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If you own property in Arizona, understanding how property taxes work is essential. Unlike some high-tax states, Arizona has relatively low property tax rates—but they can still impact your homeownership costs significantly.
In this guide, we’ll break down how property taxes work in Arizona, how to calculate them, and county-specific insights to help you better understand your tax obligations.
How Property Taxes Work in Arizona
1. Property Valuation by the County Assessor
Each Arizona county has an assessor’s office responsible for determining the value of your property. This is done annually and is based on two key values:
- Full Cash Value (FCV) – The estimated market value of your property.
- Limited Property Value (LPV) – The value used for tax purposes, which cannot increase more than 5% per year (per Arizona law).
🔍 Check Your Property’s Valuation Here:
2. Arizona Property Tax Rates by County
Arizona’s property tax rates vary by county and city, but they are among the lowest in the country. The state’s average effective property tax rate is 0.51%, compared to the national average of 0.99% (Tax Foundation).
Here’s a breakdown of property tax rates in some of Arizona’s major counties:
| County | Average Effective Tax Rate | Median Annual Property Tax | County Assessor Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maricopa (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa) | 0.60% | $1,500 – $2,200 | Visit Maricopa Assessor |
| Pima (Tucson, Oro Valley) | 0.78% | $1,900 – $2,500 | Visit Pima Assessor |
| Coconino (Flagstaff, Sedona) | 0.58% | $1,800 – $2,400 | Visit Coconino Assessor |
| Yavapai (Prescott, Cottonwood) | 0.58% | $1,600 – $2,200 | Visit Yavapai Assessor |
| Pinal (Casa Grande, Florence) | 0.72% | $1,800 – $2,300 | Visit Pinal Assessor |
County-Specific Insights & Taxpayer Resources
📍 Maricopa County (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler)
- Largest county in Arizona, home to over 4.5 million residents.
- Property tax rates vary widely depending on school districts and city services.
- Offers a Senior Valuation Freeze and widow/widower exemptions.
- 📝 Appeal Your Maricopa County Property Taxes
📍 Pima County (Tucson, Oro Valley, Sahuarita)
- Higher property tax rates due to larger public service funding needs.
- Strong property tax relief programs for disabled veterans and seniors.
- You can request a property tax assessment review if you believe your home is overvalued.
- 🔗 Learn More About Pima County Property Taxes
📍 Coconino County (Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams)
- One of the highest median property taxes due to higher home values.
- Offers homeowner exemptions to reduce taxable property value.
- Tourist-heavy areas like Sedona may have slightly higher tax rates to fund local infrastructure.
- 🏡 Find Your Property Assessment in Coconino
📍 Yavapai County (Prescott, Cottonwood, Camp Verde)
- Moderate tax rates, but lower than Maricopa or Pima County.
- Offers tax relief for homeowners 65+ with limited income.
- Residents can check their property’s assessed value online.
- 🔍 Check Yavapai County Property Tax Info
📍 Pinal County (Casa Grande, Florence, Maricopa City)
- Growing real estate market, leading to steady tax increases.
- Special exemptions available for agricultural and rural properties.
- Offers tax deferrals for seniors to help manage payments.
- 🌎 Explore Pinal County Tax Information
How Arizona Property Taxes Are Used
Property taxes help fund essential public services, including:
✅ Schools & Education (largest portion)
✅ Fire & Police Departments
✅ Libraries & Parks
✅ Road Maintenance & Infrastructure
(Image Source: Unsplash)
How to Lower Your Arizona Property Taxes
1. Apply for Available Exemptions
Arizona offers several tax relief programs, including:
- Senior Property Valuation Protection (for low-income seniors 65+)
- Disabled Veteran & Widow/Widower Exemptions
- Agricultural & Historic Property Tax Benefits
2. Appeal Your Property Assessment
If you believe your home’s assessed value is too high, you have the right to appeal.
👉 Find Your County Assessor & Start Your Appeal
3. Check for Tax Credits
Some Arizona homeowners qualify for property tax refunds or credits depending on income and residency status. Check with the Arizona Department of Revenue.
How to Pay Your Arizona Property Taxes
Arizona property taxes are billed twice a year:
- First Half: Due October 1 (delinquent after November 1)
- Second Half: Due March 1 (delinquent after May 1)
💳 Pay Online:
Final Thoughts
Arizona property taxes are relatively low, but it’s still important to understand how they are calculated and what exemptions may apply to you.
💬 Have questions about Arizona property taxes? Drop them in the comments!
📌 Share this post with other Arizona homeowners! 🚀