Property Taxes in Oregon: Rates, Exemptions, and How They Work (2026)
TL;DR
Oregon property taxes are governed by Measures 5 and 50. Measure 5 caps tax rates at $5 per $1,000 for education and $10 per $1,000 for general government. Measure 50 froze assessed values at 1995-96 levels with a 3% annual growth cap, creating a significant gap between assessed and real market value for most properties. The average effective rate is about 0.82%. There is no general homestead exemption. Seniors and disabled persons may qualify for a property tax deferral. Appeal through the county Board of Property Tax Appeals (BOPTA) by December 31.
Assessed Value vs Real Market Value
Oregon has two values for every property:
- Real Market Value (RMV): Current market value
- Assessed Value (AV): Based on the Measure 50 formula (1995-96 value grown at max 3% per year)
You are taxed on the lower of the two. For most long-term properties, the assessed value is well below real market value. New construction and improvements are added at real market value, then capped going forward.
Measure 5 Rate Limits
| Category | Rate Limit (per $1,000 of RMV) |
|---|---|
| Education | $5.00 |
| General government | $10.00 |
| Total | $15.00 |
If your total rate exceeds these limits (which it often does based on assessed value calculations), the county compresses rates to fit within the limits when calculated against real market value.
Exemptions and Relief
| Program | Benefit | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Senior/Disabled Deferral | Defer taxes until property is sold | 62+ or disabled, income under $49,000 |
| Disabled Veteran | Up to $28,045 off assessed value (adjusted annually) | Veterans with 40%+ disability |
| Senior Disabled Exemption | Varies by income | 65+ or disabled, income limits apply |
Appeal
- BOPTA: File by December 31 for the current tax year
- Oregon Tax Court (Magistrate Division): Appeal within 30 days of BOPTA order
- Regular Division Tax Court: Further appeal
Check your Oregon assessment with our free property tax analyzer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about property taxes in oregon: rates, exemptions, and how they work (2026)?
Oregon property taxes are governed by Measures 5 and 50. Measure 5 caps tax rates at $5 per $1,000 for education and $10 per $1,000 for general government. Measure 50 froze assessed values at 1995-96 levels with a 3% annual growth cap, creating a significant gap between assessed and real market value for most properties.
How do they compare in terms of assessed value vs real market value?
Oregon has two values for every property:
What should I know about measure 5 rate limits?
If your total rate exceeds these limits (which it often does based on assessed value calculations), the county compresses rates to fit within the limits when calculated against real market value.
What should I know about appeal?
Check your Oregon assessment with our free property tax analyzer.