98626 Property Tax Rate

Property owners in ZIP code 98626 (Kelso, Washington) pay a median of $3,099/year in property taxes on homes valued at $339,800. This translates to an effective tax rate of 0.91%, which is 19% above the Washington state average of 0.77%.

The monthly property tax burden for a median-valued home in 98626 is approximately $258, which factors into escrow payments on mortgages. This ZIP code is located within Cowlitz County. This is $493 less than the Washington average of $3,592/year.

Compared to similar ZIP codes in Washington, 98626 has higher property taxes. ZIP codes with similar effective rates include 98178 (0.91%) and 98550 (0.91%).

In Kelso, property taxes represent approximately 4.4% of the median household income of $70,058, providing context for the relative tax burden on homeowners in this area.

Washington has no state income tax and does not reassess property at sale — your assessed value remains stable until you make major improvements or the county carries out a revaluation cycle. Cowlitz County offers a Senior/Disabled Exemption Program (income-based, for owners 61+ or permanently disabled) and a Property Tax Reduction Program for low-income residents — submit applications to the Cowlitz County Assessor before the annual deadline. Request your property's current assessed value and exemption status from the Cowlitz County Assessor within 30 days of purchase, and file an appeal if the assessment exceeds recent comparable sales.