Pierce County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Pierce County is 1.02%, which is significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Washington state median of 0.88%. With the median home value in Pierce County at $465,900, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,693, which exceeds the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Pierce County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Pierce County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Tacoma or another part of Pierce County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Pierce County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.88%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,760
$612
$1,148
Average Pierce County Tax Savings
Ownwell’s Pierce County Property Tax Bill Calculator assists homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers in estimating their annual property taxes in Pierce County with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator uses the median tax rate in Pierce County to provide an estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable tool not only helps you understand potential tax liabilities but also demonstrates how Ownwell can help reduce property taxes in Pierce County. For those interested in more localized information, you can scroll down to explore trends on a city level. Your property’s assessed value is determined by the county for tax calculations and considers any exemptions applicable to your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Pierce County, Washington
Property taxes in Pierce County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Pierce County is 1.02%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Pierce County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Pierce County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares Pierce County's effective property tax rate with other areas and the national median. For comparison, the city of Pacific has one of the higher property tax rates in the region at 1.43%, while the city of Carbonado boasts one of the lowest at 0.67%. Analyzing how Pierce County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Pierce County Tax Rate
1.02%
Average Washington Tax Rate
0.88%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Pierce County, Washington
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson Island | 0.71% | 0.83% | 0.88% | 0.90% | 0.95% |
| Ashford | 0.45% | 0.70% | 0.80% | 0.88% | 0.96% |
| Auburn | 0.98% | 1.03% | 1.06% | 1.11% | 1.12% |
| Belfair | 0.60% | 0.78% | 0.82% | 0.84% | 0.87% |
| Bonney Lake | 0.82% | 0.98% | 1.02% | 1.06% | 1.10% |
| Buckley | 0.71% | 0.91% | 0.96% | 1.02% | 1.06% |
| Carbonado | 0.57% | 0.65% | 0.67% | 0.73% | 0.93% |
| Dupont | 0.79% | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.81% |
| Eatonville | 0.73% | 0.82% | 0.88% | 0.92% | 0.98% |
| Edgewood | 0.89% | 0.99% | 1.01% | 1.03% | 1.07% |
| Elbe | 0.77% | 0.84% | 0.90% | 0.94% | 1.00% |
| Enumclaw | 0.75% | 0.81% | 0.85% | 0.86% | 0.89% |
| Federal Way | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 1.01% | 1.01% |
| Fife | 0.89% | 0.94% | 1.00% | 1.02% | 1.04% |
| Fircrest | 0.87% | 0.88% | 0.88% | 0.89% | 0.90% |
| Fox Island | 0.77% | 0.77% | 0.81% | 0.82% | 0.83% |
| Gig Harbor | 0.71% | 0.76% | 0.82% | 0.84% | 0.89% |
| Graham | 0.80% | 1.02% | 1.12% | 1.16% | 1.20% |
| Home | 1.29% | 1.29% | 1.29% | 1.29% | 1.29% |
| Joint Base Lewis Mcchord | 1.13% | 1.13% | 1.13% | 1.13% | 1.13% |
| Kapowsin | 0.45% | 0.75% | 0.99% | 1.20% | 1.45% |
| Lakebay | 0.65% | 0.76% | 0.81% | 0.85% | 0.89% |
| Lake Tapps | 0.81% | 0.92% | 0.97% | 1.04% | 1.10% |
| Lakewood | 0.77% | 1.01% | 1.03% | 1.05% | 1.06% |
| Longbranch | 0.73% | 0.80% | 0.83% | 0.87% | 0.96% |
| Mcchord Afb | 1.18% | 1.18% | 1.18% | 1.18% | 1.18% |
| Mckenna | 0.89% | 0.97% | 1.00% | 1.02% | 1.05% |
| Milton | 0.96% | 1.00% | 1.01% | 1.02% | 1.04% |
| Orting | 0.77% | 0.87% | 0.89% | 0.91% | 0.98% |
| Pacific | 0.94% | 1.03% | 1.43% | 2.19% | 2.37% |
| Puyallup | 0.90% | 0.97% | 1.01% | 1.05% | 1.13% |
| Roy | 0.80% | 0.94% | 1.01% | 1.08% | 1.14% |
