85281 Property Tax Rate

Tempe, Arizona · Part of Maricopa County

ACS 2019-2023 · Updated Dec 2024

Effective Tax Rate

0.47%

0.7% below state avg

Median Annual Tax

$1,699

$142/mo escrow

Estimate Your Tax

$
$50K$2M

Annual Tax

$1,699

Monthly

$142

Eff. Rate

0.47%

vs. Arizona Avg0.7% below
vs. National Avg36.8% below

How ZIP 85281 Compares

Median Annual Property Tax

ZIP 85281$1,699
Arizona Average$1,711
National Average$2,690

ZIP 85281

0.47%

Effective rate

Arizona Avg

0.54%

Effective rate

National Avg

1.10%

Effective rate

State Ranking

Property Tax Rank in Arizona

0.19%state avg 0.54%2.68%

Lower than 60% of ZIP codes in Arizona(40th percentile, 328 ZIPs compared)

Property Tax Analysis

Property Tax Insights for ZIP 85281

Property owners in ZIP code 85281 (Tempe, Arizona) pay a median of $1,699/year in property taxes on homes valued at $364,200. This translates to an effective tax rate of 0.47%, which is 14% below the Arizona state average of 0.54%.

The monthly property tax burden for a median-valued home in 85281 is approximately $142, which factors into escrow payments on mortgages. This ZIP code is located within Maricopa County.

Compared to similar ZIP codes in Arizona, 85281 has lower property taxes. ZIP codes with similar effective rates include 85142 (0.47%) and 85362 (0.47%).

In Tempe, property taxes represent approximately 2.9% of the median household income of $59,084, providing context for the relative tax burden on homeowners in this area.

Arizona taxes owner-occupied primary residences at a 10% assessment ratio (vs. 18% for other property types), and your home will be reassessed at purchase price when you buy; the Limited Property Value limits annual increases to the lesser of 5% or CPI thereafter. The Maricopa County Assessor administers the Senior Valuation Protection program (age 65+, 10+ years residence) — apply at the assessor's office with proof of age and residency within 60 days of purchase. File for your owner-occupancy classification immediately upon closing to ensure the 10% rate applies to your first tax bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in ZIP code 85281?
The effective property tax rate in ZIP code 85281 (Tempe, AZ) is 0.47%. This rate is calculated by dividing the median annual property tax payment by the median home value within this ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA), based on U.S. Census Bureau data.
How much are property taxes in Tempe, AZ (85281)?
The median annual property tax payment in ZIP code 85281 is $1,699. This figure represents the typical amount paid by homeowners in this area. Actual taxes vary based on your assessed property value and any applicable exemptions.
How does ZIP 85281 compare to the Arizona average?
ZIP code 85281's effective tax rate of 0.47% is lower than the Arizona state average of 0.54%. The median annual property tax in this ZIP is $1,699, compared to the state average of $1,711.
What is the median home value in ZIP 85281?
The median home value in ZIP code 85281 (Tempe, AZ) is $364,200, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates at the ZCTA level.
What county is ZIP code 85281 in?
ZIP code 85281 is part of Maricopa County in Arizona. For broader county-level property tax data, including comparisons with other counties in Arizona, visit the Maricopa County profile on TaxByCounty.

Margin of Error

The median property tax estimate for this ZIP code has a margin of error of ±$146. ZCTA-level data has wider margins than county-level estimates due to smaller sample sizes.

County-Level Data

ZIP code 85281 is part of Maricopa County, Arizona. View the full county profile for broader context and more data.

View Maricopa County on TaxByCounty →

Explore Tempe, AZ

View all 4 ZIP codes in Tempe with property tax comparisons.

View Tempe Property Tax Rates →
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates (ZCTA level). ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) are Census approximations of USPS ZIP codes.

Estimates are informational only and should not be used as financial or legal advice.

Learn about our data sources and methodology →