Washington property tax by county

Property tax rate by county in Washington

Effective rate = median real estate taxes paid divided by median home value. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates (2020-2024), tables B25103 and B25077.

Why county rates vary so much

Property tax is set locally, not by the state, so the rate depends on the county, city, school district, and special districts where a home sits, and on how those local budgets compare to local home values. A county with low home values can still have a high effective rate if its local budgets are large, and a wealthy county can have a low effective rate. The effective rate shown here is the median tax bill divided by the median home value, which is the standard way to compare places; your own bill depends on your assessment and any exemptions.

For Washington's income and retirement taxes, see Washington income tax and Washington retirement taxes.

How does Washington assess homes for property tax?

Washington assesses homes at 100% of market value, the same in every county.

Assessed at 100% of true and fair market value. Counties revalue all taxable real property every year, with a physical inspection at least once every six years.

Is there a homestead exemption in Washington?

Washington has no general homestead exemption that lowers assessed value. The broad protection for homeowners is the 1% limit on how much a taxing district's regular levy can grow each year without voter approval.

Other state relief for homeowners:

• Seniors and disabled owners: The senior and disabled exemption freezes your home's assessed value and exempts some levies. You qualify at 61 or older, at 57 as a surviving spouse of a past participant, at any age if unable to work due to disability, or as a veteran rated 80% or more. Income limits are set per county and tied to that county's median household income, so there is no single statewide number.
• Disabled veterans: Disabled veterans qualify through the same senior and disabled program rather than a separate exemption: a rating of 80% or more, or compensation at the 100% rate, meets the disability test, though the income limits still apply.
• The 1% levy growth limit caps how fast each taxing district's regular levy can rise without a public vote. It limits the levy, not your individual assessed value, and there is no statewide owner-occupancy credit.

Washington sets these rules and each county's property tax office applies them, which is where the application, the filing deadline and the form come from. Some counties add programs of their own; where we have checked a county, its page lists them.

When are property taxes due in Washington?

Two installments: the first half by April 30 and the second by October 31 if the total is over $50. Smaller bills are due in full by April 30. The county treasurer bills and collects.

Washington splits the bill into 2 installments. That is the state rule. Each county issues and collects its own bill, so the dates printed on your statement are the ones that bind you.

How do you appeal a property assessment in Washington?

You contest the assessed value with the County Board of Equalization, then the Washington Board of Tax Appeals. The filing deadline is typically July 1, or 30 to 60 days after your value notice, whichever is later. Petition your county Board of Equalization by July 1 of the assessment year, or within 30 days of the assessor's change-of-value notice (a county may extend that to 60), whichever falls later. Board decisions can go to the state Board of Tax Appeals.

Washington property-tax rules from primary state sources (revenue department and statute), reviewed September 7, 2026. Exemption amounts and credits change; confirm the current figures with your county assessor. Sources: assessment, exemptions, due dates, appeals.