Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington Property Taxes

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

Median PORT TOWNSEND, WA effective property tax rate: 0.85%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the WA state median of 0.88%.
Median PORT TOWNSEND, WA home value: $455,734
Median annual PORT TOWNSEND, WA tax bill: $3,752, $1,352 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Jefferson calculated?

Property taxes in PORT TOWNSEND, 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 PORT TOWNSEND’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in PORT TOWNSEND, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.85%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$3,874

$3,595

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

Property Tax Rates Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This variability is because each county annually 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. In Port Townsend, located in Jefferson County, Washington, the effective property tax rate is 0.85%. This rate is below the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. The median tax rate in Washington is also 0.85%, indicating that Port Townsend aligns with the state average. However, it is important to note that property tax rates can differ significantly from one city to another within the same state. Comparing Port Townsend’s rate with other cities in Washington, you can observe how local budget requirements and property values influence tax rates. This insight can be quite beneficial for property owners looking to understand their tax obligations and explore potential savings through appeals or exemptions.

Property Tax Rates Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

0.76%

0.81%

0.85%

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 Port Townsend Tax Rate

0.85%

Median Effective Jefferson County Tax Rate

0.82%

Median Effective Washington Tax Rate

0.88%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
98368	0.78%	0.83%	0.85%	0.85%	0.86%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

When examining property taxes in Port Townsend, 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 Jefferson County Appraisal District 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 Jefferson County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. 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 Port Townsend. For example, the median home price in Port Townsend is $455,734, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. ZIP code 98368 has the highest median home price at $455,734.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$67,956

$305,205

$542,454

Median Port Townsend Market Value

$455,734

Median Jefferson County Market Value

$406,419

Median Washington Market Value

$482,000

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
98368	$222,159	$327,224	$455,734	$617,870	$801,229

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

In Port Townsend, Jefferson County, WA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the county assessor. The median home price in the area is $455,734, and the property tax rate applied to this assessed value influences the tax bill homeowners receive. Homeowners in Port Townsend experience a median property tax bill of $3,752, significantly higher than the national median of $2,400. The tax bill can vary, with the 25th percentile at $2,555 and the 75th percentile reaching $5,143, indicating a range of tax liabilities depending on the property value and location. This variability can impact homeowners' financial planning and budgeting. Ownwell offers a solution by providing property tax appeal and exemption services, helping homeowners potentially reduce their tax burden. By analyzing property assessments and identifying discrepancies, Ownwell assists homeowners in securing fair assessments, thus saving on their property tax bills and easing financial strain.

Property Tax Bills Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$480

$2,260

$4,040

Median Port Townsend Tax Bill

$3,752

Median Jefferson County Tax Bill

$3,190

Median Washington Tax Bill

$4,284

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
98368	$1,256	$2,555	$3,752	$5,143	$6,741

Source: Ownwell