Pierce County, Washington Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Pierce County, Washington

Median Pierce County effective property tax rate: 1.01%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Pierce County home value: $495,600
Median annual Pierce County tax bill: $4,961, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Pierce County calculated?

Property taxes in Pierce 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.

Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Pierce County or another part of Pierce County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Pierce County, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.01%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$5,006

$4,645

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the Pierce County Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Pierce County property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Pierce County's median effective tax rate of 1.01% — drawn from real transactions across the county — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the value the appraisal district assigns to your property, typically lower than market value after exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate (actual bills divided by market value), which accounts for typical exemptions and is more accurate than applying the statutory millage rate directly.

Note: your assessed value reflects any exemptions you currently have. Rates vary across Pierce County — scroll down to explore city-level trends and find the rate specific to your area.

Pierce County's median property tax rate is lower than the Washington median tax rate of 0.92%, but the county's median property tax bill of $4,961 is $2,561 higher than the state median. If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can protest your Pierce County assessment.

Property Tax Rates Across Pierce County, Washington

What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Pierce County?

Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Pierce 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 Pierce County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Washington or the U.S. median of 1.02%.

Pierce County's median effective rate stands at 1.01%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%. Within Pierce County, the highest rate is found in University Place at 1.13%, while Carbonado has the lowest at 0.73%.

These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, Local improvement districts (LIDs) assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.

Property Tax Rates Across Pierce County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

0.73%

0.94%

1.14%

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 Pierce County Tax Rate

1.01%

Median Effective Washington Tax Rate

0.92%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Pierce County, Washington vs Similar Washington Counties

Median Effective Clark County Tax Rate

0.98%

Median Effective King County Tax Rate

0.99%

Median Effective Snohomish County Tax Rate

0.80%

Median Effective Spokane County Tax Rate

0.95%

Property Tax Rates Across Pierce County, Washington

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Anderson Island	0.94%	0.97%	1.06%	1.08%	1.11%
Ashford	0.81%	0.86%	0.91%	0.94%	0.98%
Auburn	0.96%	1.05%	1.09%	1.11%	1.11%
Bonney Lake	0.84%	0.94%	0.97%	1.01%	1.03%
Buckley	0.86%	0.87%	0.95%	0.97%	1.00%
Carbonado	0.68%	0.72%	0.73%	0.74%	0.95%
Dupont	0.74%	0.76%	0.77%	0.78%	0.79%
Eatonville	0.79%	0.85%	0.94%	0.96%	0.99%
Edgewood	0.90%	0.93%	0.95%	0.97%	1.00%
Elbe	0.77%	0.91%	0.93%	0.94%	0.97%
Enumclaw	0.85%	0.87%	0.89%	0.91%	0.94%
Fife	0.83%	0.87%	0.90%	0.91%	0.94%
Fircrest	0.88%	0.94%	0.95%	0.97%	0.98%
Fox Island	0.82%	0.85%	0.89%	0.89%	0.90%
Gig Harbor	0.79%	0.82%	0.89%	0.91%	0.93%
Graham	0.90%	1.06%	1.10%	1.13%	1.16%
Lakebay	0.78%	0.82%	0.85%	0.88%	0.91%
Lake Tapps	0.92%	0.94%	0.97%	1.00%	1.01%
Lakewood	0.92%	0.97%	1.00%	1.03%	1.07%
Longbranch	0.78%	0.80%	0.83%	0.85%	0.87%
Mckenna	0.90%	0.95%	0.97%	1.00%	1.08%
Milton	0.94%	0.97%	0.97%	0.97%	0.97%
Orting	0.82%	0.85%	0.87%	0.88%	0.93%
Pacific	0.96%	1.00%	1.10%	1.42%	1.52%
Puyallup	0.91%	0.94%	1.00%	1.03%	1.12%
Roy	0.85%	0.95%	1.01%	1.07%	1.09%
Ruston	0.86%	0.87%	0.89%	0.90%	0.92%
South Prairie	0.86%	0.91%	0.91%	0.92%	0.92%
Spanaway	1.05%	1.09%	1.11%	1.13%	1.18%
Steilacoom	0.75%	0.78%	0.81%	0.83%	0.86%
Sumner	0.91%	0.96%	0.97%	0.98%	1.02%
Tacoma	0.99%	1.02%	1.05%	1.08%	1.11%
University Place	1.05%	1.08%	1.13%	1.16%	1.19%
Vaughn	0.80%	0.81%	0.82%	0.87%	0.90%
Wilkeson	0.80%	0.81%	0.81%	0.82%	0.96%
Belfair	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Bothell	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Federal Way	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Home	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Joint Base Lewis Mcchord	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Kapowsin	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Mcchord Afb	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wauna	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Pierce County, Washington

