Cougar, Washington Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Cougar, WA is 0.99%, aligning with the national median of 0.99% but higher than the Washington state median of 0.88%. With the median home value in Cougar, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $2,452, slightly below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Cougar 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 Cougar'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 Cougar 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
Cougar, 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 Cougar Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Cougar with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator uses the median tax rate in Cougar to provide an accurate estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and plan accordingly. If you're interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is determined by the county for property tax calculations, taking into account any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Cougar, Washington
Property taxes in Cougar, Washington, play a critical role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Cougar is 0.99%, which aligns with the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Cougar set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Cougar 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 Cougar's effective property tax rate to other areas in Cowlitz County and the national median. For comparison, the 98616 zip code has the same median property tax rate of 0.99%. Understanding how these areas compare with Cougar provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Cowlitz County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Cougar Tax Rate
0.99%
Average Cowlitz County Tax Rate
0.89%
Average Washington Tax Rate
0.88%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Cougar, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98616 | 0.98% | 0.99% | 0.99% | 1.00% | 1.01% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cougar, Washington
In Cougar, 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 Cowlitz County Assessor's Office 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 Cougar, 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. 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 Cougar helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The median home price in Cougar is $264,170, with tax bills ranging from $1,277 at the 25th percentile to $4,753 at the 90th percentile. Notably, the zip code 98616 has both the highest and lowest median tax bill at $2,452.
Average Cougar Assessed Value
$264,170
Average Cowlitz County Assessed Value
$335,640
Average Washington Assessed Value
$482,000
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cougar, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98616 | $61,290 | $162,790 | $264,170 | $365,260 | $482,208 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Cougar, Washington
In Cougar, located in Cowlitz County, WA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the county assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the annual property tax bill. For example, the median home price in Cougar is $264,170. The tax bill can vary significantly depending on the home's value and the specific tax rate applied. For homeowners in Cougar, the 25th percentile tax bill is $1,277, while the 75th percentile tax bill reaches $3,485. At the higher end, the 90th percentile tax bill is $4,753. These figures indicate that property tax bills can vary widely, impacting homeowners differently based on their property's assessed value. The median property tax rate in Cougar is higher than the national median of 0.99%, reflecting the localized nature of property tax assessments and the specific needs of the community. This variation can significantly affect homeowners' financial planning and budgeting.
Average Cougar Tax Bill
$2,452
Average Cowlitz County Tax Bill
$3,062
Average Washington Tax Bill
$4,284
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Cougar, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98616 | $238 | $1,277 | $2,452 | $3,485 | $4,753 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | July 1 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | February 10 |
| Due Date #1 | April 30 |
| Due Date #2 | October 31 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Cowlitz Tax Assessor | |
| Website | cowlitzinfo.net |