King County Property Tax Calculator
Washington funds local government through budget-based levies rather than a fixed rate applied to value: each taxing district sets a total dollar budget it needs, subject to a statutory annual growth limit, and that budget is then divided across the district's total assessed value. The King County Department of Assessments values property annually to make that division possible. The calculator above defaults elsewhere, so switch to King County and add a home value.
Annual Property Tax
$6,527Monthly (Escrow)
$544Effective Rate
0.76%King County's effective rate (0.76%) is 1% higher than the Washington average (0.75%).
Edit inputs ↑King County Effective Rate
0.76%
Vs. Washington Average
1% higher
Washington National Rank
#30 of 51
1 = highest statewide rate
County Median Home Value
$859,900
Estimated Annual Tax (Median Home)
$6,527
Monthly Equivalent
$544
Property tax in King County, Washington
- The King County Department of Assessments determines each property's assessed value, which feeds into how a taxing district's fixed levy budget gets divided among all its properties.
- State law limits how much most taxing districts can grow their total levy budget year over year, regardless of how fast assessed values are rising.
- Because levies are budget-based, a district's rate can fall even as your assessed value rises, or vice versa, depending on how total assessed value across the district moves.
- Owners who disagree with their assessed value can appeal to the county Board of Equalization.
Other large Washington counties
Effective rate = aggregate real-estate taxes paid ÷ aggregate home value (ACS 2024 5-year).
| County | Effective Rate | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|
| Snohomish County | 0.72% | $696,000 |
| Pierce County | 0.85% | $526,600 |
| Garfield County | 0.96% | $239,200 |
| Walla Walla County | 0.85% | $408,900 |
| Thurston County | 0.82% | $480,300 |
| Cowlitz County | 0.81% | $397,500 |
| Yakima County | 0.79% | $310,100 |
See property tax across every county in Washington at the Washington property tax calculator , or check your Washington income tax with the Washington income tax calculator .
Frequently asked questions
How is property tax calculated in King County?
The King County Department of Assessments fixes your property's assessed value, and each taxing district splits its statutorily limited levy budget across all assessed value within its boundaries to arrive at a rate. Your bill equals that rate times your own assessed figure, which is why rates can move even when your value doesn't.
How do I appeal my King County assessment?
Bring your case to the county Board of Equalization ahead of the deadline noted on your valuation notice, using comparable sales or similar proof the assessed figure overstates the market.
Does King County offer a homestead exemption?
Washington doesn't have a general homestead exemption, but a property tax exemption program exists for qualifying senior citizens, veterans, and disabled homeowners that can significantly reduce or freeze what's owed.
Why did my King County tax bill change even though my home value did not?
Because Washington uses budget-based levies, a taxing district's rate can move up or down depending on how total assessed value across the whole district shifts, not just your individual property. Statutory growth limits on the levy budget itself also shape how much rates can change from year to year.
Sources
Related insights
Use these guides for rule explanations, planning context, and follow-up questions beyond the calculator result.