Cambria Property Tax rates for 2026 rose to a 6.75‑mill levy after the county budget vote, affecting every homeowner’s bill per $1,000 assessed value. The Cambria County Assessment Office (200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931, phone (814) 472‑1451) posts the latest Cambria PA property tax calculator and assessment appeal forms on its website, letting owners instantly estimate dues and start a property tax assessment appeal. Seniors can claim the Pennsylvania homestead exemption and veterans may qualify for a separate exemption, both cutting the amount due before the Cambria property tax payment deadline in late May. If payment is missed, the county follows standard property tax delinquency procedures, eventually listing the lien for sale on the scheduled foreclosure calendar.
Cambria Property Tax history trends show steady growth, with local school district tax rates and the Cambria township tax levy contributing to the overall bill. Residents often use mortgage escrow accounts to cover the tax escrow portion, while eligible borrowers may receive a property tax refund after a successful appeal or exemption claim. Real estate tax records in Cambria are searchable via the County Recorder of Deeds portal (phone (814) 472‑1473, email mkimla@co.cambria.pa.us) for deed history, lien status, and tax lien sale schedule. For immediate assistance, contact the Cambria tax collector at 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931, phone (814) 472‑5440.
Search Cambria County Property Tax
Cambria County property tax records sit on the county’s official website and the Pennsylvania state portals. Start your search at the Cambria County Assessment Office page to see assessed values, mill rates, and appeal forms. Homeowners can look up bills, print receipts, and check the current year millage in just a few clicks.
- Open your browser and go to the official Cambria County website at https://www.cambriacountypa.gov/
- Click the “Tax Assessment” or “Departments” link on the main menu to find property search tools.
- Type the property owner’s last name, the parcel number, or the street address.
- Press “Search” and open the result that matches your home or land.
- Read the assessed value, school code, and township line on the record page.
- Download the most recent tax bill PDF to check the amount due and discount window.
If the county site is offline, try the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Municipal Statistics page, which lists EIT, PIT, and LST rates by jurisdiction. The search tool also shows collector names and contact details for every Cambria municipality.
Cambria County Mill Rates and Budget Update
Cambria County commissioners approved the 2026 budget with a 6.75-mill property tax increase after a 2-to-1 vote in December 2026. The new general-purpose rate sits at 30 mills, the highest level the county has set in many years. The added revenue funds court operations, county services, and infrastructure work across county municipalities.
- General-purpose county millage: 30 mills for 2026
- Increase from prior year: 6.75 mills
- Voting record: 2 commissioners in favor, 1 against
- Court approval: Granted by Cambria County President Judge Linda Fleming
The 2026 mill rates cover both the county portion and the local municipal levies in one document. The full breakdown PDF is available on the county website as the 2026 Mill Rates file. Each row shows the millage by township, borough, and city within the county.
How Property Tax Assessment Works in Cambria County
Property tax assessment in Cambria County follows Pennsylvania’s standard assessment framework. The county assigns a base-year value to every parcel, then updates that value when a property sells or when a physical change occurs. The assessment office records each sale, verifies the price, and adjusts the record so similar homes carry similar values.
- Trigger events: Sale, new construction, demolition, subdivision, or appeal
- Review cycle: Annual mailing of change-of-value notices
- Records storage: Electronic files at the Cambria County Assessment Office
Tax bills use the assessed value, not the market value, as the starting point. The county multiplies that figure by the combined mill rate for the township, school district, and county. Any appeal can lower the assessed value and lower the final bill for the year and the years that follow.
Property Tax Bill Calculation Per $1,000 of Assessed Value
Cambria County property tax bills use a simple math formula. One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. A home with a $50,000 assessed value in a 30-mill county district pays $1,500 in county tax alone. Add the school district millage and the township levy, and the final bill can climb well above that figure.
| Component | Example Millage (Illustrative) | Tax on $50,000 Assessed Value |
|---|---|---|
| County General Purpose | 30.00 mills | $1,500.00 |
| School District (Illustrative Average) | Varies by district | Varies |
| Township or Borough Levy | Varies by municipality | Varies |
| Total Combined | Sum of all three | Sum of all three |
Multiply the assessed value by the millage, then divide by 1,000 to get the dollar amount. The county and school district millage drive most of the cost, while the township portion covers local services like road repair and snow plowing. Refer to the official 2026 Mill Rates PDF on the Cambria County website for exact rates by jurisdiction.
