Property Taxes in Washington

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

Median Washington property tax rate: 0.88%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%. Median Washington home value: $482,000. Median annual Washington tax bill: $4,284, $1,884 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400. How are property taxes in Washington calculated? Property taxes in Washington 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 your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you are in Washington, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.88%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$4,242

$3,936

$1,102

Average Tax Savings

Ownwell’s Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Washington with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Washington'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 more 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. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore county and city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Washington

Local government entities in Washington set tax rates, which can vary widely within the state. 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. Below, you can compare a Washington county’s effective property tax rate to other counties in Washington or the U.S. median property tax rate. For instance, Whitman County has the highest effective property tax rate in Washington, at 1.48%, while San Juan County has the lowest, at 0.62%.

Property Tax Rates Across Washington

Source: Ownwell

0.62%

1.05%

1.48%

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 Washington Tax Rate

0.88%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Washington

County	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Adams	1.02%	1.06%	1.18%	1.23%	1.45%
Asotin	0.57%	1.10%	1.10%	1.15%	1.15%
Benton	0.71%	0.71%	0.98%	1.01%	1.16%
Chelan	0.71%	0.74%	0.83%	0.89%	0.93%
Clallam	0.70%	0.77%	0.81%	0.95%	0.98%
Clark	0.73%	0.83%	0.92%	0.95%	0.98%
Columbia	0.78%	1.11%	1.11%	1.14%	1.17%
Cowlitz	0.80%	0.88%	0.89%	0.99%	1.11%
Douglas	0.75%	0.96%	0.99%	1.05%	1.11%
Ferry	0.74%	0.85%	0.93%	0.95%	0.98%
Franklin	0.58%	0.67%	0.71%	0.74%	0.78%
Garfield	1.00%	1.09%	1.09%	1.09%	1.09%
Grant	0.79%	1.00%	1.20%	1.35%	1.77%
Grays Harbor	0.65%	0.89%	1.12%	1.29%	1.47%
Island	0.59%	0.63%	0.68%	0.74%	0.83%
Jefferson	0.76%	0.77%	0.82%	0.85%	0.85%
King	0.71%	0.82%	0.88%	0.99%	1.09%
Kitsap	0.77%	0.83%	0.86%	0.89%	0.93%
Kittitas	0.59%	0.63%	0.67%	0.97%	1.02%
Klickitat	0.83%	0.94%	1.07%	1.19%	1.37%
Lewis	0.66%	0.69%	0.75%	0.82%	0.90%
Lincoln	0.79%	0.88%	1.10%	1.20%	1.42%
Mason	0.68%	0.79%	0.86%	0.91%	1.05%
Okanogan	0.58%	0.99%	1.08%	1.20%	1.32%
Pacific	0.69%	0.76%	0.79%	0.84%	1.02%
Pend Oreille	0.46%	0.81%	0.87%	0.88%	0.91%
Pierce	0.77%	0.91%	1.02%	1.07%	1.14%
San Juan	0.46%	0.59%	0.62%	0.63%	0.65%
Skagit	0.67%	0.75%	0.86%	0.96%	1.07%
Skamania	0.72%	0.85%	0.87%	0.90%	1.04%
Snohomish	0.60%	0.72%	0.79%	0.83%	0.88%
Spokane	0.75%	0.86%	0.93%	0.98%	1.02%
Stevens	0.68%	0.80%	0.88%	1.05%	1.25%
Thurston	0.74%	0.88%	0.94%	0.99%	1.03%
Wahkiakum	0.42%	0.64%	0.74%	0.80%	1.04%
Walla Walla	0.68%	0.85%	0.91%	0.99%	1.07%
Whatcom	0.51%	0.67%	0.73%	0.77%	0.84%
Whitman	0.92%	1.26%	1.48%	1.49%	1.57%
Yakima	0.99%	1.06%	1.10%	1.14%	1.25%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington

Understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial when examining property taxes in Washington. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market. Location, property condition, and economic market trends often influence it. Each 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.

Assessment notices: In Washington, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the end of May. 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 Washington.

