Property Taxes in Washington
Property Taxes in Washington
Median Washington effective property tax rate: 0.92%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Washington home value: $501,600
Median annual Washington tax bill: $4,512, $2,112 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Washington calculated?
Property taxes in Washington 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 your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you are in Washington, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.92%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,615
$4,282
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
How Does the Washington Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Washington property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill with just your property's assessed value. Our calculator applies Washington's median effective tax rate of 0.92% to generate a realistic estimate of what you'll owe — or what you could save.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the value your county assessor uses to calculate your bill, which is typically lower than market value after exemptions. Our calculator applies Washington's median effective tax rate (actual tax bills divided by assessor's market value), which accounts for exemptions and provides a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.
Note: your assessed value is determined by your county and reflects any exemptions you already have. Washington's median property tax bill is $4,512, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. For a more localized estimate, scroll down to explore county and city-level trends.
If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. Washington homeowners who protested with Ownwell saved an average of $774 per year.
Property Tax Rates Across Washington
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates in Washington?
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely across Washington. Each county estimates its required budget to fund public services and divides that by the total assessed value of all taxable property in its jurisdiction. This calculation produces the effective tax rate.
Below, compare any Washington county's effective rate to other counties in the state or the national median of 1.02%.
For instance, Whitman County has the highest effective property tax rate in Washington at 1.40%, while San Juan County has the lowest at 0.57%.
Our median effective rate (your actual tax bill divided by the assessor's market value) accounts for all exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general statutory millage rate.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· 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 Washington Tax Rate
0.92%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· 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 United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Washington
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams | 1.08% | 1.14% | 1.20% | 1.22% | 1.33% |
| Asotin | 0.46% | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.16% | 1.47% |
| Benton | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.93% | 0.95% | 1.09% |
| Chelan | 0.67% | 0.68% | 0.79% | 0.85% | 0.89% |
| Clallam | 0.68% | 0.74% | 0.76% | 0.89% | 0.93% |
| Clark | 0.82% | 0.89% | 0.98% | 1.00% | 1.05% |
| Columbia | 0.77% | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.14% |
| Cowlitz | 0.71% | 0.81% | 0.87% | 0.97% | 1.02% |
| Douglas | 0.68% | 0.84% | 0.87% | 0.93% | 0.97% |
| Ferry | 0.72% | 0.83% | 0.90% | 0.93% | 0.96% |
| Franklin | 0.74% | 0.79% | 0.79% | 0.79% | 0.84% |
| Garfield | 0.91% | 1.00% | 1.01% | 1.09% | 1.09% |
| Grant | 0.82% | 0.97% | 1.12% | 1.21% | 1.49% |
| Grays Harbor | 0.53% | 0.72% | 0.90% | 1.00% | 1.10% |
| Island | 0.62% | 0.66% | 0.73% | 0.78% | 0.83% |
| Jefferson | 0.76% | 0.79% | 0.83% | 0.90% | 0.90% |
| King | 0.73% | 0.90% | 0.99% | 1.04% | 1.12% |
| Kitsap | 0.75% | 0.82% | 0.85% | 0.90% | 0.93% |
| Kittitas | 0.57% | 0.65% | 0.80% | 1.02% | 1.05% |
| Klickitat | 0.76% | 0.86% | 0.95% | 1.04% | 1.15% |
| Lewis | 0.64% | 0.66% | 0.70% | 0.75% | 0.83% |
| Lincoln | 0.37% | 0.74% | 0.87% | 1.11% | 1.31% |
| Mason | 0.63% | 0.74% | 0.83% | 0.98% | 1.12% |
| Okanogan | 0.74% | 0.79% | 0.85% | 0.97% | 1.06% |
| Pacific | 0.62% | 0.69% | 0.72% | 0.76% | 0.89% |
| Pend Oreille | 0.74% | 0.79% | 0.86% | 0.87% | 0.89% |
| Pierce | 0.83% | 0.93% | 1.01% | 1.07% | 1.12% |
| San Juan | 0.43% | 0.54% | 0.57% | 0.58% | 0.60% |
| Skagit | 0.67% | 0.75% | 0.86% | 0.95% | 1.02% |
| Skamania | 0.68% | 0.83% | 0.84% | 0.86% | 0.98% |
| Snohomish | 0.69% | 0.74% | 0.80% | 0.86% | 0.92% |
| Spokane | 0.76% | 0.89% | 0.95% | 1.00% | 1.05% |
| Stevens | 0.59% | 0.69% | 0.74% | 0.82% | 0.89% |
| Thurston | 0.71% | 0.87% | 0.93% | 0.98% | 1.03% |
| Wahkiakum | 0.49% | 0.57% | 0.59% | 0.60% | 0.63% |
| Walla Walla | 0.88% | 0.89% | 0.89% | 1.01% | 1.09% |
| Whatcom | 0.59% | 0.69% | 0.77% | 0.81% | 0.88% |
| Whitman | 0.95% | 1.23% | 1.40% | 1.40% | 1.45% |
| Yakima | 0.87% | 0.97% | 1.05% | 1.17% | 1.38% |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington
Understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial when examining property taxes in Washington.