When examining property taxes in Pierce 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 Pierce 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 Pierce County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of June.

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 Pierce County.

For example, the median tax bill in Pierce County is $4,961, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Fox Island has the highest median home price at $978,400.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Pierce County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$32,800

$505,600

$978,400

Median Pierce County Market Value

$495,600

Median Washington Market Value

$501,600

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Pierce County, Washington vs Similar Washington Counties

Median Clark County Market Value

$478,846

Median King County Market Value

$774,000

Median Snohomish County Market Value

$650,900

Median Spokane County Market Value

$370,100

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Pierce County, Washington

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Anderson Island	$199,610	$299,300	$398,250	$566,625	$795,560
Ashford	$76,350	$136,500	$260,000	$391,750	$533,630
Auburn	$348,500	$463,300	$554,900	$667,800	$759,600
Bonney Lake	$254,840	$431,800	$540,900	$666,200	$792,660
Buckley	$253,450	$412,500	$542,350	$680,250	$866,900
Carbonado	$258,410	$322,950	$418,050	$587,325	$755,530
Dupont	$372,650	$423,925	$495,700	$561,975	$643,150
Eatonville	$176,930	$335,250	$469,300	$633,525	$824,870
Edgewood	$431,920	$530,100	$637,100	$785,000	$947,100
Elbe	$59,070	$180,200	$261,100	$431,450	$541,470
Enumclaw	$148,090	$380,100	$690,000	$877,600	$1,204,630
Fife	$355,300	$435,125	$501,300	$571,600	$631,150
Fircrest	$417,720	$482,100	$571,400	$645,750	$718,680
Fox Island	$546,420	$701,750	$978,400	$1,427,000	$1,879,980
Gig Harbor	$402,800	$550,000	$718,100	$978,200	$1,388,540
Graham	$149,770	$368,000	$479,150	$590,800	$751,160
Lakebay	$145,230	$291,750	$430,150	$600,700	$872,840
Lake Tapps	$433,780	$570,600	$754,700	$1,072,200	$1,528,980
Lakewood	$258,820	$377,800	$462,000	$571,000	$740,960
Longbranch	$184,260	$346,500	$508,400	$737,350	$1,049,400
Mckenna	$82,090	$242,350	$359,400	$431,550	$492,590
Milton	$342,300	$410,800	$512,300	$596,200	$744,160
Orting	$325,400	$420,000	$487,500	$571,850	$659,600
Pacific	$23,010	$31,950	$99,900	$239,425	$440,580
Puyallup	$315,880	$422,200	$497,000	$586,100	$694,100
Roy	$123,000	$313,600	$464,000	$616,600	$770,000
Ruston	$441,550	$517,700	$630,500	$889,250	$1,097,550
South Prairie	$254,420	$363,500	$416,700	$462,800	$619,420
Spanaway	$190,450	$373,300	$435,700	$494,125	$568,200
Steilacoom	$357,570	$448,650	$573,650	$784,225	$1,007,780
Sumner	$296,060	$410,350	$512,450	$607,950	$758,110
Tacoma	$324,700	$380,700	$456,700	$563,600	$726,400
University Place	$447,600	$525,725	$605,100	$708,700	$895,750
Vaughn	$175,170	$389,575	$612,900	$886,975	$1,288,870
Wilkeson	$204,480	$320,600	$401,700	$481,500	$678,920
Belfair	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Bothell	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Federal Way	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Home	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Joint Base Lewis Mcchord	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Kapowsin	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Mcchord Afb	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wauna	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Pierce County, Washington

