Property Taxes in Tacoma, Washington
Median Tacoma, Washington effective property tax rate: 1.05%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the Washington state median of 0.92%.
Median Tacoma, Washington home value: $456,700
Median annual Tacoma, Washington tax bill: $4,739, $2,339 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Pierce calculated?
Property taxes in Tacoma, 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 Tacoma's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Tacoma, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
How Does the Tacoma Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Tacoma property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Tacoma's median effective tax rate of 1.05% — based on actual property records in Pierce 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 Tacoma'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 Tacoma: rates range from $3,994 in 98409 to $8,546 in 98467, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts. Tacoma's median property tax bill of $4,739 is higher than the Washington state median by $2,339, even though the city's median effective tax rate is lower than the state median.
If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can appeal your Tacoma assessment — you only pay if we save you money.
About Tacoma Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in Tacoma, Pierce, Washington
Tacoma’s median effective property tax rate of 1.05% is lower than the Washington state median of 0.92% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Pierce 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 Tacoma. Homeowners in the 98402 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.11%, while those in 98424 pay 0.96%. This spread — 0.15 percentage points across the same city — reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Pierce County. Understanding which part of Tacoma you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
Tacoma homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Tax Assessor before the August 26, 2026 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 Tacoma, Pierce 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 Tacoma'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 Tacoma Tax Rate
1.05%
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
1.27%
Tacoma, Washington vs Similar Washington Cities
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 Bellevue Tax Rate
0.73%
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 Seattle Tax Rate
0.98%
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 Spokane Tax Rate
0.96%
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 Vancouver Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98402 | 1.01% | 1.05% | 1.11% | 1.11% | 1.12% |
| 98403 | 0.97% | 1.01% | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.11% |
| 98404 | 1.00% | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.06% |
| 98405 | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.06% | 1.06% |
| 98406 | 1.00% | 1.02% | 1.03% | 1.05% | 1.09% |
| 98407 | 0.95% | 1.01% | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.07% |
| 98408 | 1.02% | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.05% |
| 98409 | 1.02% | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.06% | 1.07% |
| 98418 | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.05% | 1.05% | 1.06% |
| 98422 | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.05% | 1.10% | 1.11% |
| 98424 | 0.94% | 0.94% | 0.96% | 0.97% | 0.97% |
| 98443 | 0.96% | 0.99% | 1.01% | 1.02% | 1.04% |
| 98444 | 1.02% | 1.03% | 1.08% | 1.11% | 1.14% |
| 98445 | 1.03% | 1.07% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.14% |
| 98446 | 1.03% | 1.07% | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.14% |
| 98465 | 0.98% | 1.00% | 1.03% | 1.07% | 1.09% |
| 98466 | 0.86% | 1.02% | 1.09% | 1.14% | 1.22% |
| 98467 | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| 98498 | 0.94% | 0.96% | 0.98% | 1.00% | 1.02% |
| 98421 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 98431 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 98433 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 98499 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington
When examining property taxes in Tacoma, 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 Pierce 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 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. The median home price in Tacoma is $456,700, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. ZIP code 98467 has the highest median home price at $826,750.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington
Source: Ownwell
$32,800
$505,600
$978,400
Median Tacoma Market Value
$456,700
Median Pierce County Market Value
$495,600
Median Washington Market Value
$501,600
Median United States Market Value
