Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Port Townsend, Washington

Median Port Townsend, Washington effective property tax rate: 0.90%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the Washington state median of 0.92%.
Median Port Townsend, Washington home value: $483,660
Median annual Port Townsend, Washington tax bill: $4,198, $1,798 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Jefferson calculated?

Property taxes in Port Townsend, Washington are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding Port Townsend's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Port Townsend, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.9%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$4,353

$4,039

How Does the Port Townsend Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Port Townsend property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Port Townsend's median effective tax rate of 0.90% — based on actual property records in Jefferson County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Port Townsend's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.

Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Port Townsend: rates range from 0.90% in 98368 to 0.90% in 98368, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Port Townsend.

About Port Townsend Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Port Townsend, Jefferson, Washington

Port Townsend's median effective property tax rate of 0.90% is lower than the Washington state median of 0.92% and lower than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Jefferson County base levy combined with local school district levies and Local improvement districts (LIDs) that vary by subdivision throughout the city.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Port Townsend. Homeowners in the 98368 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 0.90%, while those in 98368 pay 0.90%. This spread — 0.00 percentage points across the same city — reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Jefferson County. Understanding which part of Port Townsend you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Port Townsend homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the Tax Assessor before July 1, 2026.

If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.

Property Tax Rates Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.

Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.

While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.

Below, you can compare Port Townsend's effective property tax rate to other cities in Washington and the median property tax rates in Washington and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

0.76%

0.83%

0.90%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Port Townsend Tax Rate

0.90%

Median Effective Jefferson County Tax Rate

0.83%

Median Effective Washington Tax Rate

0.92%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
98368	0.81%	0.88%	0.90%	0.90%	0.90%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

When examining property taxes in Port Townsend, Washington, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.

The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Jefferson County assessor estimates the market value for tax purposes.

The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

Assessment notices:

In Jefferson County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month when notices are sent.

Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Port Townsend.

For example, the median home price in Port Townsend is $483,660, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 98368 has the highest median home price at $483,660.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$70,538

$325,221

$579,903

Median Port Townsend Market Value

$483,660

Median Jefferson County Market Value

$435,843

Median Washington Market Value

$501,600

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
98368	$242,612	$347,482	$483,660	$653,170	$842,701

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

How are property tax bills calculated in Port Townsend?

Property tax bills in Port Townsend are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rates set by Jefferson County and other taxing districts. When a property’s market value rises, the assessed value can increase as well, which may lead to a higher bill. For a home with a median price of $483,660, the tax bill can vary widely depending on location, exemptions, and the mix of local levies.

What factors affect the amount homeowners pay?

The biggest factors are the home’s assessed value, the tax rate, and any available exemptions. In Port Townsend, the 25th percentile tax bill is $2,872, while the 75th percentile is $5,737 and the 90th percentile is $7,478. The median tax bill in ZIP code 98368 is $4,198, which is above the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and reflects how local assessments can create a heavier burden for homeowners.

Property Tax Bills Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$547

$2,529

$4,510

Median Port Townsend Tax Bill

$4,198

Median Jefferson County Tax Bill

$3,575

Median Washington Tax Bill

$4,512

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
98368	$1,497	$2,872	$4,198	$5,737	$7,478

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Dates
Appeal Deadline	July 1

Links
Jefferson Tax Assessor
Website	trueweb.jeffcowa.us

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Port Townsend, Washington

How are property taxes calculated in Port Townsend, Washington?

Property taxes in Port Townsend, Washington are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.

How do I appeal my property taxes in Port Townsend, Washington?

To appeal your property taxes in Port Townsend, Washington, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.

What property tax exemptions are available in Port Townsend, Washington?

Common property tax exemptions in Port Townsend, Washington include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.

When are property taxes due in Port Townsend, Washington?

Property tax deadlines in Port Townsend, Washington vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.

How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Port Townsend, Washington?

Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Port Townsend, Washington. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.