Seattle Property Tax Rates 2025

Do you have a client looking to buy or sell in the Seattle, Washington, area? You’ll benefit from knowing the latest information on property taxes in the area.

Staying up-to-date on your area’s latest property tax information will be invaluable to you and your clientele. You’ll help clients make the right decisions when buying or selling a house, and you’ll boost your expertise in all things real estate! Ready to learn more? Read on to learn more about Seattle property tax rates in 2025.

Real estate market trends in Seattle

Seattle is a dynamic, urban city on the west coast that is a popular destination for tourists and homebuyers. The Emerald City offers attractions such as the 605-foot-tall Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and the first Starbucks. You’ll always have things to do in Seattle, so it’s easy to see why this city is an attractive choice for many homebuyers.

Because Seattle is Washington’s most in-demand and attractive city, the cost of living is much higher than the national average. Living in Seattle will cost you 24% more than the state average and 45% more than the national average.

What about the housing market? Seattle’s housing market is incredibly competitive, with the median home price coming in at $856,950 as of May 2025. This is up 1.4% when compared to last year. Because of this trend, homebuyers will have property taxes on their minds as they consider settling in the Emerald City. 

Seattle property taxes for 2025

Unlike many cities in the U.S., Seattle does not levy its own municipal property taxes. Instead, homeowners in Seattle pay property taxes at the King County level. These county property taxes, which apply to Seattle residents, are approximately 8% higher than the average county rate.

The current levy rate in Seattle is 9.19418 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This means if you own a home that’s assessed value is $760,000, you’d own $6,987.58 in property taxes. 

Property tax values are set on January 1 of each year, so be on the lookout for new property tax values in 2026 for Seattle.

Will Seattle property tax rates rise?

Even though Seattle property values increased this year, property taxes in King County, where Seattle is located, also rose. Whether property taxes will increase again in 2026 depends on whether voters approve new levies. Currently, King County can only raise property tax revenue by a maximum of 1% annually without voter approval. Stay up to date on current rates by visiting King County’s official website.

Tax rates in surrounding areas

Are you looking to move to Seattle but considering other surrounding Washington cities? It’s a good idea to check out the property taxes of the surrounding counties before settling on a location. Here are some neighboring Washington cities close to Seattle and their highest property rates per $1,000 of assessed value:

• Bellevue: 8.50474
• Federal Way: 9.15380
• Enumclaw: 9.58768
• North Bend: 9.31264
• Sammamish: 9.11787
• Renton: 10.02114

While these represent the highest rates overall, the actual rate you pay may be lower depending on your specific location within the city.

What does property tax revenue fund in Seattle?

The King County Treasury collects property taxes in Seattle. The collected property tax is distributed to several different areas, such as:

• State Schools
• Port of Seattle
• Fire
• Libraries
• Local Schools
• King County (for roads, police, criminal justice, etc.)

Property taxes fund services you count on to live your daily life, such as veteran and senior programs, parks and recreation, libraries, public and local schooling, and road repairs.

Important information to know when moving to Seattle, WA

Have you decided to move to Seattle? Here are some important dates and information you should know when it comes to property taxes:

Property tax values are set on January 1 of each year. The first half of the year’s property taxes are due on May 2 (unless you owe less than $50, then you must pay in full), and personal property listing forms. A 3% penalty assessed on delinquent taxes will go into effect on June 1 for the first half of your property taxes.

The second half of your property taxes are due on October 31, with an 8% penalty assessed on delinquent taxes on December 1. You are responsible for knowing these key dates and paying your property tax bills on time. 

If you’re applying for a limited income deferral, this is due on September 1.

King County offers property tax exemptions for seniors, persons with disabilities, and disabled veterans who own homes based on a set list of qualifications. If you fall under any of these criteria, it’s worth seeing if you fully qualify for an exemption.

Navigating Seattle’s property tax landscape

Understanding the nuances of Seattle’s property tax system, where King County levies taxes instead of the city itself, is crucial for real estate professionals. While current rates are significant, influenced by the competitive housing market, potential fluctuations depend on future voter-approved levies. By staying informed about these factors, including key dates and potential exemptions, agents can provide invaluable guidance to clients navigating the Emerald City’s real estate market and its associated costs.

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With a clear understanding of Seattle’s property tax considerations, you can now focus on showcasing your listings in their best light. For stunning visuals that capture buyer attention in this competitive market, our team of experienced real estate photography professionals at Virtuance is ready to help your listing truly shine!

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