Tucson is a beautiful Southwestern city with great real estate potential and opportunities to generate leads. If you’re listing a home or helping a buyer in Tucson, knowing an estimate of your client’s property taxes can prevent sour surprises in their budget.
Are you a homebuyer or real estate agent who needs to know information on property tax in Tucson, Arizona? Keep reading for details and important dates related to paying property taxes in “The Old Pueblo.”
Tucson’s housing market
The housing market in Tucson presents a slightly competitive landscape. The median sale price for homes currently sits at approximately $324,500, with properties typically selling in an average of 73 days. Notably, a significant portion of homes on the market receive at least two offers before a sale is finalized, indicating a steady demand within the Tucson real estate sector.
Tucson property taxes in 2025
For the fiscal year spanning 2024 to 2025, the average property tax rate in Tucson is approximately 0.5084. However, it’s important to understand that the exact rate you pay varies based on specific taxing jurisdiction within Tucson.
These jurisdictions have their own rates, and for the City of Tucson, the primary rate is 0.4134, while the secondary rate is 0.6034. To determine the precise property tax rate applicable to your property, it’s best to review your individual tax bill, which is available through the Pima County Treasurer’s Office.
How Tucson property tax rates are calculated
Navigating property taxes can sometimes feel a bit complex. In Tucson, Arizona, your property tax bill is primarily determined by your property’s assessed limited value. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Your annual property tax is calculated based on a few key factors, ultimately linking back to the value the Pima County Assessor’s Office assigns to your property. The process generally unfolds as follows:
- Limited Value Assessment: The Pima County Assessor’s Office plays a crucial role by determining two values for your property: the full cash value and the limited property value. You’ll receive a notification of these values by March 1st each year. Importantly, it’s the limited value that is used to calculate your property taxes for the following tax year.
- Tax Rate Setting: The Pima County Board of Supervisors convenes on the third Monday in August to establish the tax rates for all the various taxing jurisdictions that apply to your specific property. These jurisdictions can include the county itself, the city of Tucson, school districts, and other special districts.
- Tax Calculation: Once the tax rates are set, they are applied to your property’s net assessed limited value from the previous year. This calculation determines the total amount of property tax you owe for the current tax year.
Essentially, the limited value assessed in the current year forms the basis for the tax calculation using the rates set in August of the current year, which then becomes payable in the following tax year.
Will Tucson property tax rates rise?
Pima County announced a slight decrease in property tax rates for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The City of Tucson Primary rate saw a -1.7% change from the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The City of Tucson Secondary rate saw a -0.1% change from the 2023-2024 fiscal year. However, your total taxes can still vary. This depends on your specific location within Tucson.
Additional school district and secondary taxes can influence your final bill. Furthermore, if your property’s assessed value increases from the previous year, you will likely pay higher property taxes. This can occur even with the announced rate decrease.
Tax rates in surrounding areas
For a better idea of Tucson and Pima County’s property tax rates versus surrounding areas, we have a short list of nearby areas to compare (per $100 assessed value):
- Santa Cruz: $13.60
- Yuma: $11.50
- Cochise: $11.83
- Pinal: $12.65
- Maricopa: $10.28
What does property tax revenue fund in Pima County?
Property taxes fund essential services you use every day. Pima County collects property taxes from Tucson and other county residents. Property taxes fund 26% of the annual fiscal budget. The collected property tax is distributed to:
- Schools
- Libraries
- Road maintenance
- Public transportation
- County employee salaries
- Cities within the county
- Redevelopment
Recently, Pima County has devoted its 2024-2025 $1.73 billion budget to government and health services, public works, community resources, and justice and law.
Important information to know when moving to Tucson, AZ
If your property tax bill is over $100, you can pay it in two installments; the first on October 1st and the second on March 1st. Anything $100 or less is due by no later than November 1st.
Any unpaid or delinquent balances will have interest added. Questions and other information can be found by visiting the Pima County Treasurer or the Pima County Assessor’s Office websites. You can also pay your Pima County property tax online.
Some property owners may qualify for valuation relief programs or homeowner assistance programs from the Arizona Department of Housing. Valuation relief programs apply to certain individuals (disabled, widows/widowers) or nonprofits like educational or religious organizations.
Tucson’s housing and other expenses (groceries, utilities, gas, etc.) are 4% above the national average. The average salary in Tucson is $46,450, about $3,050 under the national average. Additionally, the city is very car-dependent, meaning walking to your destination is not accessible as driving or biking.
The sales tax in Tucson combines Tucson’s 2.6% city tax, Pima County’s 0.5% tax, and Arizona’s 5.6% tax for a total of 8.7%.
Discovering Tucson: population, culture, and housing
Tucson, Pima County’s largest city, homes around 550,000 residents with its delicious Southwestern flavors, stunning resorts, and remarkably clean air. Furthermore, nature lovers and tourists alike adore Tucson for its sightseeing opportunities among vast saguaro forests, dramatic canyons, and impressive mountain vistas.
A haven for nature and culture enthusiasts
Tucson invites you to explore its breathtaking landscapes, ranging from sprawling saguaro forests to dramatic canyons and impressive mountain views. Residents and visitors cherish the chance to discover the outdoors.
Moreover, beyond nature, Tucson enriches lives with its culture. You can wander through the serene Tucson Botanical Garden, discover the unique desert life at the renowned Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and step back in time at the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac. Additionally, Tucson celebrates its “cowboy culture” with lively Western events like the annual Rodeo Parade and La Fiesta de los Vaqueros.
Home to the University of Arizona
Tucson is proud to host the University of Arizona, the state’s first university and a major influence on the city. With over 50,000 enrolled students, the university is a globally recognized institution and a significant employer in the Tucson metropolitan area, contributing to the city’s dynamic environment.
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FAQ
Your property’s assessed limited value is the primary factor in calculating your Tucson property taxes.
The Pima County Assessor’s Office will notify you of this value by March 1st each year.
The average property tax rate for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is approximately 0.5084.
The first half is due October 1st, and the second half is due March 1st.
You can find this information on your tax bill through the Pima County Treasurer’s Office.