Average property taxes in Salem and Keizer rose 11 percent this year due to new school and library bonds, and increasing property values across the region.
Salem residents who live in Marion County will pay $19.87 per $1,000 of assessed property value this year, up from $18.47 last year.
On a home with a median assessed value of $150,500, that means an annual tax bill of $2,990.
The market value of property increased about 10 percent over last year across Salem, according to the Marion and Polk county assessor’s offices, reflecting a strong housing market and increased demand.
But Oregon’s constitution caps assessed value increases at 3 percent because of Measure 50, which went into effect in 1997. Property taxes are based on assessed values.
The largest driver of the increased tax rate is a Salem-Keizer school district bond, which added $1.28 per $1,000 to the tax rate. A city of Salem bond to pay for seismic upgrades to the library added 12 cents per $1,000.
West Salem and Keizer residents have slightly lower tax rates, but are seeing similar increases this year.
In west Salem, which is in Polk County, residents will pay $18.92 per $1,000, or $4,009 per year for an average home valued at $211,916.
Keizer residents pay $16.68 per $1,000, or $1,668 per year for a home valued at $100,000.
Rising property taxes have been a trend for residents in both counties. Assessor data shows total tax collectibles — every dollar that can be collected from property — is up.
In Marion County, property owners owed a combined $437 million, up nearly $60 million from a year ago and $100 million from five years ago. In Polk County, property owners owed $96 million, up about $7 million from last year and $20 million from five years ago.
Salem’s largest taxpayer is Portland General Electric, with a 2018-19 tax bill of $1.8 million. Other property owners who pay more than $1 million in property taxes are CenturyLink, Northwest Natural Gas, Comcast and Lancaster Development Company.
However, not everyone pays their property taxes. News LLC is the worst offender, owing $122,227. The Salem Golf Club is second, owing $112,082, according to county records.
Reporter Rachel Alexander: [email protected] or 503-575-1241.
