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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Jackson County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.5% to 3.0% of assessed value, varies by taxing district location
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Jackson County, Oregon operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, fire protection, law enforcement, libraries, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with bills typically mailed in October each year. The county's property tax system is based on assessed value rather than market value, with taxes calculated per $100 of assessed property value.

Property tax rates in Jackson County vary significantly by location within the county due to multiple special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other local service areas. The total effective tax rate can range from approximately 1.5% to 3.0% of assessed value depending on your specific location and the combination of taxing districts that serve your property. Each property owner's tax bill reflects the unique combination of overlapping taxing jurisdictions where their property is located.

The county follows Oregon's property tax laws, which require annual assessments and provide for various tax relief programs that must be applied for separately. Property owners should be aware that most tax credits and special assessment programs require formal application and are not automatically applied to tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General Fund$0.8500Basic county services, administration
Schools (varies by district)$4.50-$6.20Local school district operations
Education Service District$0.0875Regional education support services
Community College$0.4892Rogue Community College district
Fire District (varies)$0.75-$1.50Local fire protection services
Library District$0.3750Jackson County library system
Vector Control$0.0125Mosquito and vector control
Soil & Water Conservation$0.0235Natural resource conservation
Typical Total Range$7.50-$10.50Varies by specific location

Rates shown are estimates for levy year 2024-2025 and vary significantly by taxing district. Your actual rate depends on the specific combination of districts serving your property location. Contact the Jackson County Assessor's Office at (541) 774-8205 for your exact rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Jackson 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 Jackson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements completed after the January 1 assessment date. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current property values and ownership throughout the tax year rather than waiting until the next regular assessment cycle.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: purchase of property at a value different from the assessed value, completion of new construction or major improvements, changes in property use that affect taxation status, or correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in March that was previously assessed at $400,000 but sells for $500,000, you may receive a supplemental tax bill for the $100,000 difference in assessed value. This would be calculated as: ($100,000 ÷ 100) × your local tax rate × (10 months remaining ÷ 12 months). At an 8.5% total tax rate, this would result in approximately $708 in supplemental taxes for that tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Medford

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if qualified): -$0 (Oregon caps increases, doesn't reduce value)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax ($300,000 ÷ 100 × 8.5%): $2,550
  • Monthly Escrow Payment: $212.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home in Ashland

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Tax Deferral (if qualified): Defers payment, doesn't reduce amount
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax ($600,000 ÷ 100 × 9.2%): $5,520
  • Monthly Escrow Payment: $460.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home in Rural Jackson County

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Veterans' Disability Exemption (if qualified, up to $21,350): -$21,350
  • Net Taxable Value: $978,650
  • Annual Tax ($978,650 ÷ 100 × 7.8%): $7,633
  • Monthly Escrow Payment: $636.08

Note: All tax credits and exemptions require separate application and approval. Rates vary by specific taxing districts in each area.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Jackson County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your monthly mortgage payment includes a portion that goes into an escrow account specifically to pay property taxes and insurance premiums when they become due.

Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount (usually 2 months of payments) to ensure adequate funds are available when taxes are due. Since Jackson County property taxes are due in three installments (November 15, February 15, and May 15), your lender will make payments on these dates directly to Jackson County on your behalf.

Property owners should verify that their lender has the correct tax amount and is making timely payments. You can monitor your escrow account through your lender's online portal and will receive an annual escrow analysis showing how funds were used. If property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or voter-approved measures, your monthly escrow payment may need to be adjusted, and you may receive a shortage notice requiring additional payments to bring the account current.

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 Jackson County for 2024-2025? A: Property taxes are due in three installments: November 15, 2024 (1st installment), February 15, 2025 (2nd installment), and May 15, 2025 (3rd installment). Payments must be postmarked by these dates to avoid interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Jackson County offers several tax credits that require separate application: Senior/Disabled Tax Deferral (application deadline April 1), Veterans' Disability Exemption (application deadline April 1), and Low-Income Disabled/Senior Exemption. Applications are available at the Jackson County Assessor's Office or online at jacksoncountyor.org.

Q: How does Oregon's homestead program work? A: Oregon doesn't have a traditional homestead exemption that reduces assessed value. Instead, Measure 50 limits annual assessment increases to 3% for most residential property. This is automatic and doesn't require application, but it caps assessment growth rather than reducing your tax bill directly.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Jackson County accepts online payments through their website at jacksoncountyor.org. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments accrue interest starting the day after the due date. Interest rates are set annually by Oregon statute. Additionally, properties can eventually be subject to foreclosure for non-payment of taxes.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Oregon law requires properties to be assessed annually as of January 1st each year. However, the assessed value may not change significantly due to Measure 50's 3% annual growth limitation for most residential properties.

Q: How do I appeal my property tax assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Jackson County Board of Property Tax Appeals by December 31st of the tax year. Appeal forms are available from the Assessor's Office, and you'll need to provide evidence supporting your claim that the assessed value is incorrect.

Q: Why did I receive a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are issued when there are mid-year changes such as new construction completion, property ownership changes, or assessment corrections. These ensure taxes reflect current property status rather than waiting for the next regular assessment cycle.

Q: What special districts might affect my tax rate? A: Jackson County properties may be served by various special districts including school districts, fire districts, library districts, park districts, and irrigation districts. Your specific tax rate depends on which districts serve your property location.

Q: How can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the Jackson County Assessor's Office at (541) 774-8205 for assessment questions, or the Tax Collector at (541) 774-6142 for payment and billing questions. Office locations and hours are available at jacksoncountyor.org.

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