Jefferson County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Jefferson County is 0.82%, which is lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Washington state median of 0.88%. With a median home value of $406,419, the typical annual property tax bill in Jefferson County is $3,190, surpassing the national median of $2,690. Property taxes here are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions, such as the primary residence exemption. Understanding Jefferson 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 Port Townsend or another part of Jefferson County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Jefferson County with just two key data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies the median tax rate in Jefferson County to provide an accurate estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities, ensuring you are well-prepared for financial planning. For more localized information and trends at the city level, scroll down to access detailed pages. Remember, your property’s assessed value is determined by the county and includes any exemptions you may qualify for, making it crucial for accurate tax calculations.
Property Tax Rates Across Jefferson County, Washington
Property taxes in Jefferson County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Jefferson County is 0.82%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Jefferson County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Jefferson 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 Jefferson County's effective property tax rate with other areas in Washington and the national median. For comparison, the city of Port Townsend has one of the higher property tax rates in Washington at 0.85%, while the city of Nordland boasts one of the lowest at 0.76%. Analyzing how Jefferson County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Jefferson County Tax Rate
0.82%
Average Washington Tax Rate
0.88%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Jefferson County, Washington
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brinnon | 0.77% | 0.78% | 0.79% | 0.83% | 0.89% |
| Chimacum | 0.75% | 0.76% | 0.77% | 0.79% | 0.81% |
| Forks | 0.73% | 0.80% | 0.84% | 0.89% | 0.98% |
| Nordland | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.76% | 0.77% | 0.78% |
| Port Hadlock | 0.75% | 0.76% | 0.77% | 0.79% | 0.84% |
| Port Ludlow | 0.76% | 0.77% | 0.77% | 0.78% | 0.79% |
| Port Townsend | 0.78% | 0.83% | 0.85% | 0.85% | 0.86% |
| Quilcene | 0.78% | 0.79% | 0.80% | 0.82% | 0.85% |
| Sequim | 0.81% | 0.81% | 0.82% | 0.85% | 0.88% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Jefferson County, Washington
In Jefferson County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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. In Jefferson County, Nordland has the highest median tax bill at $4,040, while Forks has the lowest at $480. Being aware of these valuation processes in Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, Washington
Source: Ownwell
$67,956
$305,205
$542,454
Average Jefferson County Assessed Value
$406,419
Average Washington Assessed Value
$482,000
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Jefferson County, Washington
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brinnon | $55,399 | $97,359 | $200,836 | $355,632 | $534,275 |
| Chimacum | $80,377 | $162,078 | $271,309 | $397,682 | $540,328 |
| Forks | $18,153 | $30,689 | $67,956 | $125,931 | $252,629 |
| Nordland | $230,849 | $355,950 | $542,454 | $799,660 | $1,074,839 |
| Port Hadlock | $51,805 | $144,568 | $251,118 | $354,627 | $574,130 |
| Port Ludlow | $271,072 | $393,360 | $521,958 | $668,327 | $870,818 |
| Port Townsend | $222,159 | $327,224 | $455,734 | $617,870 | $801,229 |
| Quilcene | $87,075 | $161,055 | $278,292 | $449,205 | $648,415 |
| Sequim | $125,795 | $220,808 | $385,285 | $649,234 | $837,260 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Jefferson County, Washington
In Jefferson County, WA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a property and the local tax rate. The median home price in the county is $406,419, which serves as a basis for determining the assessed value. The local tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to calculate the annual property tax bill. Factors such as property location, improvements, and exemptions can influence the final tax amount. For instance, the median property tax bill in Jefferson County ranges from $1,718 at the 25th percentile to $6,306 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the variability based on property value and other considerations. Homeowners in the city of Nordland face the highest median tax bill at $4,040, while those in Forks experience the lowest at $480. These property taxes fund essential public services, impacting the overall cost of homeownership. The county's median tax rate is slightly above the national median of 0.99%, reflecting regional economic conditions and public service needs.
Average Jefferson County Tax Bill
$3,190
Average Washington Tax Bill
$4,284
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Jefferson County, Washington
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brinnon | $411 | $690 | $1,508 | $2,687 | $4,072 |
| Chimacum | $414 | $1,174 | $2,032 | $2,981 | $4,111 |
| Forks | $149 | $261 | $480 | $992 | $2,088 |
| Nordland | $1,473 | $2,541 | $4,040 | $5,974 | $8,089 |
| Port Hadlock | $256 | $891 | $1,853 | $2,639 | $4,129 |
| Port Ludlow | $1,854 | $3,009 | $4,003 | $5,138 | $6,689 |
| Port Townsend | $1,256 | $2,555 | $3,752 | $5,143 | $6,741 |
| Quilcene | $544 | $1,151 | $2,173 | $3,535 | $5,087 |
| Sequim | $1,018 | $1,746 | $3,110 | $5,356 | $6,799 |
Source: Ownwell