$274,101
Tacoma, Washington vs Similar Washington Cities
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 Bellevue Market Value
$1,345,000
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 Seattle Market Value
$786,000
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 Spokane Market Value
$355,500
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 Vancouver Market Value
$450,676
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98402 | $202,760 | $309,300 | $400,400 | $522,400 | $735,380 |
| 98403 | $340,490 | $533,725 | $693,450 | $918,350 | $1,211,680 |
| 98404 | $306,400 | $348,400 | $399,000 | $464,900 | $538,400 |
| 98405 | $351,300 | $388,600 | $432,300 | $487,100 | $549,680 |
| 98406 | $422,940 | $509,300 | $578,200 | $659,200 | $776,220 |
| 98407 | $451,100 | $505,175 | $580,650 | $729,300 | $1,034,530 |
| 98408 | $325,810 | $356,900 | $400,100 | $449,775 | $499,580 |
| 98409 | $313,100 | $344,900 | $386,500 | $444,400 | $514,380 |
| 98418 | $315,500 | $345,900 | $384,050 | $429,050 | $485,800 |
| 98422 | $432,600 | $490,100 | $612,500 | $785,100 | $1,003,200 |
| 98424 | $420,280 | $449,400 | $511,800 | $665,300 | $761,240 |
| 98443 | $157,740 | $417,075 | $500,100 | $607,250 | $756,770 |
| 98444 | $282,330 | $340,900 | $402,000 | $470,100 | $538,900 |
| 98445 | $312,770 | $389,100 | $440,900 | $491,200 | $571,900 |
| 98446 | $316,800 | $396,625 | $493,750 | $600,700 | $724,150 |
| 98465 | $361,800 | $416,250 | $527,250 | $708,025 | $1,031,000 |
| 98466 | $300,100 | $472,200 | $553,600 | $641,000 | $748,380 |
| 98467 | $352,150 | $405,475 | $826,750 | $846,575 | $891,330 |
| 98498 | $417,120 | $453,100 | $483,500 | $527,250 | $580,680 |
| 98421 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 98431 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 98433 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 98499 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Property Tax Bills Across Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington
Property tax bills in Tacoma are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities in Pierce County. When a home’s market value rises, the assessed value can rise too, which may increase the property tax bill. For Tacoma homeowners, that means the amount owed can vary widely depending on location and home value, with bills ranging from $3,858 at the 25th percentile to $5,829 at the 75th percentile. The highest median tax bill reaches $8,546 in ZIP code 98467, while the lowest median tax bill is $3,994 in ZIP code 98409.
Because the median home price is $456,700, even small assessment errors can lead to meaningful overpayment. Ownwell helps homeowners review their property tax assessments, identify opportunities to appeal, and pursue exemptions that may lower their bills. If your home is overassessed, Ownwell can help you challenge it and potentially save money on property taxes.
Median Tacoma Tax Bill
$4,739
Median Pierce County Tax Bill
$4,961
Median Washington Tax Bill
$4,512
Median United States Tax Bill
$3,209
Tacoma, Washington vs Similar Washington Cities
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 Bellevue Tax Bill
$9,917
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 Seattle Tax Bill
$7,773
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 Spokane Tax Bill
$3,374
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 Vancouver Tax Bill
$4,406
Property Tax Bills Across Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98402 | $1,969 | $3,171 | $4,393 | $5,517 | $7,798 |
| 98403 | $3,347 | $5,347 | $7,028 | $9,422 | $12,403 |
| 98404 | $997 | $3,458 | $4,025 | $4,721 | $5,419 |
| 98405 | $3,388 | $3,981 | $4,491 | $5,071 | $5,711 |
| 98406 | $3,663 | $5,135 | $5,908 | $6,791 | $7,972 |
| 98407 | $3,195 | $4,953 | $5,843 | $7,272 | $10,271 |
| 98408 | $3,152 | $3,628 | $4,099 | $4,619 | $5,120 |
| 98409 | $2,976 | $3,538 | $3,994 | $4,593 | $5,292 |
| 98418 | $3,126 | $3,562 | $4,001 | $4,488 | $5,073 |
| 98422 | $4,479 | $5,201 | $6,382 | $8,156 | $10,570 |
| 98424 | $3,792 | $4,292 | $4,791 | $6,322 | $7,184 |
| 98443 | $818 | $4,100 | $5,001 | $6,047 | $7,535 |
| 98444 | $944 | $3,531 | $4,228 | $5,005 | $5,799 |
| 98445 | $1,593 | $4,087 | $4,788 | $5,361 | $6,201 |
| 98446 | $2,227 | $4,225 | $5,304 | $6,435 | $7,780 |
| 98465 | $3,271 | $4,246 | $5,334 | $7,089 | $10,413 |
| 98466 | $2,217 | $4,701 | $6,029 | $6,983 | $8,354 |
| 98467 | $3,655 | $4,189 | $8,546 | $8,754 | $9,299 |
| 98498 | $3,992 | $4,439 | $4,694 | $5,115 | $5,567 |
| 98421 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 98431 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 98433 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 98499 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | August 25 |
| 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 |
| pcatr@piercecountywa.gov | |