Assessors, Property Tax Revenue, Proposition 13

Property Tax Revenue Increasing Throughout State as County Assessment Rolls Grow

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Despite a significant slowdown in home sales in many parts of California, the 2025 assessment rolls released by counties this month reveal continued growth in total assessed values, resulting in more property tax revenue for schools and local governments.

The California Association of Realtors reported that as of May 2025, “Sales had the largest yearly decline in 17 months.”

While this has an impact on the growth of assessed values attributed to changes in ownership, the 14 counties that had reported their rolls as of publication time all reported significant growth in countywide assessed values, driven by new construction, the 2 percent inflation adjustment allowed under Proposition 13, and limited but high-value transactions.

Marin County reported an assessment roll of $110.1 billion, up 4.28 percent from 2024. Since 1997, the county has averaged 5.69 percent growth annually, with 2000 being the peak year at 10.15 percent.

Sacramento County Assessor Christina Wynn announced that the 2025-26 roll reached a record high of nearly $256.9 billion, reflecting a 5.41 percent increase over the prior year. After accounting for property tax exemptions for homeowners, disabled veterans, and charitable organizations, the net assessed value is approximately $244 billion. Wynn said the growth “is fueled by steady home prices and ongoing development across the county.”

San Bernardino County continues to experience “remarkable growth,” Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales said, reporting a 6.02 percent increase in assessed values in one of the state’s largest counties.

Sonoma County saw a 5.44 percent increase in total assessed value. Clerk-Recorder-Assessor Deva Marie Proto pointed to continued strength in residential values despite fewer property transfers, noting that “the values have not dropped.”

Stanislaus County Assessor Don Gaekle announced a 4.56 percent increase in the total assessment roll, reaching $72.8 billion. The gain is attributed to new construction, ownership changes, and the 2 percent Proposition 13 inflation factor.

Tulare County’s total taxable property value climbed to $52.95 billion – a 6 percent over the prior year, Assessor/Clerk-Recorder Tara K. Freitas announced. “Home prices have gone up quite a bit in recent years, but thanks to Proposition 13, most property owners are protected from big jumps in their assessed values,” Freitas said.

Ventura County reported a 4.3 percent increase in the roll despite a slowdown in home sales. Assessor Keith Taylor emphasized that rising values, rather than transaction volume, are driving growth. Of the approximately 290,000 assessments on the roll, more than 208,000 received the standard 2 percent inflation increase, Taylor said.

Yolo County reported a 4.5 percent year-over-year increase, bringing the net assessed value to $39.7 billion and marking the 13th consecutive year of growth. “The assessment roll is the financial backbone of our local services,” Assessor Jesse Salinas said. “Schools, public safety, libraries, and other vital programs depend on property tax revenue generated from these values.”

Other counties that have submitted their assessment rolls are Contra Costa (up 4.18 percent), Orange (5.07 percent), Placer (5.98 percent), Riverside (7.11 percent), San Diego (5.58 percent), and San Mateo (4.8 percent). Los Angeles County’s roll has not been finalized, but Assessor Jeff Prang previously projected that the growth will be 3.25 percent.

July 1 was the deadline for assessors to finalize their assessment rolls, but several counties have been given 30-day extensions by the State Board of Equalization.