Pittsburgh's property tax rate and what it means for your bill
Pittsburgh's property tax rate is set each year by the city and applies to the assessed value of your home or building. For 2024, the rate is 1.5798% of your property's assessed value — meaning if your home is assessed at $100,000, you owe roughly $1,580 in city property tax for the year. The rate changes annually because the city council votes on it as part of the budget process, usually in late spring or early summer.
Your actual tax bill depends on two things: the rate itself and what the city assessor says your property is worth. A higher rate or a higher assessment both increase what you pay. Pittsburgh also allows homeowners to claim a homestead exemption, which reduces the assessed value used to calculate tax — but you must file for it, and it does not happen automatically.
The tax is separate from school district property tax, which is also levied on Pittsburgh properties and has its own rate. Many people receive one combined bill that shows both, but they are calculated independently and go to different places.
Key Takeaways
- Pittsburgh's property tax rate for 2024 is 1.5798% of your assessed property value, and the city council sets a new rate each budget year.
- Your bill amount depends on both the tax rate and what the assessor values your property at, so a higher assessment increases your tax even if the rate stays the same.
- Homeowners can file for a homestead exemption to reduce the assessed value used for tax calculation, but the exemption must be requested and renewed.
- School district property tax is calculated separately from city tax and appears on the same bill but funds a different entity.
- You can appeal your property assessment if you believe the value is too high, and the appeal process starts with the Board of Assessment Appeals.
How the city sets the property tax rate each year
The Pittsburgh city council votes on the property tax rate as part of the annual budget adoption, typically between May and July. The mayor's office proposes a budget that includes a recommended rate, and council members debate and vote on it. The rate that passes becomes law and applies to all properties in the city for the following fiscal year.
The rate does not change mid-year, so once it is set, your tax bill for that year is based on that fixed percentage. However, your assessed value can be updated, which would change your bill even if the rate stays the same. The city reassesses properties on a rolling basis, not all at once.
What your assessed value is and how it affects your bill
Your assessed value is what the city assessor estimates your property is worth for tax purposes. It is usually lower than the market value — what you could actually sell the house for. The assessor uses sales data from comparable homes in your neighborhood, the condition of your building, lot size, and other factors to arrive at this number.
The city reassesses properties periodically, not every year. When your property is reassessed, the new value may be higher or lower than the previous one. If it goes up significantly, your tax bill will rise even if the tax rate does not change. You receive a notice when your assessment changes, and you have the right to challenge it.
Assessed values in Pittsburgh vary widely by neighborhood and property type. A row house in Lawrenceville may be assessed at a different value per square foot than a similar house in Shadyside, depending on market conditions and recent sales in each area.
The homestead exemption and how to claim it
Pennsylvania law allows homeowners to claim a homestead exemption, which reduces the assessed value of your primary residence. The exemption amount changes each year — for 2024, it is $15,000. This means if your home is assessed at $150,000, the exemption reduces the taxable value to $135,000, lowering your bill.
To claim the exemption, you must file a form with the city assessor's office. You can do this online through the city's website or by mail. You need to prove you own the property and that it is your primary residence — typically a deed and proof of residency such as a utility bill or driver's license. The exemption does not renew automatically; you may need to recertify it periodically, depending on city policy.
If you have not claimed the exemption and own your home, filing for it can reduce your bill immediately. The exemption applies only to city property tax, not to school district tax.
How to challenge your property assessment
If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can file an appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals. The process starts by submitting a written appeal within a set timeframe after you receive your assessment notice — usually 30 days. You must include the reason you think the assessment is wrong, such as recent damage to the property, comparable sales in your area, or an error in the assessor's data.
The board will review your appeal and may request additional information or schedule a hearing. You can present evidence such as recent appraisals, photos of the property, or sales prices of similar homes nearby. If the board agrees your assessment is too high, they will lower it, which reduces your tax bill going forward.
Many people hire a property tax consultant or attorney to handle the appeal, though you can file on your own. The cost of hiring help must be weighed against the potential savings — if your assessment is reduced by $20,000 and the tax rate is 1.5798%, you save roughly $316 per year.
School district tax versus city tax on your bill
Pittsburgh properties are subject to both city property tax and school district property tax. The school district (Pittsburgh Public Schools) sets its own rate independently of the city. Your bill typically shows both amounts separately, though they may arrive on one statement.
The school district rate is usually higher than the city rate. For example, if the city rate is 1.5798% and the school rate is 2.1%, your total property tax burden is the sum of both. Both are calculated on the same assessed value, so a higher assessment affects both bills.
If you appeal your assessment, the lower value applies to both city and school tax, so the savings include both portions of your bill.
Where your property tax money goes
City property tax revenue funds Pittsburgh's general operations: police and fire departments, public works, parks, libraries, and city administration. School district property tax funds the Pittsburgh Public Schools system, including teacher salaries, building maintenance, and student programs.
The city publishes its annual budget showing how tax revenue is spent. You can view this on the city's website if you want to see the breakdown of where your tax dollars go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between assessed value and market value?
Assessed value is what the city estimates your property is worth for tax purposes, usually lower than market value. Market value is what you could actually sell the house for. The assessor uses comparable sales and property characteristics to set assessed value; it does not change as often as market prices do.
Can I get my property tax reduced if I am retired or disabled?
Pennsylvania offers property tax relief programs for seniors and people with disabilities, but these are state programs, not city programs. You must meet income and age or disability requirements. Information is available through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or your county assessor's office.
When do I receive my property tax bill?
Pittsburgh typically sends property tax bills in the spring for the fiscal year. The exact date varies. Your bill will show the due date and any discount for early payment. Check your city tax account online or contact the city treasurer's office if you do not receive a bill by the expected time.
What happens if I do not pay my property tax?
Unpaid property tax accrues penalties and interest. The city can place a lien on your property, and if taxes remain unpaid long enough, the property can be sold at a tax sale. Contact the city treasurer's office immediately if you cannot pay to discuss payment plans or hardship options.
Does the homestead exemption apply to rental properties?
No. The homestead exemption is only for owner-occupied primary residences. Rental properties and investment properties do not may have access to. The exemption requires that you live in the home as your main address.