Property taxes in Bellingham are one of the questions I get most often from buyers, especially people moving here from another state.
The good news is that property taxes in Whatcom County are fairly easy to understand once you know how they work. And Washington has no state income tax on wages, which many of our buyers are happy to hear.
Here is a simple look at property taxes in Bellingham and Whatcom County, what homeowners typically pay and what to keep in mind when you are buying.
Bellingham Property Taxes at a Glance
- 2026 levy rates in Bellingham: about $7.80 to $10.01 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Example: a $695,000 home pays roughly $5,400 to $7,000 a year
- Due dates: April 30 and October 31
- Paid at closing: prorated between buyer and seller
How Property Taxes Work in Whatcom County
Your property tax bill is based on two things. The assessed value of your home and the levy rate for the area where it sits.
The Whatcom County Assessor’s Office sets the assessed value each year. The levy rate is the combined total of every taxing district that serves your property, like the state school levy, local schools, the city or county, fire, library and the port.
Taxes are billed the year after the value is set. So 2026 property taxes are based on 2025 assessed values.
What Is the Levy Rate in Bellingham?
Levy rates are shown in dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. For 2026, combined levy rates inside the City of Bellingham range from about $7.80 to $10.01 per $1,000, depending on the tax area your home falls in.
Here is a simple example. A home assessed at $695,000, which is close to the recent Bellingham median, would have a yearly tax bill of roughly $5,400 to $7,000 depending on its tax area.
How Other Whatcom County Cities Compare
Levy rates vary a little from town to town. Here is what the county’s 2026 annual tax book shows.
| City | 2026 levy rate per $1,000 |
|---|---|
| Bellingham | $7.80 to $10.01 |
| Ferndale | $7.42 to $8.47 |
| Lynden | $7.65 to $8.53 |
| Blaine | $6.17 to $6.98 |
Areas outside city limits, like Sudden Valley or Birch Bay, have their own tax areas and rates, so it is always worth looking up the specific property.
When Are Property Taxes Due?
Whatcom County property taxes are paid in two halves.
| Payment | Due date |
|---|---|
| First half | April 30 |
| Second half | October 31 |
If you have a mortgage, your lender will usually collect property taxes as part of your monthly payment and pay them for you. If you own your home outright, you pay the county treasurer directly.
How Property Taxes in Bellingham Work When You Buy
Property taxes are prorated at closing. The seller pays for the part of the year they owned the home, and you pay from your closing date forward. Escrow handles the math, so it all shows up clearly on your settlement statement.
If you are financing, your lender will also set aside a few months of taxes in a reserve account at closing so the first payments are covered.
Looking Up Taxes on a Home
Before you write an offer, it is easy to check a property’s current taxes. The Whatcom County Assessor and Treasurer have an online property search where you can see the assessed value, the tax area and the current tax bill for any home. We pull this for our buyers on every home they are serious about.
It is a helpful number to have when you are working out your monthly budget, along with utilities. Our post on average utility bills can help there too.
A Note on New Construction
If you buy a brand new home, the first tax bill may reflect only the land or a partially built home. Once the finished home is added to the county’s records, the assessed value goes up and the tax bill follows. Planning for that from the start makes the second year feel easy.
Exemptions for Seniors and Homeowners With Disabilities
Washington offers a property tax exemption program for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities and disabled veterans who own and live in their home.
The program is based on age or disability, residency and household income. In Whatcom County it is run by the Assessor’s Office, and they are very helpful if you call with questions.
How Taxes Can Change Over Time
Your tax bill can change from year to year for two reasons.
- Your home’s assessed value may go up or down.
- Voters may approve new levies or bonds for things like schools, parks or fire service.
Washington also limits how much most taxing districts can increase their regular levy each year without voter approval, which helps keep changes steady.
If you ever feel your assessed value is off, you can appeal to the Whatcom County Board of Equalization. The deadline is generally July 1 or within 60 days of when your value notice is mailed, whichever is later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the property tax rate in Bellingham?
For 2026, combined levy rates inside Bellingham range from about $7.80 to $10.01 per $1,000 of assessed value, depending on the tax area.
When are Whatcom County property taxes due?
The first half is due April 30 and the second half is due October 31.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
Bellingham homeowners do not pay a state tax on wages. Starting in 2028, a new state tax of 9.9% applies to household income above $1 million, and a separate capital gains tax applies to some investment gains. Selling your home is not included. For your own situation, a tax professional is the best person to ask.
How can I find the taxes on a specific home?
You can look up any property through the Whatcom County Assessor and Treasurer’s online property search. We are also happy to pull it for you.
Planning Your Budget
Property taxes are just one part of owning a home, but knowing the number ahead of time makes the whole process feel much more comfortable.
If you are starting your search, our guide to buying a home in Bellingham is a good next read, and our Bellingham neighborhood guide can help you compare areas.
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