Cowlitz County, WA Property Tax: $2,988/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Cowlitz County is 0.81% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $367,400, that works out to about $2,976 per year, or $248 per month. Cowlitz County is located in southwestern Washington, and is home to approximately 111,539 residents.
About Cowlitz County
Cowlitz County covers approximately 1,141.2 square miles in Washington. The county is home to about 111,539 residents living in roughly 45,884 housing units, of which 62.6% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $72,932, and the median home was built in 1975.
Cowlitz County borders Columbia County, Clark County, Lewis County, Skamania County, Wahkiakum County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Washington
Property taxes in Washington are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Washington offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Cowlitz County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Cowlitz County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowlitz County, WA | 0.81% | $367,400 | $2,976 |
| Washington state average | 0.76% | — | $2,792* |
| Columbia County | 0.75% | $390,600 | $2,948 |
| Clark County | 0.84% | $487,900 | $4,080 |
| Lewis County | 0.71% | $341,500 | $2,433 |
| Skamania County | 0.72% | $472,600 | $3,380 |
| Wahkiakum County | 0.60% | $344,500 | $2,084 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Cowlitz County's median home value of $367,400. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cowlitz County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Washington?
At 0.81%, Cowlitz County is higher than the Washington state average of 0.76%. On a home at the county median of $367,400, that means about $2,976 per year — versus $2,792 at the state average rate, a difference of $184 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Cowlitz County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Cowlitz County?
For a home at the county median value of $367,400, the annual property tax in Cowlitz County is approximately $2,976 — or about $248 per month. For a home worth $551,100, expect around $4,464 per year. For a $734,800 home, approximately $5,952 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Cowlitz County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Cowlitz County are handled by the Cowlitz County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Cowlitz County?
Washington counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 0.81% shown here. Contact the Cowlitz County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File