Seattle, Island County, Washington Property Taxes
Median Seattle, WA effective property tax rate: 0.68%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Washington state median of 0.88%.
Median Seattle, WA home value: $898,348
Median annual Seattle, WA tax bill: $6,121, $3,721 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Island County calculated?
Property taxes in Seattle, 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 Seattle’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Seattle, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Seattle, Island County, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.68%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$6,109
$5,669
Property Tax Rates Across Seattle, Island County, Washington
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary significantly within a state. Each year, counties estimate the budget needed to provide services and then divide it by the total assessed value of all taxable property in their area, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and legislation play roles in setting these rates and budgets, this is essentially the annual process.
In Seattle, located in Island County, the effective property tax rate is 0.68%, which is lower than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Compared to other cities in Washington, Seattle's rate offers a more affordable option for homeowners. The median property tax bill in the U.S. is $2,400, and Seattle's lower rate can contribute to a more manageable tax bill for residents. This can be a significant factor for those considering relocation or investment in the area. Understanding these rates can help property owners make informed decisions and potentially appeal for reductions if they believe their property is over-assessed.
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 Seattle Tax Rate
0.68%
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 Island County Tax Rate
0.68%
Median Effective Washington Tax Rate
0.88%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Seattle, Island County, Washington
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
98101 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Seattle, Island County, Washington
When examining property taxes in Seattle, 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 Island 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.
In Island 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 Seattle.
For example, the median home price in Seattle is $898,348, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Seattle, Island County, Washington
Source: Ownwell

$454,081
$556,538
$658,994
Median Seattle Market Value
$898,348
Median Island County Market Value
$541,558
Median Washington Market Value
$482,000
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Seattle, Island County, Washington
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
98101 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Seattle, Island County, Washington
Median Seattle Tax Bill
$6,121
Median Island County Tax Bill
$3,760
Median Washington Tax Bill
$4,284
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Seattle, Island County, Washington
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
98101 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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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Island Tax Assessor | |
Website | assessor.islandcountywa.gov |