Tompkins County, NY Property Taxes (2026)
Tompkins County owners pay a median of $6,374 a year on a median home value of $271,500, an effective rate of 2.35%. That's the 19th-highest rate of 62 New York counties with Census data, above the New York county median of 2.18%.
Updated October 2026 · Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019–2023)
Is your Tompkins appraisal too high?
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Effective tax rate
2.35%
19th highest of 62 in NY
Median annual bill
$6,374
~$531/month
Median home value
$271,500
New York county median
2.18%
Effective rate
What a protest could save you in Tompkins County
Enter the market value from your appraisal notice. We apply Tompkins County's 2.35% effective rate and a 10–15% reduction, the typical range for successful protests.
- Est. annual tax
- $6,380
- Savings at 10–15% off
- $638–$957
Tompkins County vs. New York vs. U.S. property tax rates
Key stat: Tompkins County's effective property tax rate is 2.35%, vs. 2.18% for the median New York county and 0.84% for the median U.S. county. It ranks 19th of 62 in New York. Effective rate = median tax bill ÷ median home value, so it already reflects typical exemptions. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019–2023))
How to grievance your property taxes in Tompkins County
- 1
Review your assessment notice
Check the assessed value from the Tompkins County or Town Assessor. Compare it to recent sales of similar homes nearby.
- 2
File your grievance before the deadline
The Tompkins County deadline is Varies by municipality. Missing it means waiting until the next assessment year.
- 3
Gather evidence
Recent comparable sales, photos of condition issues, repair estimates or an independent appraisal.
- 4
Present your case
Submit evidence or attend a hearing with the County or Town Assessor.
- 5
Get your decision
If you win, your assessed value and bill go down. On a $6,374 bill, 10–15% off is $637–$956 a year.
Property tax exemptions in New York
New York homeowners may qualify for exemptions that reduce taxable value. Check with the Tompkins County or Town Assessor for amounts.
Homestead exemption
For your primary residence. Reduces the value used to calculate your bill.
Senior / over-65
Many states add an exemption or freeze for owners 65 and older.
Disability
For homeowners with qualifying disabilities, often similar to the over-65 benefit.
Veterans
Disabled veterans may get partial or full exemptions depending on rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the property tax rate in Tompkins County, New York?
How much are property taxes in Tompkins County?
What is the deadline to grievance property taxes in Tompkins County?
Is Tompkins County a high property tax area?
Can TaxDrop help lower my Tompkins County property taxes?
Property taxes in nearby counties
Tioga County
Rate: 2.45%
Median bill: $3,750
Cortland County
Rate: 2.65%
Median bill: $4,184
Schuyler County
Rate: 1.94%
Median bill: $3,165
Chemung County
Rate: 2.52%
Median bill: $3,332
Seneca County
Rate: 2.29%
Median bill: $3,267
Yates County
Rate: 1.92%
Median bill: $3,417
Broome County
Rate: 2.64%
Median bill: $3,824
Cayuga County
Rate: 2.28%
Median bill: $3,747
Stop overpaying on property taxes
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