Whatcom County Property Taxes

The median property tax rate in Whatcom County is 0.73%, which is lower than both the national median of 0.99% and the Washington state median of 0.88%. With the median home value in Whatcom County at $517,614, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,632, which is still above the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 Bellingham or another part of Whatcom County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.

Last Updated June 14, 2024

Whatcom County Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Average Tax Rate

0.73%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$3,779

$3,691

$1,148

Average Whatcom County Tax Savings

Ownwell’s Whatcom Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Whatcom with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Whatcom to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool not only helps you understand potential tax liabilities but also highlights how Ownwell can help lower property taxes in Whatcom. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.

Property Tax Rates Across Whatcom County, Washington

Property taxes in Whatcom County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Whatcom County is 0.73%, which is lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Whatcom County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Whatcom 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. For comparison, the city of Everson has one of the higher property tax rates in the region at 0.88%, while the city of Glacier boasts one of the lowest at 0.48%. Analyzing how Whatcom County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.

Property Tax Rates Across Whatcom County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

0.47%

0.67%

0.88%

Average Whatcom County Tax Rate

0.73%

Average Washington Tax Rate

0.88%

Average United States Tax Rate

0.99%

Property Tax Rates Across Whatcom County, Washington

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Acme	0.14%	0.52%	0.74%	0.83%	0.83%
Bellingham	0.63%	0.72%	0.73%	0.76%	0.84%
Blaine	0.64%	0.70%	0.71%	0.76%	0.78%
Custer	0.29%	0.58%	0.68%	0.74%	0.82%
Deming	0.47%	0.57%	0.65%	0.72%	0.79%
Eliza Island	0.70%	0.70%	0.70%	0.70%	0.71%
Everson	0.25%	0.70%	0.88%	0.88%	0.91%
Ferndale	0.35%	0.63%	0.70%	0.77%	0.83%
Glacier	0.45%	0.48%	0.48%	0.51%	0.59%
Lummi Island	0.54%	0.57%	0.74%	0.75%	0.77%
Lynden	0.46%	0.64%	0.69%	0.77%	0.81%
Maple Falls	0.41%	0.48%	0.64%	0.65%	0.67%
Nooksack	0.27%	0.86%	0.86%	0.88%	0.90%
Point Roberts	0.64%	0.68%	0.76%	0.81%	0.84%
Sedro Woolley	0.47%	0.60%	0.69%	0.69%	0.78%
Sumas	0.51%	0.75%	0.84%	0.92%	0.93%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Whatcom County, Washington

In Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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 Whatcom 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. Bellingham has the highest median tax bill at $4,417, while Glacier has the lowest at $389. Being aware of these valuation processes in Whatcom 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 Whatcom County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$20,896

$348,565

$676,233

Average Whatcom County Assessed Value

$517,614

Average Washington Assessed Value

$482,000

Average United States Assessed Value

$244,900

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Whatcom County, Washington

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Acme	$34,778	$120,328	$304,910	$498,123	$655,863
Bellingham	$150,137	$445,552	$605,223	$805,566	$1,115,286
Blaine	$27,976	$193,496	$412,212	$592,250	$859,634
Custer	$210,622	$362,936	$516,531	$681,458	$898,144
Deming	$23,660	$29,885	$113,261	$444,424	$618,581
Eliza Island	$313,086	$420,862	$486,968	$521,776	$614,624
Everson	$109,606	$331,912	$483,178	$650,784	$877,642
Ferndale	$162,695	$409,177	$527,794	$664,202	$848,358
Glacier	$50,151	$75,880	$75,880	$182,112	$442,928
Lummi Island	$36,652	$144,437	$430,416	$792,602	$1,118,002
Lynden	$276,473	$431,160	$545,194	$677,398	$860,136
Maple Falls	$38,316	$104,306	$228,289	$362,648	$461,962
Nooksack	$137,888	$305,762	$410,315	$499,157	$559,217
Point Roberts	$42,240	$60,140	$228,427	$373,853	$659,001
Sedro Woolley	$20,280	$44,024	$383,736	$521,478	$693,653
Sumas	$11,350	$30,418	$229,188	$410,820	$570,277

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Whatcom County, Washington

Property tax bills in Whatcom County, WA are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the county assessor's office. The tax rate is applied to this assessed value to determine the annual property tax bill. Several factors influence this calculation, including property location, market conditions, and improvements made to the property. Homeowners in Whatcom County experience a wide range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $1,666 and the 75th percentile reaching $5,099. The highest median tax bill is in Bellingham at $4,417, while Glacier boasts the lowest at $389. Ownwell offers property tax appeal and exemption services to help homeowners reduce their tax bills. By analyzing the assessed value and comparing it to market conditions, Ownwell can identify discrepancies and file appeals on behalf of homeowners. This process can lead to significant savings, ensuring homeowners only pay their fair share of property taxes.

