Last updated: June 2025
If you’re planning to buy a home in Oregon—or already own one—understanding how Oregon property taxes work is essential to budgeting and staying financially prepared.
Oregon may not charge sales tax, but it does have property taxes that help fund essential community services. These taxes are based on your home’s value, and depending on where you live, the amount you owe can vary.
This guide breaks down how Oregon property taxes are assessed, calculated, and paid so you can feel confident managing this part of homeownership.
Finance your Oregon property with GO Mortgage.How do property taxes work in Oregon?
Property taxes in Oregon are ad valorem, meaning they’re based on the value of your home.
Each year, your county assessor calculates your home’s value and applies a local tax rate to determine how much you owe.
The state uses two different values to determine your final tax bill:
- Real market value
- Maximum assessed value
What is real market value (RMV)?
Real market value (RMV) is the price your home would likely sell for on the open market as of January 1 of the assessment year.
Your county’s tax assessor determines this value by comparing similar properties in your area.
If comparable homes in your neighborhood are selling at higher prices, your RMV may increase, even if you haven’t made changes to your home.
What is maximum assessed value (MAV)?
To prevent taxes from rising too quickly, Oregon also employs a cap known as the maximum assessed value (MAV). This value increases by no more than 3% per year, unless major improvements or property changes occur.
Your MAV is either:
- 103% of the previous year’s assessed value, or
- 100% of the prior year’s MAV, whichever is greater.
Your property is taxed based on the lower of the RMV or MAV. This unique system helps stabilize property taxes, even as real estate prices fluctuate.
How are Oregon property tax rates calculated?
Each county in Oregon sets its own property tax rate, which is multiplied by your assessed value to determine your total annual bill.
On average, Oregon homeowners pay about 0.91% of their home’s value in property taxes each year. However, this rate can vary depending on local levies and bond measures.
For example:
- A $250,000 home taxed at 0.91% would generate a property tax bill of approximately $2,275 per year.
Counties may have additional fees or tax districts (e.g., schools, fire, parks), so always check with your local assessor for a full breakdown.
When and how do you pay property taxes in Oregon?
Your county government collects Oregon property taxes. Your payment method depends on whether you have a mortgage and how your payments are structured.
Paying through your mortgage
If you’re making monthly mortgage payments, your property taxes are likely included in your escrow account. Here’s how it works:
- Your loan servicer estimates your annual property tax bill.
- That estimate is divided into 12 monthly installments.
- The amount is added to your mortgage payment each month.
- When your tax bill is due, your lender pays the county on your behalf.
This setup helps avoid large lump-sum bills and ensures your taxes are paid on time.
Need help understanding how escrow works or how taxes affect your mortgage? Get started with GO Mortgage.
Paying directly to your county
If you’ve paid off your mortgage—or chose not to include taxes in your mortgage payments—you’re responsible for paying your property tax bill directly.
Your county’s tax office will mail your annual statement in October. Depending on the county, you may be able to:
- Pay in full
- Split payments into two or three installments
- Receive a discount for early payment
Be sure to check your county assessor’s website for accepted payment methods and timelines.
Important Oregon property tax dates
Oregon’s property tax timeline is consistent across all counties, so no matter where you live, you can expect:
- July 1: Fiscal year begins
- October 25: Tax bills mailed to property owners
- November 15: First payment due
If you pay in full by November 15, you may qualify for a 3% discount. Paying two-thirds by this date may also earn a smaller discount.
Counties typically allow follow-up payments in February and May.
What do property taxes fund in your community?
Your property taxes directly support vital community services, such as:
- Public schools and libraries
- Emergency services (fire, police, EMS)
- Road maintenance and local infrastructure
- Public parks and recreational facilities
- County administration and planning departments
In short, your taxes help build and maintain the community in which you live. They contribute to the long-term value of your neighborhood, which can also positively affect your home’s value.
Thinking about how your tax dollars shape your surroundings can make that annual bill a little easier to swallow.
Planning ahead: Budgeting for property taxes as a homeowner
To avoid surprises, plan ahead for property taxes just like you would with utility bills or insurance. Here are a few tips:
- Use a mortgage payment calculator that includes property taxes to estimate monthly costs (try our calculator here).
- Check local property tax rates before buying to understand annual obligations.
- Review your escrow analysis from your lender to see how tax estimates are calculated.
- Budget for increases, especially if your home value has recently gone up or your area has approved new levies.
If you’re shopping for homes, consider how taxes fit into your overall affordability picture.
Use our guide to the steps for buying a house to build a smart budget from day one.
Final thoughts: Be prepared and stay informed
Understanding Oregon’s property tax system can help you feel more confident and financially prepared as a homeowner.
Whether you’re currently paying through escrow or handling your own payments, staying on top of your tax bill is a key part of responsible homeownership.
Looking for guidance on how taxes, insurance, and mortgage costs fit together? Currently renting and looking to buy? Our team is here to help.
Connect with a GO Mortgage team member today to plan smarter, buy better, and enjoy peace of mind with your next home.