| Ruston | 0.80% | 0.84% | 0.86% | 0.89% | 0.93% |
| South Prairie | 0.76% | 0.83% | 0.87% | 0.89% | 0.92% |
| Spanaway | 0.96% | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.19% |
| Steilacoom | 0.76% | 0.82% | 0.84% | 0.88% | 0.88% |
| Sumner | 0.72% | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.10% |
| Tacoma | 0.93% | 0.99% | 1.03% | 1.08% | 1.13% |
| Terrace Park | 0.84% | 0.84% | 0.84% | 0.84% | 0.84% |
| University Place | 1.03% | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.12% |
| Vaughn | 0.76% | 0.80% | 0.83% | 0.89% | 0.90% |
| Wilkeson | 0.83% | 0.87% | 0.89% | 0.91% | 0.96% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Pierce County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Pierce County, Washington
In Pierce County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Pierce County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, 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. Assessment notices in Pierce County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. For instance, Fox Island residents face the highest median tax bill at $7,099, while Home residents enjoy the lowest at $276. Being aware of these valuation processes in Pierce County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Pierce County, Washington
Source: Ownwell
$21,400
$1,254,100
$2,486,800
Average Pierce County Assessed Value
$465,900
Average Washington Assessed Value
$482,000
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Pierce County, Washington
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson Island | $155,500 | $289,875 | $391,450 | $549,225 | $746,930 |
| Ashford | $62,980 | $114,450 | $230,450 | $354,525 | $491,690 |
| Auburn | $316,800 | $429,000 | $538,900 | $644,100 | $731,420 |
| Belfair | $458,750 | $493,775 | $675,050 | $979,250 | $1,181,650 |
| Bonney Lake | $271,900 | $410,400 | $507,800 | $621,100 | $740,100 |
| Buckley | $251,160 | $383,975 | $505,350 | $633,500 | $807,140 |
| Carbonado | $251,610 | $318,275 | $406,900 | $591,025 | $760,050 |
| Dupont | $352,200 | $394,975 | $467,800 | $538,200 | $618,800 |
| Eatonville | $161,430 | $312,375 | $433,200 | $588,625 | $769,800 |
| Edgewood | $410,000 | $499,425 | $597,400 | $735,100 | $889,490 |
| Elbe | $50,940 | $166,775 | $261,100 | $404,400 | $520,510 |
| Enumclaw | $142,200 | $346,525 | $649,600 | $826,800 | $1,090,200 |
| Federal Way | $408,120 | $415,800 | $428,600 | $441,950 | $449,960 |
| Fife | $319,100 | $407,325 | $477,400 | $542,700 | $603,000 |
| Fircrest | $406,250 | $478,775 | $567,200 | $646,600 | $723,050 |
| Fox Island | $505,290 | $648,675 | $902,850 | $1,280,950 | $1,692,630 |
| Gig Harbor | $372,300 | $520,525 | $673,800 | $919,500 | $1,310,580 |
| Graham | $144,720 | $349,500 | $454,800 | $559,300 | $704,280 |
| Home | $21,400 | $21,400 | $21,400 | $21,400 | $21,400 |
| Joint Base Lewis Mcchord | $537,300 | $537,300 | $537,300 | $537,300 | $537,300 |
| Kapowsin | $145,810 | $336,475 | $568,400 | $769,600 | $904,960 |
| Lakebay | $134,060 | $270,475 | $402,850 | $564,875 | $803,260 |
| Lake Tapps | $398,500 | $524,900 | $690,200 | $1,015,300 | $1,487,580 |
| Lakewood | $239,800 | $349,675 | $426,700 | $526,300 | $680,940 |
| Longbranch | $171,750 | $315,900 | $470,350 | $667,300 | $943,250 |
| Mcchord Afb | $374,200 | $374,200 | $374,200 | $374,200 | $374,200 |
| Mckenna | $90,180 | $233,350 | $339,500 | $405,400 | $434,500 |
| Milton | $329,300 | $398,475 | $498,900 | $588,150 | $729,010 |
| Orting | $299,060 | $388,825 | $453,050 | $529,175 | $617,740 |
| Pacific | $17,670 | $24,225 | $88,900 | $233,150 | $427,730 |
| Puyallup | $297,000 | $399,300 | $470,100 | $554,000 | $654,100 |
| Roy | $102,000 | $277,825 | $424,650 | $564,100 | $712,550 |
| Ruston | $408,950 | $483,700 | $600,150 | $849,200 | $1,056,600 |
| South Prairie | $254,900 | $355,525 | $409,100 | $455,450 | $607,700 |
| Spanaway | $185,600 | $352,300 | $412,000 | $465,000 | $533,700 |
| Steilacoom | $325,120 | $409,300 | $534,900 | $746,700 | $965,380 |
| Sumner | $268,400 | $388,300 | $478,300 | $567,600 | $699,200 |
| Tacoma | $304,600 | $356,700 | $428,400 | $526,850 | $682,200 |
