Utah Property Taxes: What You Need to Know About Rates, Rules, and Savings

When you buy property in Utah property taxes, the annual fee homeowners pay to local governments based on their property’s assessed value. Also known as real estate taxes, they fund schools, roads, and emergency services across the state. Unlike states with high property tax bills, Utah keeps these costs low—averaging just 0.58% of home value, one of the lowest rates in the country. That doesn’t mean you can ignore them. How much you pay depends on your county, the type of property, and whether you qualify for exemptions.

Property tax rates in Utah, the percentage of your home’s assessed value that gets taxed. Also known as mill rates, they’re set by each county’s board of equalization—not the state. Salt Lake County might charge 0.6%, while Utah County could be at 0.55%. Property tax exemption Utah, programs that reduce or eliminate taxes for certain homeowners. Also known as homestead exemptions, these apply to primary residences, seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals. For example, if you’re over 65 and meet income limits, you could get up to $1,000 off your tax bill. But you have to apply. It doesn’t happen automatically. If you own a rental or commercial building, those exemptions don’t apply. Your tax bill will be higher, and the assessment process is stricter. The state assesses property every year, but increases are capped at 3% unless you make major improvements. That’s a big deal if you bought in 2020 and your neighbor just added a garage in 2024—your taxes won’t jump the same way.

Many people assume Utah’s low taxes mean no surprises. But that’s not true. If you’re new to the state, you might get a notice saying your property was reassessed at a higher value. That’s normal after a market spike. Or you might get a bill for back taxes because the previous owner didn’t pay. Always check the county assessor’s website before closing. Look up the parcel number. See the last three years of taxes. Ask if there are any special assessments for water, sewer, or fire districts—those show up separately on your bill.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to Utah property taxes. A $300,000 home in Ogden might cost $1,740 a year. The same home in Park City could be $2,400 because of higher school district funding. A 5-acre rural lot might pay under $200. A commercial warehouse? That’s a whole different calculation based on square footage and income potential. The key is knowing what you’re paying for—and how to legally lower it.

Below, you’ll find real-world examples of how Utah property taxes affect buyers, renters, and investors. Some posts break down how to appeal a tax assessment. Others show which counties have the lowest bills. A few even explain how to use tax records to spot undervalued properties before they hit the market. Whether you’re moving to Utah, buying your first home, or adding to your portfolio, these articles give you the facts—not the fluff.