How Much Will Your Property Taxes Go Up This Year?
Property tax statements are arriving in mailboxes across the Mid-Willamette Valley, and for most homeowners in Marion and Polk counties, the increase will be the maximum of 3% or less, according to an analysis of newly released rates.Â
Under Measure 50, passed in the 1990s, property taxes in Oregon can only increase by a maximum of 3% per year unless voters approve a bond or levy. Voters in the region have rejected several bond and levy measures over the past year, which has helped keep increases in check.
Monmouth and Independence see the biggest jump
Residents of Monmouth and Independence will see increases of about 5% this year, after the Central School District raised its bond tax rate to $2.00 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from $1.94 last year. The district increased taxes in 2023 to make a larger payment, then kept the rate artificially low in 2024 and 2025. Property owners are paying off bonds approved by voters in 2000 and 2006, one of which is expected to be paid off this year, while the other runs through 2038. The district expects the rate to come back down in 2027.
Small or no increases in several cities
In Donald, Mill City, Scotts Mills, Silverton, and Stayton, taxes will stay the same as last year or rise only slightly. Donald will see a 1% increase after the city paid off a bond, and Mill City residents will see no increase at all, since the fire district did not charge its authorized 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. In Silverton and Scotts Mills, the Silver Falls School District bond rate dropped to $1.57 per $1,000, down from $1.87, as the district’s last bond was paid off, resulting in a 1% increase in Silverton and no increase in Scotts Mills. Stayton will see an average increase of about 1% after its parks and pool levy failed in the May election.
Salem holds at 3%, and values shift across the Valley
In Salem, taxes will rise the standard 3%, but about $3.4 million more will be distributed to taxing districts within the city this year, since Salem is not collecting on three of its urban renewal districts, according to Marion County Tax Assessor Tom Rohlfing. Real market values declined in several cities, including Aurora, Donald, Idanha, Mill City, Silverton, and Woodburn, while Detroit saw the largest gain at 17%, as new homes continue to replace those lost in the 2020 wildfires.
For most homeowners in the region, the takeaway is a modest increase, and in a few cities, no increase at all. It is also a good reminder that Oregon property taxes are based on assessed value rather than market value, so a dip in your home’s market value will not necessarily mean a lower bill, and values can look very different from one community to the next.
Whether you are reviewing your new tax statement, weighing a move within the Valley, or simply curious how your home’s value has changed this year, reach out anytime. I am always happy to help you make sense of the numbers!
