Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median FOREST LAKE, MN effective property tax rate: 1.00%, slightly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Minnesota state median of 1.11%.
Median FOREST LAKE, MN home value: $351,700
Median annual FOREST LAKE, MN tax bill: $3,586, $1,186 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Washington calculated?

Property taxes in FOREST LAKE, MN are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding FOREST LAKE’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in FOREST LAKE, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$3,517

$3,264

Ownwell’s Forest Lake Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Forest Lake with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Forest Lake’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Washington County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This variation occurs because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.

In Forest Lake, located in Washington County, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.00%, which aligns with both the highest and lowest median tax rates in the area. This rate is slightly below the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. When compared to the national median property tax bill of $2,400, property owners in Forest Lake may find their tax obligations to be relatively manageable. This consistency in the tax rate across the city and county offers a predictable financial landscape for property owners. Whether you're a long-time resident or considering a move to Forest Lake, understanding the local property tax dynamics can help you make informed financial decisions.

Property Tax Rates Across Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota

Source: Ownwell

0.79%

1.09%

1.38%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Forest Lake Tax Rate

1.00%

Median Effective Washington County Tax Rate

1.12%

Median Effective Minnesota Tax Rate

1.11%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
55025	0.94%	0.98%	1.00%	1.02%	1.09%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota

When examining property taxes in Forest Lake, MN, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Washington County Assessor estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

In Washington County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Forest Lake. For example, the median home price in Forest Lake is $351,700, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 55025 has the highest median home price at $351,700.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota

Source: Ownwell

$12,550

$304,075

$595,600

Median Forest Lake Market Value

$351,700

Median Washington County Market Value

$376,100

Median Minnesota Market Value

$290,400

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
55025	$216,900	$267,000	$351,700	$463,800	$607,880

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota

In Forest Lake, Washington County, MN, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by local assessors. The median home price in Forest Lake is $351,700, and the property tax rate is applied to this assessed value to determine the tax bill. Homeowners here face a median tax bill of $3,586, which is significantly higher than the national median of $2,400. Factors like property size, location, and improvements can influence the assessed value, leading to variations in tax bills. For instance, homeowners in the 25th percentile pay around $2,660, while those in the 90th percentile see bills as high as $6,463. This variability can impact homeowners' budgets significantly. Ownwell helps by identifying potential savings through appealing incorrect assessments or identifying applicable exemptions. By leveraging expertise in local tax regulations, Ownwell can assist homeowners in reducing their property tax burdens, ensuring they pay only their fair share.

Property Tax Bills Across Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota

Source: Ownwell

$177

$2,914

$5,650

Median Forest Lake Tax Bill

$3,586

Median Washington County Tax Bill

$4,148

Median Minnesota Tax Bill

$3,182

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
55025	$2,114	$2,660	$3,586	$4,724	$6,463

Source: Ownwell