The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market. Location, property condition, and economic market trends often influence it. Each Washington county assessor 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.
Assessment notices:
In Washington, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the end of the spring.
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. Washington’s median home price is $501,600, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and national median property tax rate of 1.02%.
For example, San Juan has the highest median home price at $798,910.
Median Washington Market Value
$501,600
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams | $17,400 | $83,400 | $160,300 | $222,825 | $311,150 |
| Asotin | $32,063 | $80,275 | $159,700 | $230,200 | $339,100 |
| Benton | $85,500 | $237,470 | $347,060 | $468,995 | $612,162 |
| Chelan | $57,330 | $197,617 | $364,069 | $584,939 | $919,052 |
| Clallam | $150,775 | $268,997 | $380,282 | $529,912 | $719,057 |
| Clark | $320,772 | $394,937 | $478,846 | $618,206 | $812,702 |
| Columbia | $7,686 | $41,825 | $142,200 | $229,305 | $325,468 |
| Cowlitz | $160,040 | $256,800 | $341,430 | $447,860 | $591,006 |
| Douglas | $39,700 | $215,900 | $361,800 | $494,300 | $681,340 |
| Ferry | $20,030 | $50,000 | $104,150 | $195,225 | $296,480 |
| Franklin | $174,200 | $312,300 | $384,500 | $477,200 | $625,860 |
| Garfield | $2,986 | $15,630 | $86,600 | $169,813 | $240,936 |
| Grant | $9,546 | $50,000 | $160,157 | $291,353 | $404,612 |
| Grays Harbor | $57,112 | $137,504 | $242,486 | $356,754 | $488,307 |
| Island | $296,166 | $420,416 | $549,996 | $760,231 | $1,027,006 |
| Jefferson | $123,859 | $271,744 | $435,843 | $620,594 | $822,526 |
| King | $417,000 | $562,000 | $774,000 | $1,135,000 | $1,663,000 |
| Kitsap | $254,753 | $361,372 | $472,995 | $649,050 | $957,740 |
| Kittitas | $180,320 | $282,440 | $382,480 | $560,168 | $880,684 |
| Klickitat | $36,300 | $70,098 | $160,125 | $303,415 | $493,797 |
| Lewis | $68,400 | $204,800 | $329,400 | $449,000 | $583,500 |
| Lincoln | $6,250 | $26,000 | $93,780 | $206,240 | $323,990 |
| Mason | $84,493 | $187,832 | $309,355 | $457,252 | $631,602 |
| Okanogan | $19,000 | $63,900 | $177,100 | $334,400 | $567,600 |
| Pacific | $13,000 | $99,500 | $235,200 | $364,850 | $521,200 |
| Pend Oreille | $45,000 | $102,870 | $200,446 | $316,814 | $431,440 |
| Pierce | $307,300 | $400,900 | $495,600 | $627,100 | $828,100 |
| San Juan | $299,084 | $502,995 | $798,910 | $1,285,345 | $2,087,770 |
| Skagit | $106,100 | $354,525 | $497,500 | $670,375 | $947,850 |
| Skamania | $126,500 | $236,600 | $362,600 | $501,400 | $653,920 |
| Snohomish | $353,000 | $505,500 | $650,900 | $831,600 | $1,062,000 |
| Spokane | $214,700 | $285,200 | $370,100 | $489,300 | $653,500 |
| Stevens | $39,997 | $103,250 | $211,472 | $336,706 | $476,612 |
| Thurston | $227,900 | $365,800 | $459,800 | $578,400 | $752,310 |
| Wahkiakum | $74,000 | $210,800 | $343,600 | $456,100 | $572,900 |
| Walla Walla | $114,904 | $236,825 | $340,770 | $450,415 | $596,828 |
| Whatcom | $56,724 | $299,276 | $511,606 | $690,181 | $948,226 |
| Whitman | $5,000 | $37,036 | $123,566 | $229,446 | $351,671 |
| Yakima | $48,600 | $152,600 | $236,000 | $327,000 | $422,300 |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Washington
How much are property tax bills across Washington?
