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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hood River County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0% to 1.5% of assessed value (varies by taxing districts in your area)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hood River County's property tax system is the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county operations, public safety, and various special districts. Property taxes in Hood River County are based on the assessed value of real property and are collected annually to support these vital community services. The county operates under Oregon's property tax system, which uses real market value assessments without a statewide assessment cap.

Effective tax rates in Hood River County typically range from approximately 1.0% to 1.5% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county. This variation occurs because different areas are served by different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, water districts, and other local service providers. Property owners should expect their exact tax rate to reflect the specific combination of taxing districts that serve their property location.

The Hood River County Assessor determines property values, while the Tax Collector handles billing and payment collection. Tax statements are typically issued in the fall, with payments due by October 25th each year to avoid penalties and qualify for any available discounts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: 2025 tax rates are not yet available. The following represents the general structure based on 2024 data:

ComponentApproximate Rate RangeDescription
Hood River County General$2.50-3.00 per $1,000County operations, services, administration
School Districts$4.00-6.00 per $1,000Local school district operations and bonds
Education Service District$0.30-0.50 per $1,000Regional educational services
Community College$0.50-0.80 per $1,000Columbia Gorge Community College
Fire/Emergency Services$1.00-2.00 per $1,000Local fire districts and emergency services
Special Districts$0.50-2.00 per $1,000Water, sewer, parks, library, other local services
Total Estimated Range$8.80-14.30 per $1,000Varies by specific location and districts served

Rates shown are estimates for FY 2024-2025. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Hood River County based on the specific combination of taxing districts serving each property. Contact the Hood River County Assessor for your specific tax code area rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hood River 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 Hood River County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use that occur after the main tax roll has been established. The most common triggers include the sale of property to a new owner, completion of new construction or major improvements, changes in property use classification, or correction of assessment errors.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if a property sells in January and the new assessment increases the taxable value by $50,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 difference for the remaining months of the tax year.

These supplemental bills are issued separately from regular annual tax statements and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the issue date. Property owners should budget for potential supplemental taxes when purchasing property or completing significant improvements, as these represent real additional tax obligations beyond the annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

The following examples use estimated rates and assume properties are located in areas with typical district combinations:

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Veterans Credits (if applicable): $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): $12.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $3,600
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $300

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): $11.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $6,900
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $575

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): $13.20 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $13,200
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,100

Note: Most property tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Hood River County Assessor about available credits and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hood River County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, deposits these funds into a separate escrow account, and pays your property taxes directly to Hood River County when they become due in October.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. The lender may require you to make up any shortage over 12 months or in a lump sum, depending on the amount and your loan terms. Conversely, if there's an overage, you may receive a refund or credit toward future payments.

Property owners with escrowed taxes should still review their annual tax statements for accuracy, even though the lender handles payment. You remain responsible for ensuring taxes are paid correctly and on time. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, you'll need to transition to making direct tax payments to the Hood River County Tax Collector by the October 25th due date.

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 Hood River County? A: Property taxes are due annually by October 25th. Online payments are accepted until 11:59 PM PST on the due date. Payments postmarked by November 15th may qualify for certain discounts.

Q: What property tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Oregon offers various tax credits including senior/disabled persons credit, veterans' disability credit, and low-income disabled credit. Most credits REQUIRE ANNUAL APPLICATION and are not automatic. Contact the Hood River County Assessor at (541) 387-6840 for specific credit eligibility and application requirements.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work in Oregon? A: Oregon does not have a traditional homestead exemption. However, some homestead-related credits may be available that limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. These require application and have specific eligibility requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Hood River County? A: Properties are assessed annually based on real market value as of January 1st. The Hood River County Assessor reviews market conditions and sales data to determine assessed values for the following tax year.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Interest accrues from the original due date, and additional penalties may apply for significantly delinquent accounts. Contact the Tax Collector for specific penalty rates.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Hood River County offers online payment options through their official website. Online payments are accepted until 11:59 PM PST on the due date. A drop box is also available at 601 State Street for after-hours payments.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all taxing districts serving your property, such as schools, fire districts, water districts, and others. This is why tax rates vary by location within Hood River County.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Hood River County Board of Property Tax Appeals by December 31st of the tax year. Contact the Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What happens if I don't pay my property taxes? A: Unpaid property taxes become a lien against the property. After three years of delinquency, the county may begin foreclosure proceedings to collect the debt.

Q: Where can I view my tax statement and payment history? A: Tax statements, payment history, and assessment information are available through the Hood River County Tax Collector's website or by contacting their office at 601 State Street.

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