If you’re exploring Seattle real estate or browsing Seattle Washington houses for sale, there’s one major factor you cannot afford to overlook: property taxes. Property taxes in Seattle vary widely depending on the neighborhood, and in some cases, the difference can equal thousands of dollars each year. Imagine budgeting for your dream home only to find out later that taxes add the equivalent of an extra month’s mortgage payment annually. That surprise can throw your finances off balance.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about property taxes in Seattle—current rates, neighborhood comparisons, what drives tax differences, and strategies to save money. By the end, you’ll be equipped to budget wisely, compare neighborhoods effectively, and avoid unexpected costs when purchasing your next home.

Seattle’s Property Tax Rate and Median Costs

Seattle ranks among the most expensive cities in the U.S. when it comes to property taxes. While the effective rate averages 0.87%, home values are so high that tax bills often exceed what homeowners pay in other parts of the country.

• Tax Rate: $9.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value

• Median Home Price: $760,000

• Estimated Annual Taxes: $6,987 (typically paid in two installments or through escrow)

Neighborhood Tax Differences

Taxes in Seattle aren’t uniform. Depending on your ZIP code, you could pay dramatically more—or less—each year.

High-Tax Neighborhoods

• Capitol Hill / Madison Park (98112): ~$11,119 annually

• Magnolia (98199): ~$9,581 annually

• University District (98105): ~$9,556 annually

• Northgate (98177): ~$9,133 annually

Low-Tax Neighborhoods

• SeaTac (98148): ~$2,337 annually

• SoDo (98134): ~$3,455 annually

• International District (98104): ~$4,217 annually

• Belltown (98121): ~$4,444 annually

Takeaway: The gap between the highest and lowest taxed areas can reach 372%—or about $8,600 per year.

Why Taxes Differ Between Areas

Several factors shape property tax bills across Seattle:

1. Levy Districts and Voter Measures

• Local governments raise funds for schools, parks, and transit through voter-approved levies.

• Example: Kenmore and Tukwila saw a 15% increase in 2025 due to new school and fire district levies.

2. Fire District Assignments

• Fire district funding can add nearly $1 more per $1,000 of property value in certain areas.

3. Annual Assessments

• King County reassesses properties every year based on market value as of January 1.

Budgeting for Property Taxes

When planning your monthly housing budget, taxes should never be an afterthought.

• Expect property taxes to add $400–$900 per month depending on home value and location.

• For a typical Seattle home, budget $500–$700 monthly for taxes.

• Property taxes in King County rose 89% between 2010 and 2021, with yearly increases averaging 5–10%.

Examples by Home Price

• $500,000 Home: $4,100 – $5,850 annually

• $750,000 Home: $6,150 – $8,775 annually

• $1,000,000 Home: $8,200 – $11,700 annually

Money-Saving Opportunities

1. Appeal Your Assessment

• 30–60% of properties may be over-assessed.

• Homeowners have 60 days to appeal after receiving their valuation.

2. Senior & Disability Exemptions

• If you’re 61+ or disabled with income under $84,000, you may reduce taxes by 30–90%.

3. Check for Errors

• Ensure the county’s assessment matches your property details—incorrect square footage or features can inflate your bill.

Pre-Purchase Tax Research

Before buying, take these steps to avoid surprises:

• Check levy districts for your target home’s ZIP code.

• Review assessment history to see how values have changed.

• Budget for future increases (5–10% annually is realistic in Seattle).

• Compare homes across districts—sometimes the same budget stretches further in a lower-tax ZIP code.

• Track upcoming ballot measures that could raise taxes after you move in.

Final Thoughts

Seattle property taxes are complex, and they rise faster than inflation. But with careful planning, research, and budgeting, you can avoid financial shocks and make smarter decisions about where to buy. Work with your lender and real estate agent to factor in taxes with every offer you make.

By staying proactive, you’ll protect your budget, avoid becoming “house poor,” and find a home in Seattle that truly fits both your lifestyle and your long-term financial goals.