Columbia County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Columbia County is 1.11%, which is significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Washington state median of 0.88%. With the median home value in Columbia County, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $1,310, which is below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Columbia County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Columbia County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Dayton or another part of Columbia County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Columbia County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.88%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,760
Ownwell’s Columbia Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Columbia with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Columbia to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Columbia County, Washington
Property taxes in Columbia County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Columbia County is 1.11%, which is higher than both the Washington state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Columbia County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Columbia County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares Columbia County's effective property tax rate with other counties in Washington and the national median. For comparison, the city of Waitsburg has one of the higher property tax rates in Washington at 1.34%, while the city of Starbuck boasts one of the lowest at 0.78%. Analyzing how Columbia County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Columbia County Tax Rate
1.11%
Average Washington Tax Rate
0.88%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Columbia County, Washington
Understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes in Columbia County, WA. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Columbia County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. Assessment notices in Columbia County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. For example, Waitsburg has the highest median tax bill at $3,371, while Starbuck has the lowest at $228. Being aware of these valuation processes in Columbia County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Columbia County, Washington
Source: Ownwell
$29,450
$144,425
$259,400
Average Columbia County Assessed Value
$131,885
Average Washington Assessed Value
$482,000
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Columbia County, Washington
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton | $9,554 | $53,185 | $139,700 | $217,270 | $301,116 |
| Pomeroy | $57,140 | $124,300 | $259,400 | $303,450 | $335,172 |
| Prescott | $43,860 | $112,460 | $215,645 | $307,948 | $366,600 |
| Starbuck | $1,100 | $10,550 | $29,450 | $71,600 | $139,384 |
| Turner | $1,079 | $1,560 | $2,565 | $2,925 | $4,544 |
| Waitsburg | $3,785 | $177,638 | $252,305 | $347,088 | $437,111 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Columbia County, Washington
In Columbia County, WA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is determined by the county assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. The median home price in Columbia County is $131,885, and the property tax rate is applied to this value to estimate the tax bill. Several factors influence the final tax bill, including the property's location within the county and any applicable exemptions or deductions. For instance, homeowners in Waitsburg face the highest median tax bill at $3,371, while those in Starbuck enjoy the lowest at $228. The tax bill can vary significantly, with the 25th percentile at $379 and the 75th percentile at $2,400, highlighting the range of property values and tax liabilities within the county. These property taxes play a crucial role in funding local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure, directly impacting the quality of life for homeowners in Columbia County.
Average Columbia County Tax Bill
$1,310
Average Washington Tax Bill
$4,284
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690