Cambria County Township and Municipal Tax Levies
Each Cambria township, borough, and city sets its own millage in addition to the county line item. Northern Cambria borough carries an 11.50% effective property tax rate, and Nicktown borough sits at 9.25%, based on 2026 data from public sources. The combined rate reflects both the local vote and the school district share.
- Northern Cambria: 11.50% combined rate
- Nicktown: 9.25% combined rate
- Johnstown: City rate varies by neighborhood and ward
- Ebensburg: Borough rate applies to all parcels inside town limits
Township and borough tax levies fund police, fire, parks, and street lighting. The county publishes the full list of 2026 mill rates as a PDF, broken down by jurisdiction. Check the line for your own address on the official 2026 Mill Rates document to see your exact millage.
Local School District Property Tax Rates
School district millage often makes up the largest part of a Cambria County property tax bill. The Central Cambria, Greater Johnstown, Bishop Carroll, and Westmont Hilltop districts all set their own rates each June. Voters in each district approve the budget that drives those millage numbers.
- Central Cambria School District: Refer to the official 2026 Mill Rates PDF for current rate
- Greater Johnstown School District: Refer to the official 2026 Mill Rates PDF for current rate
- Bishop Carroll Catholic School System: Separate parish-based rate; contact the district directly
- Westmont Hilltop School District: Refer to the official 2026 Mill Rates PDF for current rate
School millage funds teacher pay, building maintenance, bus service, and special education programs. The school district line shows up on the tax bill as a separate agency from the county and the township. Owners who own rental property pass this cost to tenants through lease terms in most cases.
Cambria Property Tax Payment Deadlines and Discount Schedule
Cambria County and Cambria Township mail tax bills in late February each year. The 2026 Cambria County and Cambria Township tax bills, as well as the Cambria Township Per Capita bills, were mailed out February 28. Bills follow a three-tier schedule that rewards early payment and penalizes late payment.
| Period | Status | Amount Owed |
|---|---|---|
| March 1 – April 30 | Discount period | Bill minus 2% discount |
| May 1 – June 30 | Face period | Full bill amount |
| July 1 – December 15 | Penalty period | Bill plus 10% penalty |
Paying in March or April saves 2% on the total county and township bill. Paying late in July or later adds 10% on top of the face amount. The Cambria County Tax Claim Bureau handles bills that go unpaid past the December 15 cutoff.
Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors and Homestead
Senior homeowners in Cambria County can claim the Pennsylvania homestead exclusion and the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. The homestead exclusion reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by a set amount each year, which lowers the tax bill automatically. The rebate program sends a check to qualifying seniors based on income.
- Age requirement: 65 or older (rebate program), any age (homestead exclusion)
- Income cap for rebate: Set each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
- Homestead savings: Reduces taxable assessed value of primary home
- Filing method: Application with the county assessment office
Apply for the homestead exclusion at the Cambria County Assessment Office or through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue online portal. File the Property Tax/Rent Rebate form separately, and the Shapiro Administration extended the 2026 filing deadline to December 31, 2026, giving more time to submit paperwork.
Veterans Property Tax Exemption Eligibility
Honorably discharged veterans who meet service-related criteria can claim a property tax exemption in Pennsylvania. The exemption amount depends on the disability rating, with 100% service-connected disability opening the door to the largest reduction. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans can also keep the exemption in many cases.
- Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran with service-connected disability
- 100% disability rating: Full exemption from county property tax on primary home
- Partial disability: Reduced exemption amount based on rating percentage
- Surviving spouse: Continues to receive the exemption after the veteran passes
Submit a copy of the VA disability letter, the DD-214 discharge form, and the property deed to the Cambria County Assessment Office. The office reviews the paperwork and applies the exemption to the next tax bill cycle. The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs can also help with the application process.
