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Tumwater, Thurston County, Washington Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Tumwater, Washington

  • Median Tumwater, Washington effective property tax rate: 0.95%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and slightly higher than the Washington state median of 0.92%.

  • Median Tumwater, Washington home value: $445,100

  • Median annual Tumwater, Washington tax bill: $4,227, $1,827 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Thurston calculated?

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

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Tumwater, Thurston County, Washington Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

0.95%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$4,228

$3,924

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the Tumwater Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Tumwater property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Tumwater's median effective tax rate of 0.95% — based on actual property records in Thurston County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local assessment system uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Tumwater'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 Tumwater: rates range from $4,156.00 in 98512 to $4,265.00 in 98501, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts. Tumwater's median property tax rate is lower than the 1.02% national median property tax rate and lower than the 0.92% Washington median tax rate, while the median tax bill of $4,227 is higher than the $2,400 national median property tax bill.

If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can appeal your Tumwater assessment — you only pay if we save you money.

About Tumwater Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Tumwater, Thurston, Washington

Tumwater’s median effective property tax rate of 0.95% is lower than the Washington state median of 0.92% and lower than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Thurston 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 Tumwater. Homeowners in the 98512 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 0.95%, while those in 98501 pay 0.95%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Thurston County. Understanding which part of Tumwater you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Tumwater homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the local Tax Assessor before the December 9, 2026 deadline each year.

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 Tumwater, Thurston 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 Tumwater'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 Tumwater, Thurston County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

0.74%

0.86%

0.99%

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 Tumwater Tax Rate

0.95%

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 Thurston County Tax Rate

0.93%

Median Effective Washington Tax Rate

0.92%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Tumwater, Thurston County, Washington

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
985010.83%0.92%0.95%0.98%1.02%
985120.67%0.93%0.95%0.97%0.99%
98502N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Tumwater, Thurston County, Washington

When examining property taxes in Tumwater, 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 Thurston County 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 Thurston County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of October.

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 Tumwater.

For example, the median home price in Tumwater is $445,100, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 98501 has the highest median home price at $450,900.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Tumwater, Thurston County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$234,800

$384,325

$533,850

Median Tumwater Market Value

$445,100

Median Thurston County Market Value

$459,800

Median Washington Market Value

$501,600

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Tumwater, Thurston County, Washington

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
98501$294,600$384,050$450,900$548,300$652,200
98512$105,380$317,875$434,100$532,775$652,440
98502N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Tumwater, Thurston County, Washington

Property tax bills in Tumwater are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities in Thurston County. When a home’s assessed value rises, the tax bill can increase too, even if the homeowner’s income does not change. For Tumwater homeowners, the median home price is $445,100, and property tax bills often fall between $3,297 and $5,150, with the 90th percentile reaching $6,231.

How much you pay depends on your home’s assessed market value, local levies, and whether you qualify for exemptions. The median tax bill is $4,265 in zip code 98501 and $4,156 in zip code 98512. Compared with the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and national median bill of $2,400, Tumwater homeowners often face a heavier burden.

Ownwell helps homeowners lower property tax bills by reviewing assessments, identifying savings opportunities, and filing appeals when a home is overassessed.

Property Tax Bills Across Tumwater, Thurston County, Washington

Source: Ownwell

$1,697

$3,324

$4,951

Median Tumwater Tax Bill

$4,227

Median Thurston County Tax Bill

$4,232

Median Washington Tax Bill

$4,512

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Tumwater, Thurston County, Washington

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
98501$2,055$3,611$4,265$5,224$6,206
98512$604$2,854$4,156$5,059$6,267
98502N/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Tumwater, Washington

How are property taxes calculated in Tumwater, Washington?
Property taxes in Tumwater, 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 Tumwater, Washington?
To appeal your property taxes in Tumwater, 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 Tumwater, Washington?
Common property tax exemptions in Tumwater, 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 Tumwater, Washington?
Property tax deadlines in Tumwater, 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 Tumwater, Washington?
Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Tumwater, 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.