Property tax bills in Washington are calculated by multiplying the property's assessed value by the local effective tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and reflects the market value of the property minus any applicable exemptions.
Washington homeowners face varying tax obligations depending on their location. The median tax bill in King County is $7,644, while homeowners in Lincoln County pay a median of $662.
Factors including property size, recent improvements, and neighborhood comparables all influence the final assessed value, and therefore the tax bill.
Understanding these factors helps property owners evaluate their assessment accuracy and identify whether an appeal may be warranted. Ownwell can help homeowners save on their property tax bills.
Median Washington Tax Bill
$4,512
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Washington
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams | $144 | $842 | $1,914 | $2,694 | $3,729 |
| Asotin | $337 | $709 | $1,727 | $2,710 | $4,075 |
| Benton | $544 | $2,044 | $3,052 | $4,258 | $5,695 |
| Chelan | $369 | $1,364 | $2,853 | $4,565 | $6,937 |
| Clallam | $697 | $2,070 | $3,050 | $4,156 | $5,592 |
| Clark | $2,196 | $3,662 | $4,563 | $5,804 | $7,596 |
| Columbia | $78 | $383 | $1,401 | $2,535 | $3,659 |
| Cowlitz | $655 | $2,122 | $2,984 | $4,008 | $5,253 |
| Douglas | $285 | $1,556 | $3,166 | $4,275 | $5,742 |
| Ferry | $151 | $435 | $856 | $1,669 | $2,628 |
| Franklin | $1,058 | $2,390 | $3,020 | $3,763 | $4,937 |
| Garfield | $32 | $142 | $787 | $1,670 | $2,370 |
| Grant | $115 | $547 | $1,689 | $3,101 | $4,354 |
| Grays Harbor | $303 | $999 | $2,050 | $3,077 | $4,310 |
| Island | $1,528 | $2,970 | $3,999 | $5,437 | $7,378 |
| Jefferson | $741 | $2,039 | $3,575 | $5,152 | $6,949 |
| King | $3,397 | $5,558 | $7,644 | $10,503 | $14,547 |
| Kitsap | $1,159 | $2,980 | $4,023 | $5,506 | $7,854 |
| Kittitas | $1,203 | $2,198 | $3,367 | $4,611 | $6,777 |
| Klickitat | $225 | $601 | $1,439 | $2,885 | $4,713 |
| Lewis | $339 | $1,164 | $2,244 | $3,226 | $4,282 |
| Lincoln | $46 | $197 | $662 | $1,676 | $2,729 |
| Mason | $513 | $1,427 | $2,628 | $3,951 | $5,497 |
| Okanogan | $182 | $536 | $1,530 | $2,869 | $4,701 |
| Pacific | $87 | $600 | $1,578 | $2,531 | $3,626 |
| Pend Oreille | $301 | $736 | $1,581 | $2,636 | $3,644 |
| Pierce | $2,168 | $3,916 | $4,961 | $6,207 | $8,017 |
| San Juan | $1,306 | $2,578 | $4,329 | $7,033 | $11,473 |
| Skagit | $555 | $2,726 | $4,198 | $5,748 | $7,751 |
| Skamania | $768 | $1,678 | $3,032 | $4,357 | $5,704 |
| Snohomish | $2,042 | $3,866 | $5,179 | $6,739 | $8,713 |
| Spokane | $1,330 | $2,605 | $3,501 | $4,642 | $6,162 |
| Stevens | $226 | $628 | $1,474 | $2,522 | $3,829 |
| Thurston | $882 | $3,143 | $4,232 | $5,421 | $7,074 |
| Wahkiakum | $278 | $1,058 | $2,014 | $2,772 | $3,516 |
| Walla Walla | $492 | $1,948 | $3,153 | $4,355 | $5,744 |
| Whatcom | $308 | $1,793 | $3,775 | $5,296 | $7,363 |
| Whitman | $70 | $619 | $1,761 | $3,189 | $4,870 |
| Yakima | $478 | $1,728 | $2,551 | $3,491 | $4,524 |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Want to lower your Washington property taxes?
