Effective rate, median annual bill, homestead exemption, and assessment cap rules under 53 Pa.C.S. § 8583
Median bill is the actual ACS 2022 figure for owner-occupied housing units in Pennsylvania. Your specific bill will vary by county and municipality — local mill rates can swing the effective rate by 30%+ within a single state.
The effective property tax rate is the single most important fixed operating expense for buy-and-hold rental property. At 1.49%, every $100,000 of Pennsylvania property value generates approximately $1,490 in annual property tax — money that comes off the top before any other expense, debt service, or vacancy reserve.
Pennsylvania's effective rate of 1.49% is roughly in line with the U.S. median (~1.02%). Within the state, however, county and municipal mill rates can vary widely — always verify the actual bill from the county assessor before underwriting.
Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion: school district sets exclusion (Philadelphia $80,000 for 2024); funded by gaming revenue.
The exemption is granted under 53 Pa.C.S. § 8583. To claim it, owner-occupants must typically file an application with the county assessor (most states require filing once, with renewal triggered only by change of ownership or use). Failure to file the application means full taxation at the non-homestead rate.
The effective property tax rate in Pennsylvania is 1.49% of fair market value, according to Tax Foundation analysis of U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022 data published in 2024. The median Pennsylvania homeowner pays $3,187 annually in property taxes. That is approximately 146% of the U.S. national median effective rate of 1.02%.
Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion: school district sets exclusion (Philadelphia $80,000 for 2024); funded by gaming revenue. Statutory authority: 53 Pa.C.S. § 8583.
Generally no. Homestead exemptions, primary-residence assessment caps, and senior/disabled credits in Pennsylvania apply only to owner-occupied primary residences. Rental properties are typically taxed at full assessed value with no cap on annual reassessment growth, which can result in significant tax increases when underlying market values rise.
Local assessors determine fair market value (or taxable value, depending on the state). The taxable value is then multiplied by the local millage rate set by counties, municipalities, school districts, and special districts. Pennsylvania's effective rate of 1.49% reflects the combined burden of all local taxing jurisdictions on the underlying market value of the property.
Effective rate source: Tax Foundation analysis of Census ACS 2022 (published 2024). Statutory citation: 53 Pa.C.S. § 8583. Last updated April 29, 2026. For informational purposes only — not tax or legal advice. Consult a CPA or tax attorney for your specific situation.
