Property taxes in Ventura County generally run about 1.1% to 1.25% of a home's assessed value per year. The base rate is 1% under Proposition 13, and voter-approved bonds and direct assessments add the rest, varying slightly by location.
The base rate and how Proposition 13 works
California's Proposition 13 caps the base property tax rate at 1% of assessed value. When you buy a home, the assessed value is generally reset to your purchase price. From there, the assessed value can rise no more than 2% per year while you own it.
On top of the 1% base, voters approve bonds for schools, infrastructure and other purposes. These voter-approved levies and direct assessments push the effective rate to roughly 1.1% to 1.25% in most Ventura County areas as of 2026.
Because the rate varies by tax rate area, the exact percentage depends on the specific address. The Ventura County Assessor and Tax Collector publish the rates and your actual bill.
What a typical tax bill looks like
Here is roughly what annual property tax looks like at different price points, using a 1.15% blended rate as an illustration. Your actual rate and bill will vary by tax rate area.
| Purchase Price | Est. Annual Tax (1.15%) | Est. Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $5,750 | $479 |
| $650,000 | $7,475 | $623 |
| $780,000 | $8,970 | $748 |
| $1,000,000 | $11,500 | $958 |
The supplemental tax bill - the surprise many buyers miss
When you buy a home, the assessor reappraises it at your purchase price. If that is higher than the prior assessed value, you owe a supplemental property tax on the difference, prorated from your purchase date to the end of the tax year.
This bill arrives separately, often months after closing, and it is not always covered by your impound account at first. What I tell clients: set aside money for the supplemental bill so it is not a shock. It is a one-time catch-up, but it can be several thousand dollars.
When property taxes are due
Ventura County property taxes are billed in two installments for the fiscal year that runs July 1 through June 30:
| Installment | Due | Delinquent After |
|---|---|---|
| First installment | November 1 | December 10 (10% penalty) |
| Second installment | February 1 | April 10 (10% penalty plus cost) |
Exemptions and ways to reduce your bill
California offers a Homeowners' Exemption that reduces the taxable value of an owner-occupied home by $7,000, a modest but automatic-once-filed savings. Disabled veterans and certain other groups may qualify for larger exemptions.
Proposition 19 allows eligible homeowners who are 55 or older, severely disabled, or affected by wildfire or disaster to transfer their assessed value to a replacement home, which can substantially lower the tax on a move. Eligibility rules apply, so confirm with the County Assessor or a tax professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the property tax rate in Ventura County?
The base rate is 1% under Proposition 13. With voter-approved bonds and direct assessments, the effective rate generally runs about 1.1% to 1.25%, varying by location.
What is a supplemental property tax bill?
When you buy a home, it is reassessed at your purchase price. The supplemental bill charges tax on the increase in assessed value, prorated from your closing date. It arrives separately from your regular bill.
When are Ventura County property taxes due?
Taxes are paid in two installments. The first is due November 1 and delinquent after December 10; the second is due February 1 and delinquent after April 10.
How much is property tax on a $780,000 home?
At a 1.15% blended rate, roughly $8,970 per year, or about $748 per month. Your exact rate depends on the tax rate area for the address.
Can I lower my Ventura County property taxes?
Filing the Homeowners' Exemption reduces taxable value by $7,000. Proposition 19 may let eligible homeowners 55 or older transfer their assessed value to a new home.
