Washington Property Tax

Effective Property Tax Rate

83.90%

Median Annual Tax

$4,361

Median Home Value

$519,800

Washington Property Tax Overview

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Key Statistics (2023 ACS)

Metric	Value
Median home value (statewide)	$519,800
Average effective property tax rate	0.84 %
Median annual property tax	$4,361
Washington’s rank (effective tax rate)	29th of 52 (states and territories)
National average effective tax rate	0.97 %
Difference vs. national average	13.3 % lower

Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) (5‑year estimates, 2023).

How the Washington Property Tax Rate Is Applied

The Washington property tax rate is expressed as an effective rate, which is the amount of tax paid divided by the market value of the property. The statewide average effective rate of 0.84 % means that, on average, a homeowner pays 0.84 % of the home’s assessed value in property taxes each year.

Because Washington does not have a state‑level property tax, the rate is set and collected by local jurisdictions (counties, cities, special districts, and school districts). Consequently, property tax rates can vary by county and even by municipality within the same county.

Example Tax Bills

Using the average effective rate of 0.84 %:

Home value	Estimated annual property tax
$250,000	$2,098
$500,000	$4,195

These figures are approximations based on the statewide average effective rate. Actual bills may be higher or lower depending on the specific local levy structure.

Comparison to the National Average

Washington’s effective property tax rate (0.84 %) is 13.3 % lower than the national average effective rate of 0.97 %.
In a national context, Washington ranks 29th out of 52 jurisdictions (states and territories) in terms of the lowest effective property tax rates.

This relative positioning reflects Washington’s reliance on a mix of local levies rather than a higher statewide rate.

Implications for Specific Groups

Retirees

Tax burden: Retirees who own their homes pay property taxes based on the same effective rate as other homeowners.
Exemptions: Washington offers a senior citizen exemption that can reduce the taxable value of a primary residence for owners age 65 or older who meet income criteria. The exemption amount is limited and varies by county.

Landlords

Investment considerations: Landlords are subject to the same effective rate on the assessed value of each rental property. Because the rate is lower than the national average, the property‑tax component of operating expenses may be comparatively modest.
Variable rates: Since local jurisdictions set levies, landlords should examine the specific tax rates in the counties where their rental properties are located, as some counties (e.g., King County) have higher total levy amounts than others (e.g., Spokane County).

Both groups should consult local county assessor offices for precise tax calculations and to confirm eligibility for any exemptions or credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
What is the average effective Washington property tax rate?	Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the average effective property tax rate in Washington is 0.84 %.
How does Washington’s property tax compare to the national average?	Washington’s rate is 13.3 % lower than the national average effective rate of 0.97 %, placing the state near the lower end of the national spectrum.
Do property tax rates differ by county?	Yes. Washington’s property tax system is administered by local jurisdictions, so rates can vary by county and even by city or special district within a county. Homeowners should check with their county assessor for the exact rate applicable to their property.

All data presented are derived from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates for 2023.

Neighboring States

Alaska

Idaho

Oregon