King vs. Snohomish vs. Pierce: Property Taxes Compared (2026)
Two identical homes can carry very different monthly costs depending on which county they're in. Here's how property taxes compare across King, Snohomish, and Pierce — the three counties most Seattle-area buyers shop.
The effective rates
Effective property-tax rates (tax as a share of value) run roughly:
- King County — about 0.9% (the lowest of the three, but on the highest prices).
- Snohomish County — about 1.0%.
- Pierce County — about 1.1% (the highest rate, on the most attainable prices).
Rate vs. dollars: why the cheapest county isn't always cheapest
King County has the lowest rate but the highest home values, so the actual tax bill is often larger. Pierce has the highest rate but lower prices, so the dollar amount can still be modest. Always compare the annual dollars, not just the percentage.
Example
On a $750,000 home, King County's ~0.9% is roughly $6,900/year (~$575/month), while Pierce's ~1.1% is roughly $8,250/year (~$690/month) — a real difference in your monthly budget. FirstNest's free tax tool runs this for any price and county instantly.
This article is for education only — not financial, legal, or tax advice. Market conditions, rates, and programs change; verify current details with a licensed lender, your agent, and official sources.
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