Property tax bills in Pierce County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rates set by taxing districts. As the market value of a property changes, the assessed value can change too, which affects the final bill homeowners receive. For many owners, that means taxes can rise even when nothing about the home itself has changed.

In Pierce County, the median home price is $495,600, and property tax bills vary widely across the county. The 25th percentile tax bill is $3,916, while the 75th percentile is $6,207 and the 90th percentile reaches $8,017. That is well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400, which can make a meaningful difference for homeowners.

Ownwell helps homeowners review their assessed value and identify opportunities to appeal overassessments. By challenging an unfair assessment, Ownwell can help lower property tax bills and reduce what homeowners pay each year.

Property Tax Bills Across Pierce County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$266

$4,406

$8,546

Median Pierce County Tax Bill

$4,961

Median Washington Tax Bill

$4,512

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Pierce County, Washington vs Similar Washington Counties

Median Clark County Tax Bill

$4,563

Median King County Tax Bill

$7,644

Median Snohomish County Tax Bill

$5,179

Median Spokane County Tax Bill

$3,501

Property Tax Bills Across Pierce County, Washington

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Anderson Island	$971	$2,972	$4,089	$5,762	$7,723
Ashford	$542	$1,099	$2,266	$3,397	$4,666
Auburn	$3,616	$4,921	$6,021	$7,271	$8,277
Bonney Lake	$2,000	$4,154	$5,183	$6,398	$7,642
Buckley	$2,062	$3,692	$5,001	$6,356	$8,177
Carbonado	$1,338	$2,293	$2,986	$4,468	$6,707
Dupont	$2,807	$3,156	$3,763	$4,327	$4,965
Eatonville	$1,043	$2,901	$4,165	$5,795	$7,607
Edgewood	$3,846	$5,006	$6,034	$7,398	$8,840
Elbe	$281	$1,513	$2,382	$3,915	$4,941
Enumclaw	$1,250	$3,024	$6,087	$7,778	$10,503
Fife	$2,934	$3,751	$4,453	$5,043	$5,709
Fircrest	$3,668	$4,432	$5,377	$6,160	$6,869
Fox Island	$4,611	$6,142	$8,520	$12,092	$15,978
Gig Harbor	$3,139	$4,747	$6,180	$8,522	$12,225
Graham	$1,012	$3,727	$5,191	$6,412	$7,993
Lakebay	$699	$2,238	$3,578	$5,050	$7,105
Lake Tapps	$4,148	$5,497	$7,119	$10,209	$14,987
Lakewood	$763	$3,651	$4,571	$5,626	$7,279
Longbranch	$894	$2,667	$4,163	$6,004	$8,399
Mckenna	$475	$2,377	$3,554	$4,428	$4,736
Milton	$3,118	$3,834	$4,940	$5,848	$7,222
Orting	$2,453	$3,580	$4,234	$4,995	$5,912
Pacific	$363	$423	$1,036	$2,375	$4,275
Puyallup	$2,512	$4,186	$4,986	$5,841	$6,809
Roy	$693	$2,788	$4,654	$6,179	$7,754
Ruston	$3,510	$4,424	$5,580	$7,935	$9,923
South Prairie	$1,060	$3,160	$3,767	$4,158	$5,676
Spanaway	$1,157	$4,039	$4,800	$5,418	$6,196
Steilacoom	$2,273	$3,474	$4,530	$6,418	$8,309
Sumner	$1,033	$3,873	$4,902	$5,868	$7,234
Tacoma	$2,906	$3,858	$4,739	$5,829	$7,502
University Place	$4,544	$5,890	$6,802	$8,008	$10,012
Vaughn	$1,040	$3,069	$5,120	$7,219	$10,440
Wilkeson	$1,506	$2,599	$3,252	$3,943	$5,978
Belfair	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Bothell	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Federal Way	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Home	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Joint Base Lewis Mcchord	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Kapowsin	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Mcchord Afb	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Wauna	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Want to lower your Pierce County property taxes?

