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Des Moines, King County, Washington Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Des Moines, Washington

  • Median Des Moines, Washington effective property tax rate: 1.18%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the Washington state median of 0.92%.

  • Median Des Moines, Washington home value: $544,000

  • Median annual Des Moines, Washington tax bill: $6,256, $3,856 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in King calculated?

Property taxes in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Des Moines, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Des Moines, King County, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.18%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$6,419

$5,957

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the Des Moines Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Des Moines property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Des Moines's median effective tax rate of 1.18% — based on actual property records in King County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Des Moines's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.

Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Des Moines: rates range from $6,229.00 in 98198 to $6,417.00 in 98148, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can appeal your Des Moines assessment — you only pay if we save you money.

About Des Moines Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Des Moines, King, Washington

Des Moines’s median effective property tax rate of 1.18% is higher than the Washington state median of 0.92% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the King County base levy combined with local school district levies and Local improvement districts (LIDs) that vary by subdivision throughout the city.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Des Moines. Homeowners in the 98148 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.18%, while those in 98198 pay 1.18%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across King County. Understanding which part of Des Moines you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Des Moines homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Tax Assessor before the July deadline each year.

If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.

Property Tax Rates Across Des Moines, King County, Washington

As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.

Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.

While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.

Below, you can compare Des Moines's effective property tax rate to other cities in Washington and the median property tax rates in Washington and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across Des Moines, King County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

0.63%

0.93%

1.24%

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 Des Moines Tax Rate

1.18%

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 King County Tax Rate

0.99%

Median Effective Washington Tax Rate

0.92%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Des Moines, King County, Washington

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
981481.14%1.17%1.18%1.19%1.22%
981981.05%1.10%1.18%1.21%1.30%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Des Moines, King County, Washington

When examining property taxes in Des Moines, Washington, 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 King County tax 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 King County, assessment notices are sent in July each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of July.

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. For example, the median home price in Des Moines is $544,000, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. The highest median home price is in 98198 at $544,000, while the highest median tax bill is in 98148 at $6,417.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Des Moines, King County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$275,000

$3,858,750

$7,442,500

Median Des Moines Market Value

$544,000

Median King County Market Value

$774,000

Median Washington Market Value

$501,600

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Des Moines, King County, Washington

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
98148$460,000$499,000$543,500$626,000$707,000
98198$314,000$464,000$544,000$653,000$861,000

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Des Moines, King County, Washington

Property tax bills in Des Moines are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities in King County. When a property’s market value rises, the assessed value can also increase, which may lead to a higher tax bill. For a home with a median market value of $544,000, the tax burden can vary widely, with bills often falling between $5,156 and $7,501, and reaching $9,574 at the 90th percentile. That is well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400, which can make a noticeable difference for homeowners.

Because property taxes are tied to valuation, even small assessment errors can cost you money year after year. Ownwell helps homeowners appeal unfair assessments and identify exemption opportunities that may lower their property tax bills. By reviewing your property’s assessed value and comparing it to local market data, Ownwell works to reduce what you owe and keep more money in your pocket.

Property Tax Bills Across Des Moines, King County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$2,643

$24,618

$46,592

Median Des Moines Tax Bill

$6,256

Median King County Tax Bill

$7,644

Median Washington Tax Bill

$4,512

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Des Moines, King County, Washington

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
98148$4,820$5,843$6,417$7,378$8,304
98198$3,188$5,032$6,229$7,525$9,800

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Des Moines, Washington

How are property taxes calculated in Des Moines, Washington?
Property taxes in Des Moines, Washington are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.
How do I appeal my property taxes in Des Moines, Washington?
To appeal your property taxes in Des Moines, Washington, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.
What property tax exemptions are available in Des Moines, Washington?
Common property tax exemptions in Des Moines, Washington include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.
When are property taxes due in Des Moines, Washington?
Property tax deadlines in Des Moines, Washington vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.
How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Des Moines, Washington?
Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Des Moines, Washington. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.