Waitsburg, Washington Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Waitsburg, WA is 1.34%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Washington state median of 0.88%. With the median home value in Waitsburg, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,371, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Waitsburg are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Waitsburg's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Waitsburg or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Waitsburg, Washington 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 Waitsburg Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Waitsburg with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Waitsburg to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Waitsburg, Washington
Property taxes in Waitsburg, Washington, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Waitsburg is 1.34%, higher than both the Washington state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Waitsburg set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Waitsburg estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Waitsburg's effective property tax rate to other counties in Washington and the national median. For comparison, the 99361 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.34%, while the 99361 zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 1.34%. Understanding how these cities compare with Waitsburg provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Columbia County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Waitsburg Tax Rate
1.34%
Average Columbia County Tax Rate
1.11%
Average Washington Tax Rate
0.88%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Waitsburg, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99361 | 1.33% | 1.34% | 1.34% | 1.34% | 1.34% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waitsburg, Washington
In Waitsburg, Washington, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Columbia County Assessor for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value 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. In Waitsburg, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. The median home price in Waitsburg is $252,305, with tax bills ranging from $2,561 at the 25th percentile to $5,606 at the 90th percentile. The zip code 99361 has the highest and lowest median tax bill, both at $3,371. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Waitsburg helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Average Waitsburg Assessed Value
$252,305
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 Waitsburg, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99361 | $3,785 | $177,638 | $252,305 | $347,088 | $437,111 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Waitsburg, Washington
In Waitsburg, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is determined by the Columbia County Assessor's Office. The assessed value is a percentage of the property's market value, which for Waitsburg has a median home price of $252,305. Once the assessed value is established, the local tax rate is applied to calculate the annual tax bill. Factors such as property improvements, location, and market trends can influence the assessed value. Homeowners in Waitsburg typically see tax bills ranging from $2,561 at the 25th percentile to $4,686 at the 75th percentile, with some reaching as high as $5,606 at the 90th percentile. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Waitsburg's property tax rates can have a significant impact on household budgets. Understanding these factors helps homeowners anticipate their financial obligations and plan accordingly.
Average Waitsburg Tax Bill
$3,371
Average Columbia County Tax Bill
$1,310
Average Washington Tax Bill
$4,284
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Waitsburg, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99361 | $432 | $2,561 | $3,371 | $4,686 | $5,606 |
Source: Ownwell