Whatcom County property tax
Washington (WA) · West region · Census ACS 2019-2023 (ACS 2023 5-year)
The median property tax in Whatcom County, Washington is $3,819 per year on a median home value of $536,100 — an effective property-tax rate of 0.71% (-34.1% versus the US average of 1.08%), below the US average effective rate. That is about 4.72% of the county's median household income of $80,989. Whatcom County ranks #28 of 39 counties in Washington and #1,938 of 3,133 nationally by effective rate (1 = highest).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 2023 5-year estimates. Data as of June 2026.
Whatcom County property tax at a glance
| Figure | Whatcom County, WA |
|---|---|
| Median property tax (per year) | $3,819 |
| Median home value | $536,100 |
| Effective property-tax rate | 0.71% |
| Versus US average rate | -34.1% (US avg 1.08%) |
| Median household income | $80,989 |
| Property tax as % of income | 4.72% |
| Population | 228,432 |
| Rank in Washington (1 = highest rate of 39) | #28 |
| National rank by rate (of 3,133) | #1,938 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 2023 5-year estimates. Data as of June 2026.
How Whatcom County compares
The counties with the closest effective property-tax rate to Whatcom County:
| County | Median tax/yr | Effective rate | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whatcom County, WA (this county) | $3,819 | 0.71% | -34.1% |
| Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, AK | $1,871 | 0.71% | -34.1% |
| Spencer County, KY | $2,118 | 0.71% | -34.1% |
| Lewis County, WA | $2,433 | 0.71% | -34.1% |
| Perry County, IN | $1,041 | 0.71% | -34.0% |
| Meade County, KY | $1,386 | 0.71% | -34.2% |
Other large counties in Washington: King County (0.84%), Pierce County (0.94%). See the Washington property-tax page for the full county table.
Frequently asked questions
How much is property tax in Whatcom County, Washington?
The median property-tax bill in Whatcom County, Washington is $3,819 per year on a median home value of $536,100, an effective rate of 0.71% (Census ACS 2019-2023 (ACS 2023 5-year)). That is -34.1% versus the US average effective rate of 1.08%. Your own bill depends on your assessed value and local rate.
What is the effective property-tax rate in Whatcom County?
Whatcom County's effective property-tax rate is 0.71% of home value, calculated as the median tax ($3,819) divided by the median home value ($536,100). That ranks #28 of 39 counties in Washington and #1,938 of 3,133 nationally (1 = highest).
Is property tax high in Whatcom County?
Whatcom County is low on property tax at 0.71% effective rate, below the US average effective rate. Property tax there is about 4.72% of the median household income of $80,989. These are ACS area medians; verify your situation with the county assessor.
How is the Whatcom County property-tax figure calculated?
It uses Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates: median real estate taxes paid (table B25103) and median home value (B25077) for owner-occupied homes in Whatcom County. The effective rate is the first divided by the second. It is an area median, not an official mill rate, and not your individual assessment.
Keep exploring
- Washington property tax — state overview & county table (state effective rate 0.83%)
- Highest property-tax counties · Lowest property-tax counties
- Property-tax estimator · All counties
Source & accuracy
Figures are from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2019-2023 (ACS 2023 5-year)), US public domain: median real estate taxes paid (B25103) and median home value (B25077) for owner-occupied homes. The effective rate is the ratio of the two. These are area medians, not your individual bill — your tax depends on your home's assessed value, exemptions and your local rate. Verify with the Whatcom County assessor or tax collector. Data as of June 2026. See our methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-20