $56,190 | $104,094 | $165,000 | $276,767 | $429,310 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Cayuga County, New York
Property tax bills in Sterling are calculated by applying the local tax rate to a home’s assessed value, which is based on the market value of the property. Local taxing authorities use that assessment to determine how much each homeowner owes, and the final bill reflects the combined impact of county, school, and municipal levies.
With a median home price of $165,000, property taxes can represent a meaningful annual cost for homeowners. The typical tax bill in the area is $2,050, while bills range from $1,253 at the 25th percentile to $5,340 at the 90th percentile. That spread shows how much taxes can vary depending on a property’s assessed value and the tax rates applied.
For homeowners, a higher assessment can lead to a larger tax bill even if the home has not changed much physically. Because property taxes are tied to value and local rates, understanding how assessments are set is important for budgeting and for knowing whether a bill seems accurate.
Median Sterling Tax Bill
$2,050
Median Cayuga County Tax Bill
$3,048
Median New York Tax Bill
$5,420
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Sterling, Cayuga County, New York
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13156 | $717 | $1,253 | $2,050 | $3,501 | $5,340 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to file a grievance!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | May 26 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Cayuga Assessment Review Commission | |
| Website | ccgis.cayugacounty.us |