McKean County, PA Property Tax: $1,615/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in McKean County is 1.64% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $98,700, that works out to about $1,619 per year, or $135 per month. McKean County is located in northern Pennsylvania, with Smethport as its county seat, and is home to approximately 40,149 residents.
About McKean County
McKean County covers approximately 979.7 square miles in Pennsylvania. The county is home to about 40,149 residents living in roughly 19,493 housing units, of which 65.4% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $61,705, and the median home was built in 1952.
The county seat is Smethport. McKean County borders Allegany County, Cattaraugus County, Cameron County, Elk County, Potter County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Pennsylvania offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the McKean County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
McKean County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| McKean County, PA | 1.64% | $98,700 | $1,619 |
| Pennsylvania state average | 1.32% | — | $1,303* |
| Allegany County | 2.94% | $97,900 | $2,881 |
| Cattaraugus County | 2.69% | $109,400 | $2,946 |
| Cameron County | 1.67% | $88,200 | $1,470 |
| Elk County | 1.31% | $128,600 | $1,686 |
| Potter County | 1.28% | $146,200 | $1,868 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at McKean County's median home value of $98,700. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does McKean County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Pennsylvania?
At 1.64%, McKean County is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 1.32%. On a home at the county median of $98,700, that means about $1,619 per year — versus $1,303 at the state average rate, a difference of $316 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, McKean County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in McKean County?
For a home at the county median value of $98,700, the annual property tax in McKean County is approximately $1,619 — or about $135 per month. For a home worth $148,050, expect around $2,428 per year. For a $197,400 home, approximately $3,237 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a McKean County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in McKean County are handled by the McKean County Assessor's office in Smethport. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in McKean County?
Pennsylvania counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.64% shown here. Contact the McKean County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File