10 Counties with the Highest Property Tax Rates in Washington
If you are comparing property taxes across Washington, these 10 counties have the highest effective rates in the state. The highest-rate county, Pierce County, comes in at 0.94% — 0.10% higher than the Washington average (0.84%). The statewide effective rate is 0.84%.
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| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pierce County | 0.94% | $4,555 | $484,400 |
| 2 | Walla Walla County | 0.90% | $3,386 | $375,600 |
| 3 | Thurston County | 0.90% | $4,043 | $451,500 |
| 4 | Grays Harbor County | 0.87% | $2,441 | $279,500 |
| 5 | Columbia County | 0.86% | $2,215 | $256,100 |
| 6 | Spokane County | 0.86% | $3,196 | $370,500 |
| 7 | Adams County | 0.84% | $2,104 | $251,300 |
| 8 | King County | 0.84% | $6,785 | $811,200 |
| 9 | Clark County | 0.84% | $4,080 | $487,900 |
| 10 | Skagit County | 0.82% | $4,008 | $486,200 |
How this ranking is calculated
The effective property tax rate is the median annual property tax paid divided by the median home value in each county, expressed as a percentage. It is the most practical way to compare property tax burden between counties because it neutralizes differences in home values.
Counties with the highest rates in Washington often share a few characteristics: lower home values and/or higher millage rates driven by school and local service funding needs.
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