County property tax calculator
Property Tax Calculator for Lehigh County
Lehigh County sits above the national property tax average at 1.663%. On a median home of $276,100, that translates to $4,592 per year, or $383 per month in escrow. The gap versus the 1.07% US average is meaningful — enough to move the needle on monthly affordability for buyers comparing this county with lower-tax neighbors. Local jurisdictions here fund schools and services primarily through property taxes, which is why the rate sits where it does. For buyers budgeting the purchase, factoring this into the total monthly payment before making an offer keeps expectations grounded and avoids surprises at closing. Lehigh County's median home value of $276,100 falls roughly in line with the Pennsylvania state median. This is a balanced market — neither stretched at the top nor unusually affordable at the bottom. Buyers see a mix of entry-level homes, mid-range move-up inventory, and occasional higher-end listings. Financing flexibility is broad: conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA programs all apply depending on the buyer's profile and the property's location. For budgeting, the county-level median gives a reasonable anchor, though actual pricing varies block by block. Long-term ownership here typically follows the broader regional market rather than running far ahead or behind it.
Property Tax Details
National average is 1.07%
Used to project future tax burden
Annual Property Tax
$0
Insights
Property Tax Landscape in Lehigh County
Lehigh County taxes property at 1.663%, moderately above Pennsylvania's average of 1.44%. On a median home, the difference adds roughly $616 per year compared with the state figure. For buyers weighing this county against neighbors, the extra tax load is real but not extreme — typically offset by local amenities, school quality, or access to employment. Escrow at this level adjusts annually with assessed value. Buyers should model the county rate in their monthly budget rather than relying on state averages, since even within Pennsylvania, rates vary widely by jurisdiction. Within Pennsylvania, Lehigh County ranks as the 6th highest of 67 counties by effective property tax rate.
Lehigh County's median home value of $276,100 falls roughly in line with the Pennsylvania state median. This is a balanced market — neither stretched at the top nor unusually affordable at the bottom. Buyers see a mix of entry-level homes, mid-range move-up inventory, and occasional higher-end listings. Financing flexibility is broad: conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA programs all apply depending on the buyer's profile and the property's location. For budgeting, the county-level median gives a reasonable anchor, though actual pricing varies block by block. Long-term ownership here typically follows the broader regional market rather than running far ahead or behind it. Median household income in Lehigh County tracks the Pennsylvania average at $77,493, giving buyers access to the full range of standard loan programs including conventional, FHA, and USDA where applicable. The price-to-income ratio of 3.6x reflects a balanced profile for the region — median-income buyers have reasonable access to the market. Median gross rent runs $1,326 per month, giving renters a baseline to compare against ownership costs in the same market.
Property Tax Scenarios — Lehigh County
These scenarios cover a range of purchase prices that reflect the county's balanced housing mix. Whether buying near the median or stretching toward the upper end, the tax component follows the same effective rate. Use the table below to compare annual and monthly impact across realistic price points.
| Home Value | Annual Tax | Monthly Escrow | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $140,000 | $2,328 | $194 | $23,282 |
| $205,000 | $3,409 | $284 | $34,092 |
| $275,000 | $4,573 | $381 | $45,733 |
| $415,000 | $6,901 | $575 | $69,015 |
| $550,000 | $9,147 | $762 | $91,465 |
Frequently asked questions
For buyers considering Lehigh County, the questions below address the tax load, escrow mechanics, and comparisons with state averages. Answers use county-specific data from the 2023 Census ACS.
What is the property tax rate in Lehigh County?
Lehigh County has an effective property tax rate of 1.663%, above the national average (national average: 1.07%). On a median home of $276,100, that's about $4,592 per year, or $383 monthly through escrow.
How much are property taxes on a home in Lehigh County?
At the county median of $276,100, annual property taxes run roughly $4,592, collected through mortgage escrow at about $383 per month.
How does Lehigh County compare to Pennsylvania?
Lehigh County's 1.663% rate is moderately above Pennsylvania's statewide average of 1.44%. The difference equals about $616 per year on a median home.
What is the median income in Lehigh County?
Median household income in Lehigh County is $77,493 (Census ACS 2023). Median gross rent runs $1,326 per month.
Are property taxes deductible in Lehigh County?
Yes, property taxes are deductible on federal returns when you itemize, subject to the SALT cap ($10,000 for most filers). Lehigh County homeowners paying $4,592 annually may benefit if their combined state and local tax burden exceeds the standard deduction.
How are property taxes calculated in Lehigh County?
The county assessor multiplies your home's assessed value by the local tax rate. On a $276,100 home at the county's effective rate of 1.663%, the annual bill is approximately $4,592.
Compare Pennsylvania counties
Disclaimer: This calculator and the content on this page are for educational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates, loan limits, and eligibility criteria vary by lender, location, and borrower profile. Always consult a licensed financial professional before making borrowing decisions. CalcPier is independent and not affiliated with any lender listed on this page.