For example, King County has the highest median home price at $770,000.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington

Source: Ownwell

$68,575

$419,288

$770,000

Median Washington Market Value

$482,000

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington

County	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Adams	$14,000	$75,200	$142,200	$203,700	$283,700
Asotin	$31,400	$80,300	$158,100	$223,500	$320,400
Benton	$75,000	$199,990	$282,560	$378,590	$494,730
Chelan	$53,482	$184,924	$334,049	$528,296	$826,359
Clallam	$133,331	$251,886	$360,554	$502,276	$680,385
Clark	$310,278	$396,410	$479,858	$616,471	$813,738
Columbia	$7,405	$41,332	$131,885	$214,098	$299,080
Cowlitz	$146,078	$246,850	$335,640	$440,220	$579,012
Douglas	$37,600	$200,000	$332,000	$451,000	$626,040
Ferry	$18,140	$47,500	$101,200	$187,650	$286,560
Franklin	$175,340	$312,700	$384,600	$477,300	$625,900
Garfield	$2,903	$14,476	$80,275	$156,975	$218,522
Grant	$6,725	$37,421	$135,922	$235,101	$333,120
Grays Harbor	$38,078	$99,192	$186,974	$280,790	$386,702
Island	$289,047	$413,728	$541,558	$751,553	$1,013,444
Jefferson	$109,667	$246,768	$406,419	$587,115	$782,426
King	$397,000	$545,000	$770,000	$1,164,000	$1,728,000
Kitsap	$253,370	$358,068	$467,930	$643,790	$950,918
Kittitas	$192,116	$286,860	$385,890	$564,670	$892,008
Klickitat	$23,500	$52,728	$126,140	$250,160	$406,129
Lewis	$58,700	$178,400	$301,900	$421,900	$561,350
Lincoln	$3,080	$20,000	$68,575	$168,112	$276,160
Mason	$82,252	$182,945	$304,420	$446,585	$616,189
Okanogan	$16,600	$53,500	$128,000	$231,200	$380,100
Pacific	$9,000	$79,200	$192,200	$312,100	$451,430
Pend Oreille	$39,336	$90,584	$181,614	$294,197	$405,509
Pierce	$289,900	$376,000	$465,900	$589,700	$777,300
San Juan	$264,630	$449,920	$691,520	$1,109,895	$1,794,344
Skagit	$98,740	$336,500	$473,200	$638,800	$902,780
Skamania	$119,780	$210,500	$323,050	$450,000	$584,410
Snohomish	$332,000	$499,100	$668,100	$874,900	$1,094,900
Spokane	$208,200	$282,600	$369,800	$489,800	$655,200
Stevens	$30,114	$79,837	$158,721	$253,706	$359,223
Thurston	$199,300	$343,600	$437,400	$551,900	$719,520
Wahkiakum	$54,100	$152,500	$266,600	$372,400	$471,600
Walla Walla	$114,904	$236,825	$340,770	$450,415	$596,828
Whatcom	$50,894	$296,610	$517,614	$700,701	$966,929
Whitman	$5,000	$36,000	$117,153	$205,570	$296,006
Yakima	$48,420	$128,100	$200,300	$280,700	$373,000

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Washington

Property tax bills in Washington are calculated based on the assessed value of a property. Homeowners in Washington face a median property tax rate that results in a tax bill higher than the national median of $2400. With median home prices around $482,000, tax bills can range significantly, from $2,606 at the 25th percentile to $9,296 at the 90th percentile. King County has the highest median tax bill at $7,093, while Lincoln County has the lowest at $618. Ownwell helps homeowners by identifying potential savings through appeals and exemptions, ensuring they're not overpaying. By leveraging local expertise, Ownwell can significantly reduce your property tax burden.