| Terrace Park | $361,800 | $361,800 | $361,800 | $361,800 | $361,800 |
| University Place | $414,020 | $500,325 | $574,950 | $675,075 | $852,880 |
| Vaughn | $163,380 | $358,700 | $570,400 | $818,350 | $1,169,960 |
| Wilkeson | $196,180 | $298,600 | $372,500 | $449,100 | $631,580 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Pierce County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Bills Across Pierce County, Washington
In Pierce County, WA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of the home, which is determined by the county assessor. This value is then multiplied by the local tax rate. For instance, the median home price in Pierce County is $465,900. Homeowners in this region can expect their tax bills to vary significantly, with the 25th percentile at $3,640 and the 75th percentile reaching $5,832. In some areas like Fox Island, the median tax bill can be as high as $7,099, while in Home, it can be as low as $276. These tax bills can place a significant financial burden on homeowners. Ownwell helps homeowners by identifying potential savings through property tax appeals and exemptions. By analyzing your property’s assessed value and comparing it to market trends, Ownwell can challenge over-assessments and secure lower tax bills. This service ensures that homeowners pay only their fair share, potentially saving them hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.
Average Pierce County Tax Bill
$4,693
Average Washington Tax Bill
$4,284
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Pierce County, Washington
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson Island | $536 | $2,312 | $3,427 | $4,898 | $6,610 |
| Ashford | $333 | $751 | $1,666 | $2,656 | $3,916 |
| Auburn | $3,516 | $4,743 | $5,555 | $6,705 | $7,706 |
| Belfair | $2,923 | $4,105 | $5,926 | $7,829 | $9,438 |
| Bonney Lake | $1,776 | $3,903 | $4,995 | $6,288 | $7,630 |
| Buckley | $1,313 | $3,465 | $4,791 | $6,056 | $7,695 |
| Carbonado | $933 | $2,016 | $2,605 | $4,148 | $6,327 |
| Dupont | $2,725 | $3,136 | $3,732 | $4,312 | $4,954 |
| Eatonville | $1,029 | $2,511 | $3,801 | $5,125 | $6,766 |
| Edgewood | $3,183 | $4,916 | $5,941 | $7,323 | $8,810 |
| Elbe | $369 | $1,202 | $2,148 | $3,311 | $4,530 |
| Enumclaw | $1,122 | $2,568 | $5,319 | $6,908 | $9,391 |
| Federal Way | $4,104 | $4,179 | $4,305 | $4,434 | $4,511 |
| Fife | $3,137 | $3,941 | $4,620 | $5,250 | $5,987 |
| Fircrest | $3,469 | $4,076 | $4,975 | $5,724 | $6,406 |
| Fox Island | $3,973 | $5,201 | $7,099 | $10,059 | $13,159 |
| Gig Harbor | $2,622 | $4,159 | $5,401 | $7,348 | $10,178 |
| Graham | $881 | $3,557 | $5,008 | $6,188 | $7,642 |
| Home | $276 | $276 | $276 | $276 | $276 |
| Joint Base Lewis Mcchord | $6,076 | $6,076 | $6,076 | $6,076 | $6,076 |
| Kapowsin | $545 | $909 | $4,219 | $7,774 | $8,578 |
| Lakebay | $682 | $1,842 | $3,143 | $4,410 | $6,358 |
| Lake Tapps | $3,804 | $5,236 | $6,759 | $9,540 | $13,615 |
| Lakewood | $747 | $3,438 | $4,357 | $5,355 | $6,930 |
| Longbranch | $853 | $2,483 | $3,765 | $5,422 | $7,739 |
| Mcchord Afb | $4,428 | $4,428 | $4,428 | $4,428 | $4,428 |
| Mckenna | $495 | $2,245 | $3,098 | $4,073 | $4,250 |
| Milton | $3,244 | $3,940 | $4,964 | $5,788 | $7,167 |
| Orting | $2,111 | $3,387 | $3,986 | $4,745 | $5,694 |
| Pacific | $404 | $538 | $1,033 | $2,236 | $4,380 |
| Puyallup | $1,696 | $3,982 | $4,771 | $5,618 | $6,584 |
| Roy | $649 | $2,449 | $4,232 | $5,678 | $7,312 |
| Ruston | $3,191 | $4,060 | $5,297 | $7,331 | $9,235 |
| South Prairie | $1,701 | $2,924 | $3,495 | $3,919 | $5,311 |
| Spanaway | $908 | $3,844 | $4,657 | $5,269 | $5,995 |
| Steilacoom | $1,939 | $3,410 | $4,392 | $6,116 | $7,898 |
| Sumner | $1,090 | $3,866 | $4,857 | $5,861 | $7,244 |
| Tacoma | $2,607 | $3,544 | $4,442 | $5,431 | $6,872 |
| Terrace Park | $3,028 | $3,028 | $3,028 | $3,028 | $3,028 |
| University Place | $4,259 | $5,392 | $6,178 | $7,258 | $9,151 |
| Vaughn | $873 | $2,559 | $4,455 | $6,946 | $10,275 |
| Wilkeson | $1,370 | $2,574 | $3,264 | $4,039 | $6,042 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Pierce County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Want to lower your Pierce County property taxes?
