Property Tax in Washington (2026): Rates, Exemptions, and Real Numbers

Washington Property Tax Rates by County

Highest and lowest effective rates within Washington

Property Tax Calculator — Washington

Pre-loaded with Washington's 0.75% effective rate and $611,301 median price

Property Tax by City in Washington

Annual and monthly property tax by city, based on local median prices and the statewide effective rate

Washington Homestead Exemption

How Washington Assesses Property Values

Assessment cycle: Annual reassessment to 100% of market value by county assessors

Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost

On a $611,301 home in Washington

Property tax represents 8% of the true monthly cost in Washington.

Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — Washington

See your full PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment

How Washington's Property Tax Affects Affordability

$382/month in property tax reduces the home price you can afford. Use the affordability calculator to see the real impact.

Property Tax After Refinancing in Washington

Refinancing changes your P&I but not your property tax. If your home was reassessed at a higher value, your tax bill increases regardless of your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Washington?

Washington's effective property tax rate is 0.75%, ranking #25 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $4,585 ($382/month). Rates range from 0.64% in Ferry County to 0.88% in King County. Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024.

Does Washington have a homestead exemption?

Washington does not have a statewide homestead exemption. Some counties may offer local relief programs — check with your county assessor's office.

How often is property reassessed in Washington?

Washington reassesses property on a annual reassessment to 100% of market value by county assessors basis. When your property is reassessed, your tax bill changes based on the new assessed value multiplied by the applicable rate. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal — most counties allow 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice.

How is property tax calculated in Washington?

Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In Washington, the effective rate is 0.75% of market value. On a $611,301 home: $611,301 × 0.75% = $4,585/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Washington?

Yes. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can file an appeal with your county assessment board. Steps: (1) Get your assessment notice, (2) Research comparable recent sales, (3) File an appeal by the deadline (typically 30-90 days from assessment notice). Studies show 20-40% of appeals result in a reduction. The process is free and you represent yourself — no attorney required.

Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment in Washington?

Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $382/month ($4,585/year ÷ 12) along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. If your loan-to-value is below 80%, you may be able to opt out of escrow and pay taxes directly. Note: if your assessed value rises, your escrow payment adjusts and your total monthly cost increases.

What Washington counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?

Washington's highest effective rate is in King County at 0.88%. The lowest is Ferry County at 0.64%. That's a 0.24% spread — on a $611,301 home, the difference is $1,467/year.