HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Clatsop County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0% to 1.5% of assessed value, varies by taxing districts serving your location
1st Due
Nov 15
2nd Due
May 15
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Clatsop County fund essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, road maintenance, and county operations. The county assesses property taxes based on real market value, with tax bills reflecting contributions to multiple taxing districts that serve your specific location. Oregon's property tax system operates without a statewide assessment cap, meaning assessed values can fluctuate with market conditions.

Clatsop County property tax rates typically range from approximately 1.0% to 1.5% of assessed value, though your actual rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. These districts may include school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local improvement areas. Tax statements are mailed beginning mid-October each year, with the county ensuring all statements are delivered by October 25th.

The effective tax rate varies significantly by location within Clatsop County due to the overlay of different special taxing districts. Properties in incorporated cities may have different tax burdens than rural properties, and coastal areas may be subject to additional district assessments not found in inland locations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General Fund0.35% - 0.45%Basic county services, administration, public safety
School Districts0.40% - 0.60%Local school operations and bonds
Fire/EMS Districts0.08% - 0.15%Fire protection and emergency services
Library Districts0.03% - 0.06%Public library services
Port Districts0.02% - 0.04%Harbor and port facility maintenance
Special AssessmentsVariesLocal improvement districts, bonds

Note: Rates shown are estimates for planning purposes. The 2025-2026 levy year tax rates are not yet finalized as of October 2024. Exact rates will be detailed on tax statements mailed mid-October 2025. Your actual tax rate depends on the specific combination of taxing districts serving your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Nov 15
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
May 15
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Clatsop County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates additional taxes based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously assessed at $400,000 but sells for $550,000, the county may reassess the property at the higher value. The supplemental tax would be calculated on the $150,000 difference, multiplied by your local tax rate, then prorated for the 11 remaining months of the tax year. If your combined tax rate is 1.2%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,650 ($150,000 × 1.2% × 11/12 months).

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular tax statements and typically have their own payment schedules. Property owners receive notice of supplemental assessments and have appeal rights similar to regular property tax assessments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Available Tax Credits: $0 (homeowner did not apply)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.15%
  • Annual Tax: $3,450
  • Monthly Payment: $288

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase limited to 3% annually
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.25%
  • Annual Tax: $7,500
  • Monthly Payment: $625

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Senior/Disabled Deferral: Not applied (requires application and income qualification)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.35%
  • Annual Tax: $13,500
  • Monthly Payment: $1,125

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Examples use estimated rates as 2025-2026 rates are not yet finalized.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Clatsop County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing funds into an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Clatsop County when due, typically making payments in November, February, and May to meet the county's three-installment schedule.

Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances. They may adjust monthly escrow amounts based on actual tax bills and projected changes. Since Clatsop County mails tax statements in mid-October, lenders usually receive and process the first payment (due November 15) within this timeframe to capture any available 3% early payment discount.

Property owners should verify their lender is making timely payments and claiming available discounts. You can check payment status through Clatsop County's online system or by contacting the tax department directly. If your lender fails to pay on time, you remain ultimately responsible for taxes and penalties.

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 Clatsop County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due November 15, February 15, and May 15. Full payment by November 15 offers a 3% discount. The current payment schedule applies to the 2024-2025 tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Tax credits include homestead credits (limiting assessment increases), senior/disabled deferrals, and veteran exemptions. All credits require separate applications and are not automatic. Contact the county assessor for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It typically caps growth at 3% annually for owner-occupied properties. You must file an application to receive this benefit - it's not automatically applied.

Q: When does Clatsop County assess properties and how can I appeal? A: The county assesses all properties annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring. You have until December 31st of the tax year to file an appeal with the county Board of Property Tax Appeals.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest accrues on unpaid taxes at a rate set annually by the state. Additional penalties may apply for payments more than 30 days late. Contact the tax department for current penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Clatsop County offers online payment options through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: Why do my taxes vary from my neighbor's even with similar home values? A: Tax amounts depend on your property's specific assessed value and the combination of special taxing districts serving your location. Different areas within Clatsop County are served by different school districts, fire districts, and other special assessments.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for schools, fire protection, libraries, ports, and local improvements each levy separate taxes. Your total tax bill combines all applicable district taxes based on your property's location within the county's various taxing boundaries.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Clatsop Countydata.oregon.gov
02
County
Clatsop County Voters' Pamphletclatsopcounty.gov
03
County
Clatsop County Releases 2025–26 Property Tax Informationclatsopcounty.gov
04
County
Clatsop County to Mail Property Tax Statements by October ...clatsopcounty.gov
05
Tax Doc
Paying Your Property Taxesclatsopcounty.gov
06
County
Clatsop Countyolis.oregonlegislature.gov
07
AGENDA SEASIDE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 8, 1999 7:00 PMcityofseaside.us
08
County
Videos | Clatsop County Oregonvideo.co.clatsop.or.us
09
Tax Doc
Assessment & Taxationclatsopcounty.gov
10
State
Understanding Your Property Tax Statementclatsopcounty.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate