2021 Brings 'Moderate Increases' For Pierce County Property Taxes

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Most Pierce County residents will see their property taxes go up in 2021, but for many, the increase will be relatively modest.

In some places, it even decreased slightly.

This year Pierce County residents are expected to pay a combined $1.67 billion in property taxes, a 4.8% increase over 2020. While no one likes paying higher taxes, it could be worse — especially considering the value of the county's residential properties increased by 8.8 percent in 2020.

One reason the tax hike remains relatively modest is the decreased reliance on school levies for funding.

“For the past three years, tax bills fluctuated due to the McCleary court decision on school funding,” said Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Mike Lonergan. “This year they’ve settled down in most areas, even decreasing in a couple districts.”

For example, the Assessor-Treasurer's office lists residents of the Orting School District, who will see their average home taxes drop by $170 thanks to decreased school levy rates. Residents who live inside the Graham Fire District may also see their rates dip, because of the way their new Fire Benefit Charge is calculated.

Homeowners in Tacoma are also faring well. According to the Assessor-Treasurer, Tacoma residents saw the smallest increase of any Pierce County city, with taxes raising $40 on the average home.

Others will be less lucky. The Puyallup and White River school districts approved new supplemental levies last year, which will cause property taxes to grow. For Puyallup, that will mean a tax increase of $350 over the year. Homeowners in the White River District will see an even bigger hike of $500.

As usual, property taxes will be due in two halves this year, first on April 30 and then Nov. 1. Homeowners can find their tax statements by using the county's Property Tax and Value Search here.

The Pierce County Annex remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but anyone who needs assistance figuring out their property taxes can find help by visiting the Assessor-Treasurer's website or by calling (253) 798-6111.