How Can I Lower My Property Taxes in Washington?
Looking to reduce your Washington property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax appeal company in Washington. We specialize in helping Washington property owners lower their taxes by working directly with county appraisal districts across the state each year.
Through our tax monitoring service and proprietary software, we collect everything needed to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of Washington property tax appeals and identify the primary exemptions so you don't have to.
Whether you're a homeowner, a real estate investor, or an asset manager, our local Washington team at Ownwell has the expertise to assess your current situation and identify strategic opportunities to reduce your tax burden.
By handling the appeal process from start to finish, we simplify the procedure and enhance your chances of a favorable outcome.
Property Tax Appeals in Washington
How Do I Appeal My Property Tax Assessment in Washington?
Homeowners in Washington who believe their property tax assessment is too high can appeal the decision through an informal and formal appeal process.
Step 1 — Review your assessment notice: Each year, the county assessor mails a Notice of Assessed Value. Review this carefully for accuracy in square footage, property characteristics, and comparable sales used.
Step 2 — File an appeal: Submit a formal appeal to the county board of equalization by the deadline — typically July 1. Include evidence such as recent comparable sales, a recent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues.
Step 3 — Informal review: Most counties offer an informal meeting with an appraiser before the formal hearing. This is often where reductions are secured.
Step 4 — Formal hearing: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to the county board of equalization, an independent panel that hears evidence from both the homeowner and the appraisal district.
Washington’s median property tax rate is 0.92%, below the national median of 1.02%, but tax bills can still be substantial. The median home price is $501,600, and property tax bills range from $2,805 at the 25th percentile to $9,822 at the 90th percentile. King County has the highest median tax bill at $7,644, while Lincoln County has the lowest at $662.
How does Ownwell help?
Ownwell handles every step of this process, from filing to the formal hearing, so you don't overpay.
Exemptions in Washington
What property tax exemption programs are available in Washington?
Washington homeowners may qualify for several property tax exemption programs that can reduce the amount of tax owed on a primary residence. The most important exemption for many homeowners is the homestead-style benefit tied to a home that is used as the owner’s main residence. This primary residence focus matters because exemptions are generally designed to help people living in the home, not owners of second homes or investment properties.
Who is eligible for property tax exemptions in Washington?
Eligibility depends on the exemption type. Homeowners who occupy their property as a primary residence may qualify for homeowner-based relief, while seniors, people with disabilities, and certain veterans may qualify for additional exemptions or deferrals if they meet the state’s requirements. Some programs are also available to surviving spouses of eligible homeowners. Each exemption has its own rules, so it is important to review them separately.
How do homeowners apply for exemptions in Washington?
Homeowners usually apply through their county assessor’s office and may need to provide proof of ownership, residency, age, disability, income, or veteran status depending on the program. Applications often require documentation and may need to be renewed or updated if circumstances change.
How can Ownwell help?
Ownwell helps homeowners identify which Washington property tax exemptions they may qualify for, prepare the right paperwork, and make sure they do not miss savings opportunities on their primary residence.
Available Exemptions
Senior
Disabled
Veteran
Non-Profit
Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Washington
How are property taxes calculated in Washington?
How do I appeal my property taxes in Washington?
What property tax exemptions are available in Washington?
When are property taxes due in Washington?
How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Washington?
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