Property Taxes in Rochester, Washington
Median Rochester, Washington effective property tax rate: 0.84%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Washington state median of 0.92%.
Median Rochester, Washington home value: $390,100
Median annual Rochester, Washington tax bill: $2,938, $538 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Lewis calculated?
Property taxes in Rochester, 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 Rochester's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Rochester, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
How Does the Rochester Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Rochester property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Rochester's median effective tax rate of 0.84% — based on actual property records in Lewis County — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local assessor uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Rochester'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 Rochester: rates range from 0.84% in 98579 to 0.84% in 98579, 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 Rochester.
About Rochester Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in Rochester, Lewis, Washington
Rochester’s median effective property tax rate of 0.84% is lower than the Washington state median of 0.92% and lower than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Lewis 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 Rochester. Homeowners in ZIP code 98579 carry a median effective rate of 0.84%, while those in the same ZIP code also pay 0.84%. This reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Lewis County. Understanding which part of Rochester you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
Rochester 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 Rochester, Lewis 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 Rochester'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 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 Rochester Tax Rate
0.84%
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 Lewis County Tax Rate
0.70%
Median Effective Washington Tax Rate
0.92%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.27%
Property Tax Rates Across Rochester, Lewis County, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98579 | 0.48% | 0.74% | 0.84% | 0.84% | 0.85% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Rochester, Lewis County, Washington
When examining property taxes in Rochester, 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 Lewis 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 Lewis County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of October.
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 Rochester.
For example, the median home price in Rochester is $390,100, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 98579 has the highest median home price at $390,100.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Rochester, Lewis County, Washington
Source: Ownwell
$112,400
$271,150
$429,900
Median Rochester Market Value
$390,100
Median Lewis County Market Value
$329,400
Median Washington Market Value
$501,600
Median United States Market Value
$274,101
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Rochester, Lewis County, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98579 | $130,100 | $286,200 | $390,100 | $496,000 | $602,800 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Rochester, Lewis County, Washington
How are property tax bills calculated in Rochester, Washington?
Property tax bills are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities. For homeowners in Rochester, the median home price is $390,100, and the property tax bill can vary widely depending on the assessed market value and the specific levy rates applied to the property.
What factors affect the final bill? The amount owed is shaped by the home’s assessed value, exemptions, and the mix of local services funded by property taxes. In Lewis County, the property tax bill ranges from $1,484 at the 25th percentile to $4,001 at the 75th percentile, with the 90th percentile reaching $4,832.
How does this compare to homeowners? Rochester’s property tax burden can be above the national median property tax bill of $2,400, which means some homeowners may face a larger annual expense depending on how their property is assessed.
Median Rochester Tax Bill
$2,938
Median Lewis County Tax Bill
$2,244
Median Washington Tax Bill
$4,512
Median United States Tax Bill
$3,209
Property Tax Bills Across Rochester, Lewis County, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98579 | $512 | $1,484 | $2,938 | $4,001 | $4,832 |
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 | |
|---|---|
| Lewis Tax Assessor | |
| Website | parcels.lewiscountywa.gov |