Property taxes in Oregon are assessed and collected at the local level — primarily by counties and municipalities — with rates varying significantly depending on where your home is located. The statewide average effective rate for 2025is 0.97%, meaning a homeowner with a $487,500 median-value home typically pays around $4,729 per year in property taxes. For a monthly perspective, that works out to roughly $394/month — a line item that should factor into every home purchase decision in Oregon.
Oregon uses a 100% assessment ratio for primary residential properties. Most states with a 100% ratio assess property at full market value — what the county believes your home would sell for — and apply a millage rate directly to that figure.
Available Exemptions in Oregon
Oregon does not have a standard homestead exemption. However, the Measure 50 cap limits annual assessed value increases to 3%, protecting long-term owners from rapid tax increases.
Property Tax Deferral: seniors 62+ with income under $47,500 can defer property taxes (paid back from estate). Also, some counties offer a senior exemption.
Disabled Veteran Exemption: $25,350 off assessed value (2024) for veterans with service-connected disability. Surviving spouses also qualify.
What Makes Oregon's Property Tax System Unique
Oregon's Measure 50 (1997) created two values for most properties: real market value (RMV) and maximum assessed value (MAV), which can only grow 3% per year. Many long-term owners pay taxes well below their RMV. When you sell, MAV resets. Multnomah County (Portland) has the highest effective rates.
When Are Oregon Property Taxes Due?
Oregon property taxes are paid on a semi-annual (twice per year) basis. Due dates: November 15 and May 15 (or 1/3 each on Nov 15, Feb 15, May 15). Missing a due date typically results in penalty interest (often 1–2% per month) and eventually tax liens, so it is important to calendar these dates well in advance — especially if you have a mortgage and your lender handles property tax through escrow (in which case they pay on your behalf from your escrow account).
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment in Oregon
If you believe your property has been over-assessed — which is surprisingly common, especially after rapid market changes — you have the right to appeal. File with your county Board of Property Tax Appeals (BOPTA) between October 1 and December 31 for the current tax year.
To build a strong appeal, gather comparable sales (homes similar in size, age, and condition that sold recently for less than your assessed value), photos documenting property defects, and any independent appraisals you have. Many homeowners who appeal see their assessments reduced — and some jurisdictions allow free informal hearings before a formal appeal is required.
Property Tax Rates by Major Oregon Cities
Within Oregon, effective property tax rates vary significantly by city and county. Here are the major areas and what to expect:
- Portland— rates in this area may differ from the 0.97% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Salem— rates in this area may differ from the 0.97% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Eugene— rates in this area may differ from the 0.97% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Gresham— rates in this area may differ from the 0.97% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
- Hillsboro— rates in this area may differ from the 0.97% statewide average. Use the calculator above with your specific assessed value for a more accurate estimate.
Note: County rates within Oregon can range from well below to well above the statewide average. Always verify the current mill rate with your county assessor's office.
Pro Tips for Oregon Property Owners
- Apply for every exemption you qualify for — many homeowners leave money on the table by not filing for the homestead or senior exemption. Applications are typically annual or one-time, and deadlines are firm.
- Review your assessment notice every year. If the county's estimate of your home's market value seems too high relative to what similar homes are actually selling for, appeal it. Even a 10% reduction on a $400,000 assessment saves $400–$700/year at typical Oregon rates.
- If you have a mortgage, confirm with your lender whether property taxes are paid via an escrow account. If so, ensure your escrow balance is adequate — under-funded escrow leads to an escrow shortage and a sudden increase in your monthly mortgage payment.
- Pay early if your state offers discounts. Some states (like Florida) give 1–4% discounts for early payment. On a $5,000 tax bill, a 4% early-payment discount saves $200 — for essentially zero work.
- Property taxes are generally deductible on your federal income tax return as part of the SALT deduction (state and local taxes), subject to the $10,000 cap introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. For high-tax states, this cap is often a binding constraint.