Property Taxes in South Cle Elum, Washington
Median South Cle Elum, Washington effective property tax rate: 0.59%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Washington state median of 0.92%.
Median South Cle Elum, Washington home value: $317,000
Median annual South Cle Elum, Washington tax bill: $1,876, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Kittitas calculated?
Property taxes in South Cle Elum, 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 South Cle Elum's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in South Cle Elum, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
How Does the South Cle Elum Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this South Cle Elum property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies South Cle Elum's median effective tax rate of 0.59% — based on actual property records in Kittitas 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 South Cle Elum'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 South Cle Elum: rates range from 0.59% in 98943 to 0.59% in 98943, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across South Cle Elum.
About South Cle Elum Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in South Cle Elum, Kittitas, Washington
South Cle Elum’s median effective property tax rate of 0.59% is lower than the Washington state median of 0.92% and lower than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Kittitas 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 South Cle Elum. Homeowners in the 98943 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 0.59%, while those in the same ZIP code pay 0.59%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Kittitas County. Understanding which part of South Cle Elum you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
South Cle Elum homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Tax Assessor before July 1, 2026.
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 South Cle Elum, Kittitas 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 South Cle Elum's effective property tax rate to other cities in Washington and the median property tax rates in Washington and the U.S.
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 South Cle Elum Tax Rate
0.59%
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 Kittitas County Tax Rate
0.80%
Median Effective Washington Tax Rate
0.92%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.27%
Property Tax Rates Across South Cle Elum, Kittitas County, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98943 | 0.55% | 0.57% | 0.59% | 0.67% | 0.68% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across South Cle Elum, Kittitas County, Washington
When examining property taxes in South Cle Elum, 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 Kittitas County appraisal district 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 Kittitas 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 South Cle Elum.
For example, the median home price in South Cle Elum is $317,000, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 98943 has the highest median home price at $317,000.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across South Cle Elum, Kittitas County, Washington
Source: Ownwell
$231,155
$440,648
$650,140
Median South Cle Elum Market Value
$317,000
Median Kittitas County Market Value
$382,480
Median Washington Market Value
$501,600
Median United States Market Value
$274,101
Property Tax Assessment Values Across South Cle Elum, Kittitas County, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98943 | $187,625 | $239,462 | $317,000 | $385,972 | $457,140 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across South Cle Elum, Kittitas County, Washington
Property tax bills in South Cle Elum are calculated by applying local tax rates to a home’s assessed value, which is based on the market value of the property. For a home with a median value of $317,000, the final bill depends on the tax rates set by local taxing authorities in Kittitas County, along with any exemptions or special levies that apply.
The typical property tax bill in South Cle Elum is $1,876, which is below the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and also lower than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Homeowners with bills in the $1,480 to $2,219 range fall within the middle half of local property taxes, while bills reaching $2,730 reflect the higher end of what residents may pay.
These taxes directly affect monthly housing costs and can make ownership more expensive as assessed values rise.
Property Tax Bills Across South Cle Elum, Kittitas County, Washington
Source: Ownwell
$1,876
$3,555
$5,234
Median South Cle Elum Tax Bill
$1,876
Median Kittitas County Tax Bill
$3,367
Median Washington Tax Bill
$4,512
Median United States Tax Bill
$3,209
Property Tax Bills Across South Cle Elum, Kittitas County, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98943 | $1,211 | $1,480 | $1,876 | $2,219 | $2,730 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | July 1 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Kittitas Tax Assessor | |
| Website | taxsifter.co.kittitas.wa.us |