10 Counties with the Lowest Property Tax Rates in Washington
If you are comparing property taxes across Washington, these 10 counties have the lowest effective rates in the state. The lowest-rate county, San Juan County, comes in at 0.57% — 0.27% lower than the Washington average (0.84%). The statewide effective rate is 0.84%.
Advertisement
| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Juan County | 0.57% | $4,131 | $726,500 |
| 2 | Lincoln County | 0.60% | $1,621 | $272,300 |
| 3 | Wahkiakum County | 0.60% | $2,084 | $344,500 |
| 4 | Garfield County | 0.61% | $1,306 | $214,200 |
| 5 | Klickitat County | 0.62% | $2,401 | $388,700 |
| 6 | Ferry County | 0.65% | $1,792 | $274,500 |
| 7 | Stevens County | 0.65% | $2,016 | $308,000 |
| 8 | Pend Oreille County | 0.67% | $2,048 | $307,800 |
| 9 | Island County | 0.70% | $3,765 | $535,300 |
| 10 | Kittitas County | 0.71% | $3,255 | $459,900 |
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 lowest rates in Washington often share a few characteristics: higher home values that compress the percentage even when dollar taxes are high.
Advertisement