Property Details
Santa Barbara County median: $900,000
Santa Barbara County average: 1.000%
California Property Tax Note
California Proposition 13 caps the base property tax rate at 1% of assessed value at purchase, plus voter-approved local bonds and assessments. Actual rates vary by city due to Mello-Roos and special assessments.
Your Property Tax Estimate
Annual Tax
$9,000
Monthly Tax
$750
Effective Rate
1.000%
Tax at Different Price Points in Santa Barbara County
| Home Price | Annual Tax | Monthly Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $5,000 | $417 |
| $750,000 | $7,500 | $625 |
| $1,000,000 | $10,000 | $833 |
| $1,500,000 | $15,000 | $1,250 |
| $2,000,000 | $20,000 | $1,667 |
Based on 1.000% effective tax rate for Santa Barbara County.
Impact on Monthly Mortgage Payment
Property taxes are part of your total PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) payment. Lenders include $750/month in your qualifying debt-to-income ratio.
Monthly Tax Escrow
$750
Annual Tax Bill
$9,000
Calculations are estimates for educational purposes only. Actual property taxes depend on your county assessor's valuation, local bond measures, Mello-Roos districts, and homeowner exemptions. Contact Mo Abdel at (949) 822-9662 for a personalized mortgage analysis. NMLS #1426884 | Lumin Lending NMLS #2716106.
City Tax Estimators in Santa Barbara County
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in Santa Barbara County, California?
The average effective property tax rate in Santa Barbara County is 1.00% for 2026. On the median home value of $900,000, that equals approximately $9,000 per year or $750 per month.
How are property taxes calculated in Santa Barbara County?
In Santa Barbara County, California, property taxes start with Proposition 13's base rate of 1% of the assessed value (purchase price), plus voter-approved local bonds and Mello-Roos special assessments. The assessed value increases by a maximum of 2% per year regardless of market appreciation.
What is Mello-Roos and does it affect Santa Barbara County property taxes?
Mello-Roos is a special tax district in California that funds local infrastructure and services in newer developments. Many communities in Santa Barbara County have Mello-Roos assessments ranging from 0.25% to 1.5% of the home's original sale price, added on top of the base property tax. Check with Santa Barbara County County Assessor for specific Mello-Roos districts.
How do property taxes affect my mortgage payment in Santa Barbara County?
Property taxes are included in your monthly PITI payment (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance). In Santa Barbara County, the estimated $750/month tax escrow on a median-priced home is factored into your debt-to-income ratio by lenders. This directly affects how much home you qualify for.
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