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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lake County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lake County, OR. 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
1.5% to 2.0% of assessed value (varies by taxing district combination)
1st Due
Nov 15
2nd Due
May 15
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lake County, Oregon operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, public safety, road maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local government services in this rural county located in south-central Oregon. The effective tax rate in Lake County typically ranges from approximately 1.5% to 2.0% of assessed value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Your actual property tax rate depends on the combination of taxing districts that serve your property, including the county general fund, school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other special service districts. Each district levies its own rate, and properties in different areas of Lake County may be subject to different combinations of these district taxes. Oregon's property tax system assesses properties at real market value, with regular reappraisal cycles to maintain current valuations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following rates apply to the 2024 tax year in Lake County, Oregon:

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County General Fund$3.10-$3.45Basic county services and operations
Schools$4.90Local school district funding
Narcotics Agency$0.30Regional drug enforcement
Child Welfare$1.10Children's services
Senior Citizens$0.80Senior citizen programs
Other Local Districts$0.70Various special districts
Total Base Rate$10.90-$15.95Varies by location and districts

Note: Rates shown are mills per dollar of assessed value. Your actual rate depends on which taxing districts serve your specific property location. Additional local improvement districts, urban renewal areas, or voter-approved levies may apply to certain properties within Lake County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lake 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 Lake County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or major improvements that increase a property's assessed value mid-tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values and applies the current tax rate to determine the supplemental tax amount.

For example, if you purchase a home in Lake County that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $350,000, a supplemental assessment will be issued for the $150,000 increase in value. This supplemental tax is prorated from the date of ownership change through the end of the current tax year. If the purchase occurred in October with a tax rate of $15.00 per $1,000, you would owe approximately $562.50 in supplemental taxes ($150,000 ÷ 1,000 × $15.00 × 3 months ÷ 12 months).

Example Calculation

Here are property tax calculations for three assessed values in Lake County for the 2024 tax year, using an average combined tax rate of $13.50 per $1,000 of assessed value:

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Available Tax Credits: $0 (homestead credit caps future increases only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $4,050 ($300,000 ÷ 1,000 × $13.50)
  • Monthly Escrow: $337.50

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Available Tax Credits: $0 (most credits require application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $8,100 ($600,000 ÷ 1,000 × $13.50)
  • Monthly Escrow: $675.00

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Tax Credits: $0 (seniors/veterans may qualify for limited credits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $13,500 ($1,000,000 ÷ 1,000 × $13.50)
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,125.00

Note: Most property tax credits require annual application and have specific qualification requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lake County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your annual property tax bill and pays the taxes directly to the county on your behalf. Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected based on current tax assessments.

Property taxes in Lake County are paid in installments, with the first half due by February 28th (February 29th in leap years) and the second half due by June 15th. If you prefer to pay annually, the full amount is due by April 30th. Your lender will make these payments from your escrow account according to the county's payment schedule. You should verify that payments are made on time by checking your account on the Lake County website or contacting the tax collector's office directly.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Lake County for the current tax year? A: For the 2024 tax year, the first half payment is due February 28, 2025, the second half is due June 15, 2025, or you can pay the full amount by April 30, 2025.

Q: What property tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Lake County offers homestead exemptions and other credits that require annual application by March 1st. Visit the county assessor's office or website for specific qualification requirements and application forms.

Q: How does Oregon's homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence to 3% per year, not the full market value increase. You must file an application to receive this benefit - it is not automatic.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Lake County offers online payment options for property taxes. Visit the county's official website and search for property tax payments using your parcel ID or owner name.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the Lake County Tax Collector's office immediately if you cannot make the payment deadline to discuss options.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Lake County? A: Oregon law requires regular reappraisal cycles. Lake County typically reassesses properties every few years, though market value changes can trigger interim adjustments.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Lake County Board of Property Tax Appeals by a specific deadline, typically within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Lake County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of special districts (fire, library, school, etc.), each with their own tax rates, creating variations across the county.

Q: Are mobile homes subject to property tax in Lake County? A: Yes, mobile homes are subject to personal property tax. The 2025 Mobile Home & Personal Property Tax Bills are available online through the county's tax system.

Q: What exemptions are available for seniors or veterans? A: Qualified seniors and veterans may be eligible for specific tax credits or exemptions. Contact the Lake County Assessor's office for application requirements and deadlines, as these typically require annual filing by March 1st.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
RATES OF TAXATION FOR 2024 (Payable 2025)webapps.lakecountyohio.gov
02
County
BOE Tax Rate Area Maps – Lake County 2025boe.ca.gov
03
County
COUNTY OF LAKErecovery.lakecountyca.gov
04
County
Property Tax Payments and Due Dates - Lake County, MNco.lake.mn.us
05
County
Important Dates | Lake County, COlakecountyco.gov
06
County
FAQs | Lake County, COlakecountyco.gov
07
Homestead Exemption - Auditorlakecountyohio.gov
08
County
Welcome to The Property Appraiser's Office for Lake County ...minneola.us
09
Homestead Exemption Department - Auditorlakecountyohio.gov
10
Tax Doc
Property Taxeslakemt.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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