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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Blair County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.84 mills county rate + municipal/school district rates (total 1.5-2.5% varies by district)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Blair County, Pennsylvania operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for local government services, including schools, municipal operations, emergency services, and county administration. Property taxes in Blair County are levied based on assessed property values and calculated using mill rates, where one mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. The effective tax rate varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions including county, municipal, and school district taxes.

Property owners in Blair County can expect total effective tax rates that typically range from 1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value, depending on their specific taxing districts. The county portion alone is 1.84 mills for the current levy year, but residents also pay municipal taxes, school district taxes, and potentially special district assessments. Each municipality and school district within Blair County sets its own tax rates, creating variations in total tax burden across different areas of the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Blair County General Fund1.35County operations, services, administration
Blair County Fire Fund0.42Fire protection and emergency services
Blair County Library0.07County library system support
Total County Rate1.84Base county-wide rate for FY 2025-2026
Municipal TaxesVariesCity/township taxes (additional 2-15 mills typical)
School District TaxesVariesLocal school district taxes (additional 15-25 mills typical)
Special AssessmentsVariesStreet lighting, sewer, water districts where applicable

Note: The above county rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Municipal and school district rates vary significantly by location within Blair County. Contact your local tax collector for complete rate information specific to your property's taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Blair 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 property taxes in Blair County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use that occur after the annual assessment roll is finalized. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase assessed value, changes in property use classification, or corrections to assessment errors discovered mid-year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current mill rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in January and increases your assessed value mid-year, you would receive a supplemental bill for the additional taxes owed on that $50,000 increase for the remainder of the tax year. These supplemental bills are typically due within 30 days of issuance and are separate from your regular annual property tax payments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Available Credits: Homestead Credit (assessment growth cap only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Total Effective Rate: ~2.0% (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $500

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Available Credits: Senior Citizen Credit (if eligible, requires application)
  • Estimated Credit: -$200 (example)
  • Net Annual Tax: $11,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $983

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Credits: Varies by qualification
  • Total Effective Rate: ~2.2% (higher-rate districts)
  • Annual Tax: $22,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,833

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Rates vary significantly by specific taxing districts within Blair County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Blair County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or those who request escrow services. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums. Lenders typically collect an additional 2-3 months of taxes at closing to establish the escrow account and ensure adequate funds for payment timing.

Blair County property taxes are paid twice annually, with the first installment due by June 30, 2026, and the second installment due by December 31, 2026. Lenders usually pay these installments directly to the Blair County Tax Collection Bureau from your escrow account. Your lender must provide an annual escrow analysis statement showing account activity and any required adjustments to your monthly payment. If your taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly at your next analysis period.

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 Blair County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: For FY 2025-2026, the first installment is due by June 30, 2026, and the second installment is due by December 31, 2026. You may also pay the full annual amount by December 31, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available in Blair County and how do I apply? A: Blair County offers several tax credits including Senior Citizen Credits, Disability Credits, and Veteran Credits. All credits require separate applications submitted to the Blair County Assessment Office by designated deadlines, typically March 1st annually. Contact 814-946-7111 for specific applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit in Blair County caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's assessed value. This credit limits how much your assessment can increase year-over-year, but you must file an application to receive this protection - it is not automatic.

Q: How often does Blair County reassess properties? A: Blair County conducts periodic countywide reassessments, typically every 5-10 years. Individual properties may be reassessed when building permits are filed or ownership changes occur. Property owners can appeal assessments through the Blair County Board of Assessment Appeals.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments in Blair County incur interest charges and penalties. After the June 30 deadline, interest begins accruing monthly. After December 31, additional penalties apply and properties may eventually face tax sale proceedings for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay my Blair County property taxes online? A: Yes, Blair County offers online payment options through the Tax Collection Bureau website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may incur additional processing fees.

Q: Why do properties in different parts of Blair County have different tax rates? A: Total property tax rates vary because residents pay taxes to multiple overlapping jurisdictions: Blair County, their local municipality (city, borough, or township), school district, and potentially special districts. Each sets its own mill rate independently.

Q: How do I know which taxing districts apply to my property? A: Your annual property tax bill lists all applicable taxing districts and their individual rates. You can also contact the Blair County Assessment Office at 814-946-7111 or check their online property search tool for district information.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are issued when property improvements are completed, ownership changes occur, or assessment corrections are made after the annual tax roll is finalized. These are prorated additional taxes for the remainder of the current tax year.

Q: Are there property tax relief programs for elderly or disabled residents? A: Yes, Blair County participates in Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for eligible seniors and disabled residents. Additionally, local tax credits may be available. Applications must be submitted annually by June 30th. Contact the county at 814-946-7111 for eligibility requirements and applications.

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