Washington property tax by county

Same home, different county

On a $408,900 home (the typical county median in Washington), the annual property tax bill depends heavily on where you buy:

Estimate: purchase price × each county's effective rate. Actual bills depend on assessed value, local levies, and exemptions.

Lowest property tax rates in Washington

The five Washington counties with the lowest effective property tax rates, useful for buyers comparing total cost of ownership across the state.

Highest property tax rates in Washington

The five Washingtoncounties with the highest effective property tax rates. High rates often reflect strong school district funding or municipal services rather than weakness, but they materially change a buyer's monthly carrying cost.

Washington real estate transfer tax

Washington charges a combined transfer tax of about 1.10% of the purchase price. On a $408,900 home, that is roughly $4,498 in total.

State Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), seller-paid, graduated by price per RCW 82.45.060: 1.1% on portion ≤$525,000; 1.28% on $525,000.01–$1,525,000; 2.75% on $1,525,000.01–$3,025,000; 3.0% above $3,025,000. Current thresholds effective Jan 1, 2023 through Dec 31, 2026 (next inflation adjustment Jan 1, 2027). Counties and most cities add a flat local REET of 0.25%–0.5% (e.g., King County and Seattle 0.5%). seller_rate 0.011 is the lowest bracket plus typical local; full calculator needs bracket logic.

Official Washington source → · Verified April 2026

Closing costs in Washington

Across Washington's 39 counties, buyer closing costs run $3,688 to $14,554 at each county's median home value with 20% down. Cash needed at closing, with closing costs and the down payment, runs $51,528 to $186,534. Pick your county for your own figures.