Seattle, WA Property Tax Rates

Compare property tax rates across 33 ZIP codes in Seattle, Washington.

ACS 2019-2023 · Updated Dec 2024

Avg Tax Rate

0.82%

Avg Annual Tax

$6,689

Avg Home Value

$828,948

ZIP Codes

33

Property Tax Overview: Seattle, WA

Seattle has 33 ZIP codes with property tax data. The average effective tax rate across these ZIPs is 0.82%, which is 7% above the Washington average of 0.77%. Annual property taxes range from $3,824 (ZIP 98104) to $5,305 (ZIP 98198).

For a home at Seattle's median value of $828,948, property taxes add approximately $567/month to housing costs. Seattle home values are above the Washington median of $472,159, meaning the monthly tax impact is correspondingly higher.

Property tax rates within Seattle vary by 0.43 percentage points across its ZIP codes. This variation typically reflects different school district boundaries, special assessment zones, and municipal service areas within the city.

ZIP Codes in Seattle, WA

ZIP CodeEffective RateMedian TaxMedian Home Value
981040.58%$3,824$663,000
981120.71%$10,001$1,407,400
981190.73%$7,490$1,032,500
981020.73%$7,235$988,700
981090.73%$7,246$986,000
981440.74%$6,558$890,400
981030.75%$7,598$1,012,900
981170.75%$7,756$1,028,100
981250.76%$6,455$844,500
981150.77%$8,044$1,041,500
981050.78%$9,801$1,261,100
981220.78%$7,249$929,400
981990.79%$9,133$1,160,000
981260.80%$5,996$751,900
981360.80%$7,182$900,000
981160.80%$7,354$917,000
981080.80%$5,565$693,500
981070.80%$7,432$924,900
981180.81%$6,080$746,400
981060.83%$5,555$666,800
981340.84%$3,234$385,300
981480.85%$4,892$576,400
981330.85%$6,111$719,100
981770.86%$8,582$995,700
981010.88%$6,550$741,400
981210.89%$7,061$796,600
981550.90%$6,852$758,000
981780.91%$5,729$628,200
981460.93%$5,962$642,300
981660.94%$7,385$785,700
981680.99%$4,963$500,600
981881.01%$4,557$452,900
981981.01%$5,305$527,100

Seattle vs Washington Average

Effective Tax Rate

Seattle0.82%
Washington Avg0.77%

7% above state average

Annual Property Tax

Seattle$6,689
Washington Avg$3,592

Median Home Value

Seattle$828,948
Washington Avg$472,159

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average property tax rate in Seattle, WA?

The average effective property tax rate in Seattle, Washington is 0.82%, based on 33 ZIP codes.

How much is property tax in Seattle, WA?

The average median annual property tax in Seattle is $6,689 per year, with a median home value of $828,948.

Which ZIP code in Seattle has the lowest property tax rate?

ZIP code 98104 has the lowest effective tax rate in Seattle at 0.58%, with a median annual tax of $3,824.

How many ZIP codes are in Seattle, WA?

Seattle, Washington has 33 ZIP codes with property tax data available.

Which ZIP code in Seattle has the highest property tax rate?

ZIP code 98198 has the highest effective tax rate in Seattle at 1.01%, with a median annual tax of $5,305.

How do Seattle property taxes compare to the Washington average?

Seattle's average effective rate of 0.82% is 7% above the Washington state average of 0.77%.

What factors affect property tax rates between ZIP codes in Seattle?

Property tax rate differences within Seattle are typically driven by school district boundaries (which can account for 40–60% of a tax bill), special assessment zones for fire, water, or transit services, and whether a ZIP falls within city limits or an unincorporated area. Each taxing jurisdiction sets its own rate, which is why adjacent ZIP codes can have noticeably different effective rates.

Tips for Seattle Homeowners

  • Appeal your assessment: If your home is assessed higher than its market value, you can file a property tax appeal. Studies suggest 30–60% of properties are over-assessed. Most counties offer a free informal review process.
  • Check your exemptions: Homestead exemptions can reduce your taxable value and are available to primary residents in most states. Senior, veteran, and disability exemptions may also apply. Exemptions must typically be applied for — they are not automatic.
  • Know your assessment cycle: Washington reassesses properties periodically. After buying a home, your next tax bill may reflect a new assessment based on your purchase price. Budget accordingly, especially if you bought above prior assessed values.
  • Compare ZIP codes before buying: Even within Seattle, effective tax rates can vary significantly across ZIP codes due to different school district overlays. Use PropertyTaxByZip to compare specific ZIPs before choosing a neighborhood.

Looking for county-level property tax data? View King County on TaxByCounty.com

Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates (ZCTA level). ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) are Census approximations of USPS ZIP codes.

Estimates are informational only and should not be used as financial or legal advice.

Learn about our data sources and methodology →