Ellensburg, Washington Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Ellensburg, WA is 1.02%, slightly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Washington state median of 0.88%. With the median home value in Ellensburg at $355,690, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,485, surpassing the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg'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 Ellensburg 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
Ellensburg, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.02%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,628
$3,544
Ownwell’s Ellensburg Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Ellensburg with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg, Washington
Property taxes in Ellensburg, Washington, are crucial for funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Ellensburg is 1.02%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Ellensburg set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg's effective property tax rate to other areas in the U.S. and the national median. For comparison, the zip code 98926 has the highest median property tax rate of 1.02%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 1.02%. Understanding how these rates compare with Ellensburg provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Kittitas County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Ellensburg Tax Rate
1.02%
Average Kittitas County Tax Rate
0.67%
Average Washington Tax Rate
0.88%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Ellensburg, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98926 | 0.80% | 0.97% | 1.02% | 1.02% | 1.02% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ellensburg, Washington
In Ellensburg, 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 Kittitas 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 Ellensburg, 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 Ellensburg helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The zip code 98926 has the highest median tax bill of $3,497.
Average Ellensburg Assessed Value
$355,690
Average Kittitas County Assessed Value
$385,890
Average Washington Assessed Value
$482,000
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ellensburg, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98926 | $196,970 | $283,890 | $356,770 | $461,150 | $580,910 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Ellensburg, Washington
In Ellensburg, located in Kittitas County, WA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of your home combined with the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and reflects the market value of your property. Various factors, including property size, location, and market conditions, are considered to determine this value. The median home price in Ellensburg is $355,690, and property tax rates are applied to this assessed value to determine the tax bill. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill is around $2,671, while the 75th percentile reaches $4,355. High-value properties, represented by the 90th percentile, can see tax bills as high as $5,414. These property taxes fund essential local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure, directly impacting homeowners. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Ellensburg's tax rates reflect the region's economic conditions and public service needs. This system ensures that property owners contribute fairly to the community's overall well-being.
Average Ellensburg Tax Bill
$3,485
Average Kittitas County Tax Bill
$3,249
Average Washington Tax Bill
$4,284
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Ellensburg, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98926 | $1,162 | $2,700 | $3,497 | $4,365 | $5,426 |
Source: Ownwell