Property Tax Appeal Process and Required Forms
Cambria County property owners who think their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal. The Cambria County Assessment Appeal Application is available as a PDF on the county website, and the form was last updated on June 16, 2026. The statewide appeal deadline for 2026 falls on August 1, so file before the end of July to stay inside the window.
- Download the appeal form from the Cambria County website or pick one up in person.
- Fill in the parcel number, owner name, and mailing address on page one.
- State the reason for the appeal on page two, such as unequal assessment or market value error.
- Attach supporting evidence, including recent sale prices of nearby homes or a private appraisal.
- Sign the form, attach the filing fee receipt, and submit it to the Assessment Office.
- Wait for a hearing notice from the Board of Assessment Appeals.
Bring three to five comparable sales from the same neighborhood to the hearing. The board reviews the evidence, asks questions, and issues a written decision. A successful appeal can lower the bill for the current year and reduce future assessments by adjusting the base-year value.
Property Tax Delinquency, Liens, and Foreclosure
Unpaid Cambria County property taxes trigger a formal delinquency process. The county mails reminder notices, adds penalty interest, and files a lien against the property at the Recorder of Deeds Office. After extended non-payment, the Tax Claim Bureau schedules the lien for an upset sale or judicial sale on the public auction calendar.
- After deadline: 10% penalty added to the bill
- Extended non-payment: Lien recorded at the Recorder of Deeds Office
- Continued delinquency: Property listed for upset sale auction
- Court action: Court can order a judicial sale and foreclosure
Property owners can stop the sale by paying the full amount, including penalties and legal fees, before the auction date. Pennsylvania also allows an installment agreement for owners who cannot pay the full balance at once. Contact the Cambria County Tax Claim Bureau at 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931 to set up a payment plan.
Property Tax Refund and Rebate Programs
Cambria homeowners can claim a property tax refund through three state programs. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program issues a check to seniors and people with disabilities. The homestead exclusion lowers the taxable assessed value. The Property Tax Deferment program lets seniors delay payment until the home sells.
| Program | Benefit Type | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax/Rent Rebate | Annual check from state | Age 65+ or disability, income limit |
| Homestead Exclusion | Lower assessed value | Primary residence, any age |
| Property Tax Deferment | Delayed payment | Age 65+ or widow/widower, 50% stake |
File the Property Tax/Rent Rebate form at pa.gov/ptrr or by mail using the PA-1000 booklet. The 2026 filing deadline is December 31, and rebates will be distributed starting July 1 under state law. Apply for the homestead exclusion with the Cambria County Assessment Office once when you buy a home.
Mortgage Escrow and Property Tax Payment Options
Many Cambria homeowners pay property tax through a mortgage escrow account. The lender collects a portion of the tax each month with the mortgage payment, holds the funds, and pays the tax bill when it comes due. Owners without escrow pay the bill directly to the county tax collector.
- Escrow account: Lender holds tax money and pays the bill on the due date
- Direct payment: Owner pays the tax collector by mail, online, or in person
- Online payment: Available through the county’s tax collection portal
- Mail payment: Send a check or money order to the tax collector’s PO box
Review the escrow statement each year to make sure the lender has enough funds to cover the new bill. A higher millage in 2026 may trigger an escrow shortage, which the lender can spread over the next 12 months. Owners who pay directly can set up a savings account and put aside 1/12 of the bill each month.
Real Estate Tax Records and Recorder of Deeds Search
Cambria County real estate tax records sit at the Recorder of Deeds Office in Ebensburg. The office holds deeds, mortgages, liens, and tax sale documents for every parcel in the county. Search the records online at the self-service portal or visit the office in person during business hours.
- Recorder of Deeds Office: 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931
- Search portal: https://cambriacountypa-web.tylerhost.net/web/
Type a name or parcel number in the search box, pay the per-page fee with a credit card, and print the documents you need. The portal shows the full chain of title, including prior owners, sale prices, and mortgage history. Use these records to check for unpaid liens before buying a home at a tax sale auction.
Cambria Property Tax History and Rate Trends
Cambria County property tax history shows increases over the past several years. The 2026 millage of 30 mills is the highest level set by the county in years, and the 6.75-mill jump is the largest single-year rise in recent memory. The push reflects higher court costs, public safety spending, and debt service on county buildings.
