Updated · Property tax data: Census ACS 2024 5-year estimates · Transfer tax verified April 2026 · Methodology · Editorial policy
Washtenaw County's 1.52% effective property tax rate ranks 323rd highest among the 3,134 US counties tracked, placing it in the top 25% highest nationally. Within Michigan's 83 counties, it's the 3rd highest. On the county's median home value of $374,100, the typical homeowner pays $5,678 annually in property tax, $4,049 more than the national median of $1,629. At closing, Michigan's 0.86% combined real estate transfer tax adds roughly $3,217 on a median-priced home, typically paid by the seller. About 12.1% of the county lies within a FEMA flood hazard zone, worth checking msc.fema.gov for any specific address before buying.
Enter any purchase price to see the full cost breakdown for Washtenaw County.
Moderate flood risk. Some neighborhoods require flood insurance. Check your property at msc.fema.gov.
All figures are estimates for planning purposes only. Mortgage payment assumes a 30-year fixed rate of 7.28%, the Freddie Mac PMMS average for the week ending October 1, 2026. Your lender will confirm the actual rate. Closing costs vary by lender and transaction. Consult a licensed real estate attorney and lender before making any financial decisions.
Ways buyers in Washtenaw County may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Exempts an owner-occupied primary residence from up to 18 mills of local school operating tax, typically reducing property tax by 25-35% vs. non-homestead properties.
View official source →Annual increase in taxable value of a homestead is capped at CPI or 5%, whichever is lower (2.7% for tax year 2026). Cap 'uncaps' on transfer of ownership.
View official source →Full property tax exemption on the principal residence for 100%-disabled veterans (or individual unemployability) and unremarried surviving spouses.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
Answers to common questions about buying a home in Washtenaw County.
The effective property tax rate in Washtenaw County is 1.52%, calculated as the median annual property tax paid ($5,678) divided by the median home value ($374,100), using 2024 US Census ACS 5-year estimates. Your actual bill depends on your purchase price, homestead or senior exemptions, and any special assessments applied in your taxing district.
Michigan's combined real estate transfer tax is approximately 0.86% of the purchase price. On the median Washtenaw County home value of $374,100, this adds roughly $3,217 at closing. State Real Estate Transfer Tax $3.75/$500 (0.75%) + County Real Estate Transfer Tax $0.55/$500 (0.11%), both seller-paid per MCL 207.523 and 207.505. Counties with population >2M can charge up to $0.75/$500 county portion. Combined rate: 0.86%.
Only in parts. About 12.1% of Washtenaw County's land area is within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. Most homes are outside these zones, but worth verifying the specific address at msc.fema.gov.
Closing costs for a buyer in Washtenaw County typically run $7,482–$18,705 (2–5% of purchase price) on a median-priced home, including title insurance ($800–$2,000), appraisal ($400–$700), home inspection ($350–$600), recording fees ($100–$300), and loan origination (0.5–1.0% of the loan amount). Use the calculator above for a specific estimate at your purchase price.
Every county-specific figure on this page links to the exact public dataset it comes from. Verify the numbers yourself against the original source.
Source for the $5,678/yr median taxes paid (ACS 2024 5-year estimates, variable B25103_001E).
Source for the $374,100 median home value (variable B25077_001E). The 1.52% effective rate is median taxes paid divided by median home value.
Source for the transfer tax used in the calculator (buyer 0.00%, seller 0.86%). Verified April 2026.
Source for the county's flood hazard exposure (coastal and inland flood exposure area as a share of county area).
The national dataset behind the county report, including its technical documentation and release notes.
Look up a specific property's flood zone and insurance rate map before making an offer on a home in Washtenaw County.
Closing cost line items are national ranges, not county data. The methodology lists each range's source and the calculator's assumptions (mortgage rate, insurance, PMI).
Michigan property tax exemptions: official sources
Verified April 2026.
What every buyer should read before making an offer.
An HOA capped rentals at 10 of 50 homes and grandfathered the existing landlords. How to find rental restrictions before closing, and what they cost you.
Read the guide →A buyer closed on a house and only then found out about ongoing HOA lawsuits. Six checks you can run yourself before your contingencies expire.
Read the guide →HOA special assessment not on the disclosure? One buyer got a $15,000 bill the day after closing. How to catch it before, and what to do after.
Read the guide →