Cowlitz County, Washington Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Cowlitz County, Washington
Median Cowlitz County effective property tax rate: 0.87%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Cowlitz County home value: $341,430
Median annual Cowlitz County tax bill: $2,984, $584 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Cowlitz County calculated?
Property taxes in Cowlitz County 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.
Why does the Cowlitz County tax bill matter? Because even with a lower effective property tax rate than the national median, the median annual tax bill is still above the national median. How does Cowlitz County compare with Washington? The county’s 0.87% effective property tax rate is lower than the state median of 0.92%. What can homeowners do to reduce property taxes in Cowlitz County? Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Cowlitz County or another part of Cowlitz County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Cowlitz County, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.87%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,970
$2,756
How Does the Cowlitz County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Cowlitz County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Cowlitz County's median effective tax rate of 0.87% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the appraisal district assigns for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.
Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property. Cowlitz County's median effective tax rate is lower than the Washington median tax rate of 0.92%, while the county's median tax bill of $2,984 is higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400 by $584.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Cowlitz County.
Property Tax Rates Across Cowlitz County, Washington
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Cowlitz County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Cowlitz County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.
Below, compare Cowlitz County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Washington or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Cowlitz County's median effective rate stands at 0.87%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%. Within Cowlitz County, the highest rate is found in Kelso at 0.99%, while Woodland has the lowest at 0.74%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, Local improvement districts (LIDs) assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
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 Cowlitz County Tax Rate
0.87%
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 Washington Tax Rate
0.92%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Cowlitz County, Washington
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amboy | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.76% | 0.76% |
| Ariel | 0.72% | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.76% | 0.76% |
| Carrolls | 0.98% | 0.99% | 0.99% | 0.99% | 0.99% |
| Castle Rock | 0.79% | 0.79% | 0.80% | 0.82% | 0.89% |
| Cougar | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.76% | 0.76% | 0.77% |
| Kalama | 0.85% | 0.86% | 0.88% | 0.88% | 0.89% |
| Kelso | 0.80% | 0.97% | 0.99% | 1.21% | 1.42% |
| Longview | 0.81% | 0.86% | 0.86% | 0.92% | 0.98% |
| Silverlake | 0.85% | 0.89% | 0.98% | 0.98% | 0.99% |
| Toutle | 0.74% | 0.88% | 0.89% | 0.89% | 0.92% |
| Woodland | 0.70% | 0.71% | 0.74% | 0.76% | 0.87% |
| Ryderwood | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cowlitz County, Washington
When examining property taxes in Cowlitz County, 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 Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May.
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 Cowlitz County.
For example, the median tax bill in Cowlitz County is $2,984, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, with Kalama at the highest median tax bill of $3,751 and Cougar at the lowest median tax bill of $2,070. Amboy has the highest median home price at $455,590.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cowlitz County, Washington
Source: Ownwell
$251,115
$353,353
$455,590
Median Cowlitz County Market Value
$341,430
Median Washington Market Value
$501,600
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Cowlitz County, Washington
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amboy | $254,504 | $330,270 | $455,590 | $566,575 | $677,416 |
| Ariel | $150,530 | $258,110 | $407,195 | $532,972 | $638,160 |
| Carrolls | $77,880 | $199,005 | $251,115 | $305,430 | $411,615 |
| Castle Rock | $123,918 | $260,438 | $369,030 | $506,415 | $637,454 |
| Cougar | $75,805 | $174,092 | $282,645 | $376,510 | $525,530 |
| Kalama | $143,250 | $325,920 | $440,170 | $592,270 | $734,552 |
| Kelso | $126,262 | $227,982 | $310,035 | $401,548 | $530,867 |
| Longview | $191,210 | $261,950 | $326,630 | $405,830 | $509,230 |
| Silverlake | $127,508 | $253,005 | $380,695 | $484,228 | $604,187 |
| Toutle | $95,546 | $238,290 | $342,580 | $460,150 | $585,324 |
| Woodland | $183,104 | $334,002 | $413,740 | $567,202 | $757,476 |
| Ryderwood | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Cowlitz County, Washington
Property tax bills in Cowlitz County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rates set by taxing districts. When a property’s market value rises, the assessed value can increase as well, which may lead to a higher bill. Homeowners in the county should also expect differences based on location, since city and district levies can vary from one area to another.
With a median home price of $341,430, the property tax burden can be meaningful for many households. The county’s tax bills show a wide spread: the 25th percentile is $2,122, the 75th percentile is $4,008, and the 90th percentile is $5,253. Median tax bills also vary by city, from $2,070 in Cougar to $3,751 in Kalama.
Compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400, many Cowlitz County homeowners pay around or above that level, which can affect monthly housing costs and long-term affordability.
Median Cowlitz County Tax Bill
$2,984
Median Washington Tax Bill
$4,512
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Cowlitz County, Washington
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amboy | $1,723 | $2,322 | $3,258 | $4,273 | $5,037 |
| Ariel | $687 | $1,719 | $2,953 | $3,971 | $4,768 |
| Carrolls | $766 | $1,966 | $2,483 | $3,016 | $4,055 |
| Castle Rock | $488 | $1,896 | $2,929 | $4,112 | $5,269 |
| Cougar | $197 | $1,271 | $2,070 | $2,844 | $3,964 |
| Kalama | $706 | $2,564 | $3,751 | $5,145 | $6,411 |
| Kelso | $693 | $2,215 | $3,240 | $4,452 | $5,578 |
| Longview | $652 | $2,114 | $2,790 | $3,560 | $4,557 |
| Silverlake | $825 | $2,185 | $3,477 | $4,461 | $5,470 |
| Toutle | $444 | $1,531 | $2,963 | $3,975 | $5,245 |
| Woodland | $848 | $2,492 | $3,107 | $4,133 | $5,495 |
| Ryderwood | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | July 1 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | February 10 |
| Due Date #1 | April 30 |
| Due Date #2 | October 31 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Cowlitz Tax Assessor | |
| Website | cowlitzinfo.net |