California property tax starts at 1% of the purchase price (Prop 13) plus voter-approved bonds and special assessments. In Palmdale and Lancaster the effective rate is typically about 1.2% to 1.7% (Palmdale's median effective rate is about 1.66% because many tracts carry Mello-Roos and special assessments; LA County's median is about 1.29%) before Mello-Roos; Kern County communities like Rosamond run about 1.4% (Kern County median effective rate about 1.43%). Expect a supplemental tax bill in your first year and a 2% maximum annual increase in assessed value after that. Beyond Estates pulls the exact bill on every home before you offer. Call (661) 441-3706.
How the bill is built
- 1% base (Prop 13) on the assessed value, which resets to your purchase price when you buy.
- Voter-approved debt: school and college bonds, hospital districts, water. Usually 0.1% to 0.25%.
- Direct assessments: lighting, landscaping, sewer, vector control, and Mello-Roos CFDs where they exist. Mello-Roos guide.
LA County vs Kern County
Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill, Acton, Littlerock, Lake LA and Leona Valley are LA County (effective rate about 1.2% to 1.7% (Palmdale's median effective rate is about 1.66% because many tracts carry Mello-Roos and special assessments; LA County's median is about 1.29%) plus any CFD). Rosamond, Tehachapi, California City and Bakersfield are Kern County (about 1.4% (Kern County median effective rate about 1.43%)). Kern is one reason Rosamond pencils for Edwards families.
The bills new owners forget
- Supplemental tax bill: covers the difference between the seller's old assessed value and your purchase price for the rest of the tax year. Arrives months after closing. It is not in your impound account.
- Two installments: due November 1 and February 1 (delinquent December 10 and April 10). Most buyers impound with the lender.
- 2% cap: assessed value can rise at most 2% a year while you own, which is why long-time owners pay far less than new neighbors.
Prop 19 and transfers
Homeowners 55+, severely disabled, or wildfire victims can transfer their low assessed value to a new home anywhere in California up to three times. Parent-to-child transfers are limited since 2021. If you are a long-time AV owner moving within the valley, Prop 19 can save you thousands a year; we run the numbers.
Last updated 2026-10-20 · About Charly · (661) 441-3706
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Frequently asked questions
What is the property tax rate in Palmdale CA?
About 1.2% to 1.7% (Palmdale's median effective rate is about 1.66% because many tracts carry Mello-Roos and special assessments; LA County's median is about 1.29%) of assessed value, plus Mello-Roos in some newer tracts.
What is the property tax rate in Lancaster CA?
Also about 1.2% to 1.7% (Palmdale's median effective rate is about 1.66% because many tracts carry Mello-Roos and special assessments; LA County's median is about 1.29%); both cities are in Los Angeles County.
Is property tax lower in Rosamond?
Rosamond is in Kern County where the effective rate is typically around 1.4% (Kern County median effective rate about 1.43%), slightly lower than LA County in many cases.
Talk to the #1 team in the Antelope Valley
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Charly Daoud, Team Leader · CA DRE #02023368
3001 Rancho Vista Blvd, Palmdale, CA 93551
Call or text (661) 441-3706 · charly.daoud@exprealty.com
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