Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington Property Taxes
Median Kelso, WA effective property tax rate: 1.01%, slightly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but higher than the Washington state median of 0.88%.
Median Kelso, WA home value: $298,865
Median annual Kelso, WA tax bill: $3,138, $738 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Cowlitz calculated?
Property taxes in Kelso, WA 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 Kelso’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Kelso, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.01%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,019
$2,801
Ownwell’s Kelso Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Kelso with just two data points.
By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Kelso’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 Cowlitz County.
For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!
Property Tax Rates Across Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington
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 Kelso Tax Rate
1.01%
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 Cowlitz County Tax Rate
0.89%
Median Effective Washington Tax Rate
0.88%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
98626 | 0.82% | 0.99% | 1.01% | 1.23% | 1.36% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington
When examining property taxes in Kelso, WA, 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 Cowlitz County Assessor's Office 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 Cowlitz County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle 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 Kelso. For example, the median home price in Kelso is $298,865, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 98626 has the highest median home price at $298,865.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington
Source: Ownwell

$221,480
$328,360
$435,240
Median Kelso Market Value
$298,865
Median Cowlitz County Market Value
$335,640
Median Washington Market Value
$482,000
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
98626 | $111,648 | $211,265 | $298,865 | $392,120 | $522,751 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington
In Kelso, located in Cowlitz County, WA, property tax bills are determined by the assessed value of a home multiplied by the local tax rate. The assessed value is typically a percentage of the market value, reflecting the property's worth. Homeowners in Kelso experience a median property tax bill of $3,138, which is above the national median of $2,400. This higher tax bill is influenced by local funding needs for public services such as schools, infrastructure, and emergency services. For homeowners, these tax bills can represent a significant portion of annual expenses, especially for those with a median home price of $298,865.
Ownwell offers a solution for homeowners looking to reduce their property tax burden. By providing property tax appeal services, Ownwell helps identify potential discrepancies in assessed values and advocates for fair tax assessments. This can lead to significant savings, particularly for those whose bills fall in the higher percentiles, such as the 90th percentile with a tax bill of $5,437. Partnering with Ownwell ensures homeowners pay only their fair share.
Median Kelso Tax Bill
$3,138
Median Cowlitz County Tax Bill
$3,062
Median Washington Tax Bill
$4,284
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Kelso, Cowlitz County, Washington
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
98626 | $644 | $2,087 | $3,138 | $4,327 | $5,437 |
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 | |
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Cowlitz Tax Assessor | |
Website | cowlitzinfo.net |