June 30, 2026
By Josh McKnight | The McKnight Team
The Central Bucks School Board approved a new budget, and taxes are going up again. The board passed a $440.9 million spending plan that raises taxes 5.7 percent for the coming school year. For the typical homeowner, that means about $334 more. This is the sixth year in a row taxes have climbed in the district. If you own a home in Doylestown or anywhere in Central Bucks, here is what the increase means for you.
What the Central Bucks Tax Increase Looks Like
The new budget needed state approval to go above the normal cap, and the district pointed to special education costs as the reason. Taxes on the average Central Bucks home have gone up a total of $1,231 over the past six years. That is real money stacked on top of everything else owners are paying.
The board did trim some costs. It cut several administrative jobs, including a district-wide athletic director, which saves about $850,000. Even so, the district is projecting a deficit, and board members have framed the hikes as catching up after years without increases.
One thing to keep in perspective. Central Bucks still has a lower property tax rate than most other public school districts in Bucks County. So while the increase stings, owners here are not paying the highest rates around.
How Taxes Affect Home Values in Doylestown and Central Bucks
Buyers look at the full cost of owning a home, not just the price. Property taxes are part of that math. When taxes rise, the monthly cost of owning goes up, even if the home price stays flat.
So far, higher taxes have not cooled demand here. The median sale price in Bucks County was $538,385 in May 2026, up 7.5 percent from a year earlier, according to Redfin. Homes in and around Doylestown still sell quickly. People want to live in Central Bucks, and they are willing to pay for it. Doylestown sits at the center of the district, and nearby Chalfont is part of Central Bucks too.
Here is what sellers should know. Tax history is public, and buyers will see it. If your taxes have climbed, be ready to talk about the value behind them, like the schools, the location, and the walkable towns. A good agent frames the full picture so a rising tax line does not scare a buyer off.
What This Means for You
If you own in Doylestown or elsewhere in Central Bucks, budget for the higher bill. An extra $334 this year may not break you, but six straight years of increases add up. Knowing your numbers helps you plan, whether you stay or sell. You can explore current homes and local detail on our Doylestown community page.
If you are buying in Central Bucks, ask about taxes early. Two similar homes can carry different tax bills, and that gap changes your monthly payment. Build the tax number into your budget before you fall for a house.
Thinking about buying or selling in Doylestown? Let’s talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Central Bucks School District taxes going up?
The Central Bucks School Board approved a 5.7 percent tax increase as part of a $440.9 million budget for the coming school year. The typical homeowner will pay about $334 more. This marks the sixth straight year of increases in the district.
Why are Central Bucks taxes increasing again?
The district cited special education costs as the main reason and needed state approval to exceed its normal cap. Taxes on the average Central Bucks home have risen $1,231 over the past six years. The board has described the increases as catching up after years without hikes.
Are property taxes high in Doylestown and Central Bucks?
Even after the latest increase, Central Bucks still has a lower property tax rate than most other public school districts in Bucks County. Taxes have climbed, but owners here are not paying the highest rates in the area. The strong housing market suggests buyers still see good value.
Do higher school taxes lower home values in Central Bucks?
Not so far. The median sale price in Bucks County was $538,385 in May 2026, up 7.5 percent year over year, per Redfin. Demand in and around Doylestown remains strong, which shows buyers are willing to pay for homes in Central Bucks.
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