The average effective property tax rate in Simi Valley typically lands between 1.10% and 1.30% of assessed value, including the Proposition 13 base 1.0% plus voter-approved bonds, school assessments, and any Mello-Roos special taxes. Older central Simi tracts run closer to 1.10-1.15%; newer developments with active Mello-Roos (Big Sky, Sycamore Grove, Aldea) run closer to 1.20-1.30%. Always verify for a specific parcel via the Ventura County Assessor.
Why this question matters
California's Proposition 13 (passed 1978) caps the base property tax rate at 1.0% of assessed value statewide. Assessed value is tied to purchase price and grows at most 2% per year until the property changes hands.
On top of the 1% base, voter-approved bonds (typically for school construction, infrastructure, libraries) add 0.10-0.25% to the effective rate in most Simi Valley neighborhoods. Mello-Roos special assessments add another flat or graduated amount depending on the CFD.
For an $885,000 Simi Valley home (the city median), the annual property tax at 1.20% effective rate is approximately $10,620, or roughly $885/month on the impound. Add Mello-Roos if the parcel is in an active CFD.
The Prop 13 base rate
California's Proposition 13 caps the base property tax rate at 1.0% of the assessed value. Assessed value is the purchase price at the time of the most recent ownership transfer, escalated at most 2% per year. This means a long-time owner can have a much lower assessed value than a recent buyer.
Voter-approved bonds
On top of the 1% base, voter-approved bond measures fund specific projects (school construction, infrastructure, etc.). Simi Valley currently has several active bonds. The combined bond rate typically adds 0.10-0.20% to the effective property tax rate.
Mello-Roos (CFD) special taxes
In newer developments (Big Sky, Sycamore Grove, parts of Wood Ranch, Aldea), the CFD assessment funds infrastructure financed at the time of original construction. These typically run $1,500-$4,500 per year. See the Mello-Roos lookup table for details by tract.
How to verify your exact rate
Pull the most recent property tax bill from the Ventura County Assessor's online parcel lookup. The bill itemizes the base, bonds, and any CFD line items. The seller's disclosure package in escrow should include the current bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in Simi Valley?
The average effective property tax rate in Simi Valley typically lands between 1.10% and 1.30% of assessed value, including the Proposition 13 base 1.0% plus voter-approved bonds, school assessments, and any Mello-Roos special taxes. Older central Simi tracts run closer to 1.10-1.15%; newer developments with active Mello-Roos (Big Sky, Sycamore Grove, Aldea) run closer to 1.20-1.30%. Always verify for a specific parcel via the Ventura County Assessor.
