Santa Barbara County Property Tax Rate — California 2026
In Santa Barbara County, California, homeowners pay a median annual property tax of $4,870 on a median home value of $735,700, resulting in an effective property tax rate of 0.66%. This rate is 0.05% lower than the California state average (0.71%) and 0.25% lower than the national average (0.91%).
How Santa Barbara County Compares
Homeowners in Santa Barbara County enjoy a relatively low property tax burden compared to both the California state average and the national average.
Property Tax Calculator for Santa Barbara County
Enter your home’s estimated market value to calculate your approximate annual property tax in Santa Barbara County, California.
This estimate uses the effective tax rate of 0.66% based on ACS data. Actual taxes may differ based on local assessments, exemptions, and levies.
Housing Breakdown
Property Tax Details for Santa Barbara County, California
The median property tax paid by homeowners in Santa Barbara County is $4,870 per year. Based on a median home value of $735,700, this translates to an effective property tax rate of 0.66%.
For context, the statewide median property tax in California is $4,926 with an effective rate of 0.71%, while the national average effective rate stands at 0.91%. Santa Barbara County’s effective rate is 0.05% lower than the California state average (0.71%).
Of the 148,960 housing units in Santa Barbara County, approximately 52.87% are owner-occupied and 47.13% are renter-occupied. Homeownership rates can influence local tax policy, as communities with higher ownership rates often see more voter engagement on property tax issues.
Important: The data on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be used as tax advice. Actual property taxes depend on your property’s assessed value, local millage rates, and any applicable exemptions. Contact your county assessor’s office for precise tax information.