How Can I Lower My Property Taxes in Pierce County?

Looking to reduce your Pierce County property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax appeal company serving Pierce County. We specialize in helping property owners in the Tacoma area and beyond lower their tax bills by working directly with the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer.

Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the Pierce County property tax appeal process and identify all available exemptions, so you don't have to.

Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate investor, or an asset manager, our local team at Ownwell has the expertise to assess your current property tax situation and find strategic opportunities for reducing your tax burden.

Property Tax Appeals in Washington

Property tax protests in Pierce County begin when a homeowner believes the assessed value of a property is too high. The first step is to review the assessment notice and compare it with the property’s market value, recent sales, and any issues that may affect value. If the assessment seems inaccurate, the homeowner can file an appeal with the Tax Assessor before the deadline of August 26, 2026.

What does the appeal process involve? Homeowners usually gather supporting evidence, such as comparable sales, photos, repair estimates, or other documents that show why the assessment should be reduced. The appeal is then reviewed by the board that listens to property tax protests, where the homeowner can present the case for a lower assessed value. This process is designed to determine whether the assessment reflects the property’s true market value.

What are the possible outcomes? The board may lower the assessment, leave it unchanged, or, in some cases, adjust it in a different direction if the evidence supports that result. A successful appeal can reduce the property tax bill, while an unsuccessful one means the original assessment stays in place.

How can Ownwell help? Ownwell helps homeowners navigate the appeal process from start to finish by reviewing the assessment, identifying potential savings, preparing the appeal, and supporting the case with relevant evidence. For homeowners who want help challenging an unfair assessment, Ownwell makes the process easier and more effective.

Exemptions in Washington

What property tax exemption programs are available in Pierce County, Washington?

Pierce County homeowners may qualify for several property tax exemption programs, with the most important being the primary residence exemption for an owner-occupied home. This type of exemption is designed for a homeowner’s main residence, not a second home or investment property, and it can help reduce the property tax burden on the place where you actually live. Other exemptions may also be available for seniors, people with disabilities, and qualifying veterans, depending on the homeowner’s circumstances and the rules that apply to the property.

Who is eligible for these exemptions?

Eligibility depends on the exemption type. Primary residence exemptions generally require that the home be the owner’s main residence. Senior exemptions are usually for older homeowners who meet income and residency requirements. Disability exemptions may be available to homeowners with qualifying disabilities, and veteran exemptions may apply to eligible service members or surviving spouses. Each program has its own standards, so it is important to confirm which one fits your situation.

How do homeowners apply for property tax exemptions?

Homeowners typically apply through the county assessor’s office by submitting the required application and supporting documents. Ownwell can help homeowners review available exemptions, determine eligibility, and prepare the right paperwork so they do not miss savings they may qualify for.

Available Exemptions

Senior
Disabled
Veteran
Non-Profit

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Dates
Appeal Deadline	August 26
Tax Bill
Issued	February 10
Due Date #1	April 30
Due Date #2	October 31

Links
Pierce Tax Assessor
Phone	(253) 798-6111
Website	atip.piercecountywa.gov
Email	pcatr@piercecountywa.gov

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Pierce County, Washington

How are property taxes calculated in Pierce County, Washington?

Property taxes in Pierce County, 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 Pierce County, Washington?

To appeal your property taxes in Pierce County, 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 Pierce County, Washington?

Common property tax exemptions in Pierce County, 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 Pierce County, Washington?

Property tax deadlines in Pierce County, 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 Pierce County, Washington?

Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Pierce County, 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.