Washington Property Tax Data

By Kiznis Studio Editorial · May 2026

ACS 2024 property tax data for 39 counties in WA.

The average median property tax in Washington is $3,204/year, which is 61% above the national average of $1,993. The average effective tax rate is 0.73% on a median home value of $436,313. Taxes range from $1,574 in Garfield County to $7,114 in King County.

What This Data Tells Us About Washington

Across 39 counties in Washington, the average median property tax is $3,204 per year, 61% above the national median of $1,993. The statewide effective rate of 0.73% on a median home value of $436,313 reflects how Washington's assessment rules and local millage combine at the household level.

Within Washington, median annual tax ranges from $1,574 in Garfield County (effective rate 0.66%) to $7,114 in King County (effective rate 0.83%). Median home values in Washington ($436,313) compared with $227,791 nationally help explain why the same effective rate produces different dollar bills in different states. Within-state variation often tracks local school levies, county bonds, and municipal overlays rather than a single statewide rate.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Figures describe median homeowner households reported to the Census Bureau — individual bills can differ based on assessed value, exemptions, special districts, and local overlays. Always confirm current rates with your county assessor or a qualified professional before making decisions that rely on these numbers.

State Average vs National Average

Median Annual Tax

$3,204

+61% vs US avg

Median Home Value

$436,313

+92% vs US avg

Effective Tax Rate

0.73%

-21% vs US avg

Lowest Property Taxes in Washington

Counties with the cheapest tax bills →

Highest Property Taxes in Washington

Counties with the most expensive tax bills →

Top 5 Lowest Tax Counties

5. Pend Oreille County

$2,142

Top 5 Highest Tax Counties

Tax Affordability Score

8.2

Very Affordable

Based on the average effective tax rate of 0.73% compared to the national average of 0.92%. Washington has below-average property tax rates, making it a more affordable state for homeowners.

Very Expensive Very Affordable

All Counties in Washington (39)

County	Median Tax	Effective Rate	Home Value	Population
Adams County	$2,147	0.79%	$273,300	4,358
Asotin County	$2,340	0.72%	$325,600	6,950
Benton County	$3,163	0.78%	$407,800	52,779
Chelan County	$3,503	0.71%	$490,100	20,363
Clallam County	$3,050	0.72%	$421,800	25,837
Clark County	$4,290	0.82%	$522,900	130,065
Columbia County	$2,303	0.85%	$271,200	1,447
Cowlitz County	$3,245	0.82%	$397,500	29,876
Douglas County	$3,319	0.77%	$432,500	11,031
Ferry County	$1,801	0.64%	$283,400	2,475
Franklin County	$2,750	0.73%	$379,300	21,209
Garfield County	$1,574	0.66%	$239,200	793
Grant County	$2,339	0.78%	$299,500	23,461
Grays Harbor County	$2,512	0.80%	$314,000	22,424
Island County	$3,999	0.67%	$593,300	26,888
Jefferson County	$3,818	0.71%	$535,000	12,916
King County	$7,114	0.83%	$859,900	521,805
Kitsap County	$4,279	0.77%	$555,100	76,121
Kittitas County	$3,552	0.71%	$497,400	12,294
Klickitat County	$2,639	0.62%	$425,300	7,569
Lewis County	$2,581	0.67%	$385,800	24,938
Lincoln County	$1,744	0.60%	$292,800	3,874
Mason County	$3,006	0.73%	$411,800	21,426
Okanogan County	$2,281	0.76%	$299,800	12,698
Pacific County	$2,395	0.72%	$334,800	8,980
Pend Oreille County	$2,142	0.58%	$367,900	4,808
Pierce County	$4,770	0.91%	$526,600	227,400
San Juan County	$4,253	0.53%	$799,200	7,031
Skagit County	$4,308	0.79%	$545,100	36,664
Skamania County	$3,532	0.67%	$529,500	4,016
Snohomish County	$5,364	0.77%	$696,000	215,602
Spokane County	$3,434	0.84%	$410,700	140,832
Stevens County	$2,065	0.59%	$350,600	15,464
Thurston County	$4,209	0.88%	$480,300	80,487
Wahkiakum County	$2,392	0.60%	$396,800	1,747
Walla Walla County	$3,492	0.85%	$408,900	15,236
Whatcom County	$4,087	0.70%	$585,800	59,904
Whitman County	$2,691	0.75%	$359,600	8,765
Yakima County	$2,463	0.79%	$310,100	54,244

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average property tax in Washington? ▼

The average median property tax paid in Washington is $3,204 per year, based on ACS 2024 data. The average effective tax rate is 0.73%.

How does Washington compare to the national average? ▼

Washington property taxes are 61% above the national average. Homeowners here pay a median of $3,204 per year compared to $1,993 nationally.

Which county in Washington has the lowest property taxes? ▼

Garfield County has the lowest median property tax in Washington at $1,574 per year with an effective rate of 0.66%. The highest is King County at $7,114.

How are property taxes calculated? ▼

Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of a property by the local tax rate (mill rate). Rates vary by county, city, and school district. The effective tax rate shown here is the median tax paid divided by the median home value, which provides a standardized comparison across counties.

What is the median home value in Washington? ▼

The median home value across Washington is $436,313, compared to $227,791 nationally. Home values directly impact property tax bills since taxes are assessed as a percentage of property value.

Can I appeal my property taxes in Washington? ▼

Yes. Every Washington homeowner has the right to appeal their property tax assessment. The process typically starts at your county assessor's office within 30-90 days of receiving your assessment notice. You can challenge the assessed value by providing comparable sales data, evidence of property condition, or errors in the assessment. See our guide on how to appeal property taxes for detailed steps.