- 2026: County millage of 30 mills after the December 2026 vote
- 2026: Refer to the official 2026 Mill Rates PDF for prior year comparison
School district millage has also climbed in many districts over recent years. The combined effect means the average Cambria homeowner pays more in property tax now than five years ago. Tracking these trends helps owners plan for future bills and decide when to file an appeal.
Solar Panels and Property Tax Deductions
Pennsylvania does not offer a statewide property tax deduction for solar panel installation. Some local school districts and municipalities in Cambria County may approve a temporary abatement, but the program varies by jurisdiction. Owners who add solar should contact the Cambria County Assessment Office to ask about any local abatement that applies to their address.
- State deduction: No statewide solar property tax break at this time
- Local abatement: Check with the township or borough office
- Federal credit: Apply for the residential clean energy credit on IRS Form 5695
- Assessed value: Solar panels can raise the assessed value of the home
Keep receipts, contracts, and system specifications in a safe place. The assessment office may ask for this paperwork if it revalues the home after a solar install. A real estate agent can also help estimate the impact on a future sale price.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
Cambria County property owners can reach the tax assessment and deed recording offices at the address below. The Cambria County Assessment Office handles all property value questions, tax bills, and exemption applications. The Cambria County Recorder of Deeds Office handles deed recordings, mortgage filings, and lien searches. Contact details may change; visit the official county website for the most current information.
Cambria County Assessment Office
- Official Website: https://www.cambriacountypa.gov/
- Phone: (814) 472-5440
- Physical Address: 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931
- Mailing Address: 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931
Cambria County Recorder of Deeds Office
- Official Website: https://www.cambriacountypa.gov/
- Search Portal: https://cambriacountypa-web.tylerhost.net/web/
- Phone: (814) 472-5440
- Physical Address: 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931
- Mailing Address: 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931
Frequently Asked Questions
Cambria Property Tax services handle assessment, billing, exemptions, and collection for homeowners and businesses in Cambria County, PA. Knowing where to find rates, how to calculate dues, and how to appeal an assessment can save money and avoid penalties. The county office offers online portals, phone support, and in‑person help to resolve common tax issues quickly.
What are the current Cambria County tax rates and where can I view them?
The 2026 millage rate sits at 30 mills for general purposes, plus additional rates for schools and townships. Rates appear on the Cambria County Assessment Office website and in the “2026 Mill Rates” PDF linked on the official site. Homeowners can compare their local school district rate by checking the “Municipal Statistics” portal, which lists each district’s millage per $1,000 of assessed value.
How do I use a Cambria PA property tax calculator to estimate my bill?
Visit the county’s Assessment page, then select the “Property Tax Calculator” link. Enter the latest assessed value (found on your assessment notice) and the applicable mill rates for county, school, and township. The tool multiplies the total millage by the assessed value and divides by 1,000, delivering an estimated annual payment. Use this estimate to budget or verify the amount shown on your tax bill.
When must I pay my Cambria property tax and what penalties apply for late payment?
Payments are due in two installments. A 2 % discount applies for payments made between March 1 and April 30. The full amount is required by May 1, with a 10 % penalty added for any payment after June 30. Late fees increase to 15 % after July 31. Pay online, by mail, or at the Tax Collector’s office at 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA. Set reminders before each deadline to avoid extra charges.
How can seniors apply for Cambria property tax exemptions?
Seniors age 65 + may qualify for the Homestead Exemption and the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate. To claim, complete the exemption form available on the Assessment Office site and submit it with proof of age and residence before the March 31 deadline. The rebate application is filed through the state’s PTRR portal. Approved seniors see a reduced taxable amount on their next bill, often lowering it by several hundred dollars.
What steps should I follow to appeal an assessment in Cambria County?
First, review your assessment notice for errors in property description or value. Then download the “Cambria County Assessment Appeal Application” PDF from the county website. Fill out the form, attach supporting evidence such as recent sales data or independent appraisals, and mail it to the Assessment Office at 200 South Center Street, Ebensburg, PA. Appeals must reach the office by August 1. After filing, attend the Board of Assessment Appeals hearing for a final decision.