Property Tax Bills Across Washington

Source: Ownwell

$618

$3,856

$7,093

Median Washington Tax Bill

$4,284

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Washington

County	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Adams	$124	$760	$1,715	$2,358	$3,283
Asotin	$336	$698	$1,692	$2,464	$3,568
Benton	$543	$1,644	$2,407	$3,478	$4,740
Chelan	$228	$1,239	$2,713	$4,364	$6,667
Clallam	$629	$1,959	$3,024	$4,144	$5,557
Clark	$2,020	$3,474	$4,274	$5,331	$6,977
Columbia	$78	$379	$1,310	$2,400	$3,473
Cowlitz	$673	$2,100	$3,062	$4,135	$5,372
Douglas	$234	$1,544	$3,320	$4,490	$6,102
Ferry	$142	$422	$850	$1,630	$2,557
Franklin	$729	$2,010	$2,758	$3,471	$4,483
Garfield	$32	$142	$789	$1,670	$2,368
Grant	$92	$417	$1,560	$2,701	$3,791
Grays Harbor	$249	$890	$1,990	$3,039	$4,296
Island	$1,468	$2,787	$3,760	$4,999	$6,772
Jefferson	$583	$1,718	$3,190	$4,697	$6,306
King	$3,107	$5,145	$7,093	$9,895	$13,811
Kitsap	$1,371	$2,979	$3,994	$5,475	$7,899
Kittitas	$1,092	$2,089	$3,249	$4,446	$6,362
Klickitat	$220	$528	$1,272	$2,564	$4,260
Lewis	$321	$1,105	$2,229	$3,249	$4,356
Lincoln	$36	$193	$618	$1,606	$2,733
Mason	$539	$1,394	$2,654	$3,889	$5,348
Okanogan	$75	$435	$1,302	$2,486	$4,135
Pacific	$60	$489	$1,389	$2,352	$3,447
Pend Oreille	$278	$649	$1,429	$2,428	$3,452
Pierce	$1,823	$3,640	$4,693	$5,832	$7,459
San Juan	$1,232	$2,459	$4,068	$6,515	$10,574
Skagit	$548	$2,661	$4,058	$5,515	$7,446
Skamania	$794	$1,586	$2,812	$4,097	$5,382
Snohomish	$2,053	$3,547	$5,180	$6,899	$8,725
Spokane	$1,180	$2,512	$3,417	$4,525	$6,018
Stevens	$211	$611	$1,378	$2,360	$3,631
Thurston	$877	$2,945	$4,041	$5,209	$6,805
Wahkiakum	$245	$974	$1,926	$2,758	$3,466
Walla Walla	$514	$1,856	$3,092	$4,220	$5,623
Whatcom	$293	$1,666	$3,632	$5,099	$7,012
Whitman	$32	$343	$1,573	$2,879	$4,151
Yakima	$498	$1,408	$2,273	$3,233	$4,373

Source: Ownwell

Want to lower your Washington property taxes?

Looking to reduce your Washington property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax appeal company in Washington. Ownwell specializes in helping Washington property owners lower their taxes and works with county tax assessors all across the state every year. Through our tax monitoring service, we will collect everything from you to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of Washington property tax appeals and all available Washington property tax exemptions, so you don’t have to. Whether you're a homeowner, a real estate investor, or an asset manager employee, our local Washington team at Ownwell has the expertise to assess your current property tax situation and identify strategic opportunities to reduce property taxes. By handling the appeal process from start to finish, we not only simplify the procedure but also enhance your chances of securing a favorable outcome. Let Ownwell be your partner in lowering your Washington property tax expenses through our proven strategies and professional advocacy.

Property Tax Appeals in Washington

In Washington, the property tax protest process begins when homeowners believe their property tax assessment does not accurately reflect the market value of their home. Homeowners can appeal their assessments by submitting a formal appeal to their county's Board of Equalization. This board is responsible for reviewing appeals and ensuring that property assessments are fair and equitable.

The appeal process typically involves gathering evidence to support the claim that the assessed value is too high. This evidence can include recent sales data of similar properties, an independent appraisal, or information about any discrepancies in the assessment. Homeowners must file their appeal within a specific timeframe, usually within 30 to 60 days after receiving their assessment notice.

During the hearing, the Board of Equalization will review the submitted evidence and may ask for additional information or clarification. Homeowners have the opportunity to present their case and explain why they believe the assessed value is incorrect. The board will then make a decision, which could result in a reduction, increase, or no change in the assessed value.

Ownwell offers valuable assistance to homeowners throughout the appeal process. Our team of experts can help gather and analyze the necessary evidence, prepare a compelling case, and represent homeowners during the hearing. By leveraging our expertise, homeowners can increase their chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Ownwell's services not only simplify the appeal process but also provide peace of mind, knowing that experienced professionals are advocating on their behalf.

Exemptions in Washington

Washington offers several property tax exemption programs designed to provide relief to homeowners. A key program is the Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Property Tax Exemption, which benefits those aged 61 or older, or individuals retired due to disability. Eligibility is determined by income, and the program offers reductions on the assessed value of a primary residence, potentially lowering tax bills significantly. Another option is the Property Tax Deferral Program for Homeowners with Limited Income, which allows eligible homeowners to defer their property taxes. This deferral is available to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, helping them manage their tax payments more effectively.

Washington also provides exemptions for veterans with disabilities. This program offers a reduction in property taxes based on the level of service-connected disability, providing substantial relief to those who have served in the military. To apply for these exemptions, homeowners typically need to submit an application to their county assessor’s office, along with proof of eligibility such as income statements or disability documentation.

Ownwell can assist homeowners in navigating these exemption programs, ensuring that they maximize their savings. Our team offers guidance on eligibility requirements, application processes, and documentation, making it easier for homeowners to benefit from the available programs. With Ownwell’s expertise, securing valuable tax exemptions becomes a straightforward process.

Available Exemptions