Property Tax Bills Across Whatcom County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$68

$2,388

$4,707

Average Whatcom County Tax Bill

$3,632

Average Washington Tax Bill

$4,284

Average United States Tax Bill

$2,690

Property Tax Bills Across Whatcom County, Washington

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Acme	$94	$388	$1,897	$3,479	$4,939
Bellingham	$622	$3,009	$4,417	$5,884	$8,097
Blaine	$192	$1,170	$2,763	$4,063	$5,831
Custer	$626	$1,787	$3,270	$4,539	$6,227
Deming	$135	$178	$652	$2,801	$4,025
Eliza Island	$2,214	$2,949	$3,409	$3,651	$4,296
Everson	$304	$1,958	$3,772	$5,199	$6,822
Ferndale	$482	$2,367	$3,613	$4,908	$6,260
Glacier	$232	$364	$389	$889	$1,734
Lummi Island	$198	$589	$2,738	$5,347	$7,572
Lynden	$1,137	$2,693	$3,695	$4,917	$6,427
Maple Falls	$137	$424	$1,291	$2,233	$3,022
Nooksack	$373	$2,254	$3,441	$4,258	$4,878
Point Roberts	$269	$409	$1,785	$2,799	$4,835
Sedro Woolley	$98	$270	$2,563	$3,608	$4,835
Sumas	$79	$161	$1,756	$3,425	$4,840

Source: Ownwell

Want to lower your Whatcom County property taxes?

Looking to reduce your Whatcom property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax protest company serving Whatcom. We specialize in helping property owners in the Bellingham area and beyond lower their taxes by working directly with the Whatcom County Assessor's Office. Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the Whatcom 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 Whatcom property tax expenses through our proven strategies and expert advocacy.

Property Tax Appeals in Washington

Homeowners in Whatcom County who believe their property tax assessment is too high have the option to appeal the assessment. The appeal process begins with filing a formal petition with the Whatcom County Board of Equalization. Homeowners must submit this petition within 60 days of receiving their assessment notice or by July 1st, whichever is later. The petition should include evidence supporting the claim that the assessed value is inaccurate. This could involve recent sales data of comparable properties, independent appraisals, or evidence of property defects. Once the petition is submitted, the Board of Equalization reviews the evidence and may schedule a hearing. During the hearing, homeowners can present their case in person or through a representative. The board evaluates the evidence presented by both the homeowner and the county assessor's office before making a decision. Potential outcomes include a reduction in the assessed value, which could lower the property tax bill, or the board may uphold the original assessment if insufficient evidence is provided. Ownwell can significantly aid homeowners throughout this process. Our experts gather comprehensive market data, prepare detailed evidence, and represent homeowners during hearings. This professional support increases the likelihood of a successful appeal. Ownwell's experience with local property tax laws and familiarity with the Board of Equalization's procedures ensures that homeowners have the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome. By leveraging Ownwell's expertise, homeowners can navigate the complex appeal process with confidence and potentially reduce their property tax burden.

Exemptions in Washington

In Whatcom County, WA, homeowners have access to several property tax exemption programs designed to ease their tax burden. One significant exemption is the Senior Citizen/Disabled Persons Exemption, which offers a reduction in property taxes for residents aged 61 or older, or those who are retired due to disability. Eligibility is determined based on income thresholds, ensuring that those most in need receive the benefits. Another valuable program is the Home Improvement Exemption, which allows homeowners to make improvements to their primary residence without an immediate increase in property taxes. This exemption encourages property enhancements by delaying the tax impact of home improvements for a set period. Homeowners may also benefit from the Veterans Exemption, available to veterans with disabilities. This program reduces property taxes for eligible veterans, providing financial relief and supporting those who have served the country. Applying for these exemptions typically involves submitting an application to the county assessor’s office, along with documentation proving eligibility. The process can be complex, but Ownwell is here to help. Our team of experts can guide homeowners through the application process, ensuring all necessary paperwork is correctly completed and submitted on time. By leveraging Ownwell's services, homeowners can maximize their property tax savings and take full advantage of the available exemption programs.

Available Exemptions