Looking to reduce your Pierce County property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax protest company serving Pierce County. We specialize in helping property owners in the Tacoma area and beyond lower their taxes by working directly with the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer's Office. Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the Pierce County property tax protest process and identify all available property tax exemptions so you don’t have to. Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate investor, or an asset manager, our local team at Ownwell has the expertise to assess your current property tax situation and identify strategic opportunities for reducing your tax burden. By managing the protest process from beginning to end, we not only simplify the procedure but also increase your chances of obtaining a favorable result. Let Ownwell be your trusted partner in lowering your Pierce County property tax expenses through our proven strategies and expert advocacy.
Property Tax Appeals in Washington
In Pierce County, WA, homeowners who believe their property tax assessments are inaccurate have the right to appeal. The process begins by filing a petition with the Pierce County Board of Equalization, the entity responsible for hearing property tax appeals. Homeowners must submit their appeal within 60 days of receiving their assessment notice or by July 1st, whichever is later. The appeal process involves several steps. Initially, homeowners should gather evidence to support their claim that the assessed value of their property is incorrect. This can include recent sales of comparable properties, independent appraisals, and photographs showing the condition of the property. Once the petition is filed, the Board of Equalization will schedule a hearing where homeowners can present their case. During the hearing, both the homeowner and the county assessor’s office will present their evidence, and the board will evaluate the information to make a decision. Potential outcomes of the appeal can vary. The board may decide to lower the assessed value, keep it the same, or, in rare cases, increase it. If the homeowner disagrees with the board's decision, they can further appeal to the Washington State Board of Tax Appeals. Ownwell can significantly enhance the chances of a successful appeal by providing expert guidance throughout the process. Our team of property tax consultants will help gather compelling evidence, prepare the necessary documentation, and represent homeowners during the hearing. By leveraging our expertise, homeowners can ensure that their appeal is well-prepared and professionally presented, maximizing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Exemptions in Washington
Pierce County offers several property tax exemption programs designed to ease the financial burden on homeowners. One of the key exemptions available is the Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Exemption. This program is aimed at homeowners who are either 61 years or older, retired due to disability, or veterans with a service-connected disability. To qualify, applicants must meet specific income thresholds and the property must be their primary residence. Another important exemption is the Home Improvement Exemption, which allows homeowners to make improvements to their primary residence without an immediate increase in property taxes. This exemption covers enhancements like adding a new room or renovating existing structures, providing financial relief during the improvement period. Pierce County also offers the Disabled Veteran Exemption, which provides significant tax reductions for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. This exemption aims to support those who have served the country by easing their property tax responsibilities. Homeowners can apply for these exemptions by submitting the necessary forms and documentation to the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer's Office. Navigating these applications can be complex, but Ownwell is here to help. Our experts can guide you through the eligibility criteria, ensure all paperwork is correctly completed, and maximize your chances of approval. By leveraging our expertise, homeowners can fully benefit from the available property tax exemptions, making homeownership more affordable.
Available Exemptions
Senior
Disabled
Veteran
Non-Profit
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | August 26 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | February 10 |
| Due Date #1 | April 30 |
| Due Date #2 | October 31 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Pierce Tax Assessor | |
| Phone | (253) 798-6111 |
| Website | atip.piercecountywa.gov |
| pcatr@piercecountywa.gov | |
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