How Property Tax Works
Stanislaus County's property tax system operates under California's Proposition 13 framework, with an average effective tax rate of 1.15% as of 2023. Property taxes are the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county operations, fire protection, libraries, and special districts throughout Stanislaus County. The county's 2025-2026 assessment roll totals $72.82 billion, representing a 4.56% increase from the prior year.
Property owners in Stanislaus County benefit from Proposition 13's protections, which limit the base tax rate to approximately 1% of assessed value and cap annual assessment increases at 2%. Additional voter-approved bonds and special assessments may increase the total rate above the base 1%, resulting in the county's current average rate of 1.15%. All properties are reassessed to current market value upon change of ownership or completion of new construction, while existing owners enjoy predictable, modest annual increases.