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Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Bellingham, Washington

  • Median Bellingham, Washington effective property tax rate: 0.81%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Washington state median of 0.92%.

  • Median Bellingham, Washington home value: $587,410

  • Median annual Bellingham, Washington tax bill: $4,724, $2,324 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Whatcom calculated?

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

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.81%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$4,758

$4,415

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the Bellingham Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Bellingham property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Bellingham's median effective tax rate of 0.81% — based on actual property records in Whatcom 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 Bellingham'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 Bellingham: rates range from $4,497.00 in 98226 to $5,021.00 in 98229, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts. Bellingham's median property tax bill of $4,724 is lower than Washington's median bill by $2,324, even though the city's 0.81% rate is below the state median tax rate of 0.92% and below the national median property tax rate of 1.02%.

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

About Bellingham Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Bellingham, Whatcom, Washington

Bellingham’s median effective property tax rate of 0.81% is lower than the Washington state median of 0.92% and lower than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Whatcom County base levy combined with local school district levies and local improvement districts that vary by subdivision throughout the city.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Bellingham. Homeowners in ZIP code 98229 carry a median effective rate of 0.81%, while those in 98225 pay 0.80%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Whatcom County, and it can affect your annual tax bill.

Bellingham homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local tax assessor before the October 27, 2026 deadline each year.

If your estimated bill 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 Bellingham, Whatcom 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 Bellingham'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 Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

0.65%

0.77%

0.89%

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 Bellingham Tax Rate

0.81%

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 Whatcom County Tax Rate

0.77%

Median Effective Washington Tax Rate

0.92%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
982250.78%0.80%0.80%0.81%0.81%
982260.70%0.77%0.80%0.81%0.89%
982290.78%0.80%0.81%0.87%0.89%
98240N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
98248N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington

When examining property taxes in Bellingham, 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 Whatcom 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 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 are sent in September each year and typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month. 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 Bellingham is $587,410, with tax bills ranging significantly across Whatcom County. ZIP code 98225 has the highest median home price at $618,036.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$101,250

$359,643

$618,036

Median Bellingham Market Value

$587,410

Median Whatcom County Market Value

$511,606

Median Washington Market Value

$501,600

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
98225$326,338$495,918$618,036$811,684$1,142,401
98226$202,514$418,762$568,080$742,455$1,022,391
98229$84,898$428,948$609,680$825,832$1,125,850
98240N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
98248N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington

Property tax bills in Bellingham are based on the assessed value of your home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities. With a median home price of $587,410, homeowners can see bills that vary widely depending on neighborhood, exemptions, and how the property is assessed. In Whatcom County, the 25th percentile tax bill is $3,222, the 75th percentile is $6,324, and the 90th percentile is $8,789, which is well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

Whatcom homeowners may pay more or less depending on where they live, with the highest median tax bill at $5,021 in ZIP code 98229 and the lowest at $4,497 in ZIP code 98226. A higher assessed value can mean a higher bill, even if your market value has not changed much.

Ownwell can help homeowners save by reviewing their assessment, identifying opportunities for appeal, and helping secure exemptions that may lower property tax bills.

Property Tax Bills Across Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$542

$2,782

$5,021

Median Bellingham Tax Bill

$4,724

Median Whatcom County Tax Bill

$3,775

Median Washington Tax Bill

$4,512

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
98225$1,561$3,833$4,899$6,439$9,142
98226$549$2,967$4,497$5,945$8,181
98229$504$3,425$5,021$6,807$9,390
98240N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
98248N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Bellingham, Washington

How are property taxes calculated in Bellingham, Washington?
Property taxes in Bellingham, 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 Bellingham, Washington?
To appeal your property taxes in Bellingham, 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 Bellingham, Washington?
Common property tax exemptions in Bellingham, 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 Bellingham, Washington?
Property tax deadlines in Bellingham, 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 Bellingham, Washington?
Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Bellingham, 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.