Free property tax calculator tailored for Washington (WA). Calculate instantly with state-specific rates and rules.
Washington has an effective property tax rate of 0.87%, producing an average annual bill of $4,061. The US national average is 1.07% — Washington's rate is below the national average by rate but high in dollar terms, placing it at rank #22 out of 50 states (rank 1 = lowest).
Washington assesses real property at 100% of market value annually. King County (Seattle), which has some of the state's highest values, undergoes the most rigorous annual review. The state constitution limits regular levies but allows voter-approved excess levies.
Washington's Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Exemption exempts a portion of assessed value and freezes property taxes for qualifying homeowners with income under $64,000. The exemption amount ranges from 50-100% of assessed value below $60,000 depending on income.
101% levy lid limit: local governments can only increase their total property tax levy by 1% per year without voter approval (the "1% limit"). This is a revenue cap, not a valuation cap — rising values per property result in reduced rates if no additional levy is passed.
Washington has no state income tax, making property taxes crucial to fund public services. King County's median home value exceeds $750,000, generating among the highest dollar property tax bills in the western US despite a below-average effective rate.
The median home value in Washington is $530,000. Seattle metro has moderated from its 2022 peak but remains among the nation's most expensive markets. Eastern Washington (Spokane, Tri-Cities) offers far more affordable pricing and has attracted remote workers. At the 0.87% effective rate, a homeowner at the median value pays roughly $4,061/year in property taxes.
Data: Tax Foundation (2024), US Census Bureau ACS 2023, Zillow, ATTOM Data Solutions. Updated 2024–2025. Figures reflect state averages — consult a licensed professional for personalized advice.
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