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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Grays Harbor County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Grays Harbor County, WA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, varies by special taxing districts and location within county
1st Due
Apr 30
2nd Due
Oct 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Grays Harbor County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. Property owners in Grays Harbor County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies significantly depending on location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts.

The effective property tax rate in Grays Harbor County typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, depending on your specific location and the special districts that serve your property. These may include school districts, fire districts, hospital districts, port districts, and other local improvement areas. Property assessments are conducted annually by the Grays Harbor County Assessor's office, with assessed values generally reflecting market value as of January 1st of the assessment year.

It's important to note that actual tax rates vary considerably by location within Grays Harbor County based on which special taxing districts serve each property. Properties in areas with multiple special districts will have higher effective rates than those served by fewer districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Regular Levy~$2.50-$3.00 per $1,000Funds general county services, roads, courts
School District Levy~$4.00-$6.00 per $1,000Varies by district; funds K-12 education
State School Levy~$2.50 per $1,000State portion of school funding
Fire District~$1.00-$2.00 per $1,000Emergency services (where applicable)
Hospital District~$0.50-$1.50 per $1,000Public hospital services (where applicable)
Port District~$0.30-$0.75 per $1,000Port operations and economic development
Other Special DistrictsVariesLibraries, parks, utility districts, etc.

Total Effective Rate: ~$8.00-$12.00 per $1,000 of assessed value

Rates shown are approximate for Levy Year 2025 and vary by specific location within Grays Harbor County. Your actual rate depends on which combination of special taxing districts serve your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Grays Harbor County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Apr 30
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Oct 31
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental property taxes in Grays Harbor County are triggered when there is a change in ownership or new construction that increases a property's assessed value during the tax year. This commonly occurs with property sales, completion of building permits, or significant improvements that add value to the property.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, it represents the difference between the original assessment and the new higher assessment, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $350,000, you may receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment from July through the end of the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated using the same tax rate that applies to your property's regular assessment and are due within 30 days of the postmark date on the bill. These taxes are separate from and in addition to the regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Senior Citizens/Disabled Property Tax Exemption (if eligible): -$92,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $208,000 (or $300,000 if no exemption)
  • Tax Rate: $10.50 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $2,184 (with exemption) or $3,150 (without)
  • Monthly Escrow: $182 or $263

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption (if eligible): -$92,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $508,000 (or $600,000 if no exemption)
  • Tax Rate: $11.25 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $5,715 (with exemption) or $6,750 (without)
  • Monthly Escrow: $476 or $563

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption (if eligible): -$92,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $908,000 (or $1,000,000 if no exemption)
  • Tax Rate: $11.75 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $10,669 (with exemption) or $11,750 (without)
  • Monthly Escrow: $889 or $979

Note: Tax credits and exemptions require application and qualification. Rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Grays Harbor County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due on April 30th each year.

Lenders typically analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and projected changes in assessments. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing the account activity and any payment changes. If your taxes increase due to reassessment or new special district levies, expect your monthly escrow payment to increase accordingly.

Property owners are responsible for verifying that their lender pays taxes on time, as the county will hold the property owner ultimately responsible for any delinquent taxes. You can verify payment status through the Grays Harbor County Treasurer's online system or by contacting their office directly.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Grays Harbor County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due by April 30th each year. For amounts of $50 or more, you may split the payment into two installments, with the first half due by April 30th and the second half due by October 31st.

Q: What property tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Major tax credits include the Senior Citizens/Disabled Persons Property Tax Exemption (up to $92,000 assessed value reduction) and the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption. All credits require annual application and qualification verification - they are not automatic.

Q: How does the Senior Property Tax Exemption work? A: This program provides an exemption of up to $92,000 in assessed value for qualifying seniors (61+) and disabled persons meeting income requirements. You must apply annually by December 31st with the County Assessor's office.

Q: When does the County Assessor revalue properties? A: Properties are revalued annually with assessments reflecting market value as of January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed in late April, with appeal deadlines in early July.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest accrues at 1% per month on delinquent taxes. Properties become delinquent on May 1st (first half) and November 1st (second half), with additional penalties and potential tax foreclosure for extended delinquency.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Grays Harbor County offers online payment options through their Treasurer's website, typically accepting credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks (convenience fees may apply).

Q: Why do special district taxes vary across the county? A: Special taxing districts (fire, hospital, school, port) have different boundaries within Grays Harbor County. Your total tax rate depends on which combination of districts serve your specific property address.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Grays Harbor County Board of Equalization by July 1st following the assessment notice. You can appeal online, by mail, or in person with supporting evidence of your property's value.

Q: Are there exemptions for new construction or improvements? A: Washington State offers limited exemptions for certain types of improvements to single-family homes. Contact the County Assessor's office before beginning construction to determine eligibility and application requirements.

Q: What happens if I don't receive my tax bill? A: Property owners remain responsible for paying taxes even if bills are not received. Contact the Grays Harbor County Treasurer's office to obtain duplicate bills or verify your mailing address.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
PROPERTY TAX STATISTICS 2025dor.wa.gov
02
State
Local Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) Rates - April 2025dor.wa.gov
03
County
Property tax ratios by county 2024 for 2025 taxesdor.wa.gov
04
Tax Doc
Real & Personal Property Taxesgraysharbor.us
05
BOE Formsgraysharbor.us
06
Tax Doc
2024 Review of Property Tax Administration in Grays Harbor ...dor.wa.gov
07
Home Improvement Exemptiongraysharbor.us
08
Exemptionsgraysharbor.us
09
Chapter 6.13 RCW: HOMESTEADSapp.leg.wa.gov
10
State
REAL ESTATE EXCISE TAX SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENTco.grays-harbor.wa.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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