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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lorain County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lorain County, OH. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
84.35 mills average (2024), varies significantly by location and taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lorain County, Ohio operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, libraries, fire departments, and county government operations. Property taxes are assessed based on 35% of the property's fair market value, as determined by the Lorain County Auditor's office during periodic reappraisals. The effective tax rate in Lorain County averaged 84.35 mills for 2024, though this varies significantly by location within the county.

Property tax rates differ across Lorain County due to overlapping special taxing districts, including school districts, municipalities, townships, library districts, and various special service districts. Each property owner's total tax rate represents the sum of all applicable local levies for their specific location. The 2025 property tax rates will be certified in January 2025, with taxes payable throughout 2025 based on assessed values as of January 1, 2024.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentTypical Rate RangeDescription
County General5-8 millsBasic county services and operations
School District35-55 millsLocal school operations and facilities
Municipal/Township3-12 millsLocal government services
Library1-3 millsPublic library systems
Fire/EMS2-6 millsEmergency services
Special Districts1-5 millsParks, water, sewer, other services
Total Average84.35 mills (2024)Combined rate varies by location

Note: These rates apply to FY 2024-2025 levy year. The 2025 rates (payable in 2025) were certified in January 2025. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Actual rates vary significantly by specific address due to different combinations of local taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lorain County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Lorain County are additional property taxes assessed when property undergoes significant changes after the standard assessment date of January 1st. Common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements or additions, subdivision of property, or ownership transfers that reveal unreported improvements. The supplemental tax covers the difference between the original assessment and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $100,000 addition in June, the county assessor will evaluate the improvement and add the proportional assessed value (35% of $100,000 = $35,000) to the property's assessment. The supplemental tax would apply the current mill rate to this additional $35,000 assessed value for the remaining seven months of the tax year, resulting in approximately 58% of the full annual tax on the improvement.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$29,000 credit value
  • Net Taxable Value: $105,000 (credit applied to tax bill)
  • Annual Tax (84.35 mills): $8,857 - homestead credit ≈ $8,412
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$701

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$29,000 credit value
  • Net Taxable Value: $210,000 (credit applied to tax bill)
  • Annual Tax (84.35 mills): $17,714 - homestead credit ≈ $17,269
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,439

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$29,000 credit value
  • Net Taxable Value: $350,000 (credit applied to tax bill)
  • Annual Tax (84.35 mills): $29,523 - homestead credit ≈ $29,078
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$2,423

Note: Homestead and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatic. Credits reduce the final tax bill, not the assessed value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lorain County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums. The lender pays property taxes directly to the Lorain County Treasurer on the homeowner's behalf according to the county's installment schedule.

Property taxes in Lorain County are paid in estimated installments: first payment due April 15, second due July 15, third due October 15, and fourth due January 15 of the following year. Lenders typically pay these installments as they become due. Homeowners should verify that their lender has current contact information and review their annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funds are being collected, especially after property value reassessments or mill rate changes.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Lorain County? A: For the current fiscal year, property taxes are paid in four estimated installments: April 15, 2025; July 15, 2025; October 15, 2025; and January 15, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Tax Credit worth up to $29,000 in assessed value reduction. This credit REQUIRES ANNUAL APPLICATION and is not automatic. Applications are accepted from the first Monday in January through December 31st each year.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit provides a credit against your property tax bill equal to the taxes on $29,000 of assessed value. It does not reduce your property's market value but limits assessment increases and provides tax bill relief. You must apply annually with the Lorain County Auditor's office.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Lorain County? A: Ohio law requires counties to conduct property reappraisals every six years, with updates every three years. Property owners can appeal their assessed values during specific appeal periods following reassessment notifications.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The specific penalty structure varies by installment period. Contact the Lorain County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Lorain County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Various payment methods are typically accepted, including electronic checks and credit cards (fees may apply for credit card payments).

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Lorain County? A: Tax rates differ based on the combination of local taxing districts that serve each property, including school districts, municipalities, townships, library districts, and special service districts. Each location has a unique combination of these districts.

Q: How can I verify my property tax bill is correct? A: Review your assessment notice from the Lorain County Auditor and compare it to your tax bill from the Treasurer. Verify that all applicable tax credits have been applied and that the mill rates match your taxing districts. Contact the appropriate office if you find discrepancies.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Tax Rates - Lorain County Auditorloraincountyauditor.gov
02
County
Lorain County Treasurerloraincountytreasurer.gov
03
Tax Doc
2024 TAX RATES.xlsxloraincountytreasurer.gov
04
County
Homestead Exemption - Ohio - Lorain County Auditorloraincountyauditor.gov
05
State
Real Estate Tax Escrow Programloraincountytreasurer.gov
06
Tax Doc
House Bill 263 - Authorize a Property Tax Freeze for ...search-prod.lis.state.oh.us
07
Gayle Manning News | Ohio House of Representativesohiohouse.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Resource Hub - Ohio Department of Taxationtax.ohio.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax and School Fundingtax.ohio.gov
10
County
lorain county job and family servicesdam.assets.ohio.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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