Bothell is unique among the surrounding cities in the sense that the city lies exactly at the boundary line between King and Snohomish counties. Navigating these taxes can feel like a puzzle for residents since a Bothell mailing address doesn't guarantee a specific rate; instead, your financial obligation is determined entirely by which side of the county line your property falls on. This discrepancy often explains why two homes just streets apart may be taxed differently despite sharing the same downtown atmosphere and community amenities.

Because the city answers to two different county assessors, homeowners must budget based on their specific jurisdiction, though most residents pay an annual rate between 1.0% and 1.1% of their home's assessed value. With average home values in Bothell currently hovering between $930,000 and $950,000, even these small percentage points result in a substantial annual expense. It is important that you, whether buying or selling, be able to distinguish between the two in order to be ready for what is at stake in terms of either King or Snohomish county tax rates.

How Property Taxes Are Calculated in Bothell

Bothell property taxes are budget-based and calculated as a function of your home's Assessed Value times the local Levy Rate. The Assessed Value is determined annually by either King or Snohomish County based on previous-year market sales of similar homes, though this figure often lags the current market price. This value is then multiplied by the Levy Rate, which itself is a "stack" of various voter-approved taxes that support the state, county, city, Northshore School District, fire department, and library system.

The "Budget-Based" System

Washington State operates differently than many other places. Taxing districts (like the fire department or school district) ask voters to approve a specific total dollar amount for their budget, not a permanent percentage rate.

Here is the formula used to determine your share: (Assessed Value / 1,000) × Levy Rate = Annual Tax

So, if property values in Bothell skyrocket next year, the levy rate often drops slightly so that the district collects the same total budget amount. It’s a balancing act that keeps the district's revenue stable, even if the housing market in Bothell is volatile.

King County vs. Snohomish County: What’s the Difference?

Bothell’s unique position across two counties means your property taxes depend on your specific address, though both sides often end up with comparable total bills.

• King County Jurisdiction: Properties located south of the county line (generally the 228th St SE/244th St SW area) are taxed by King County.
• King County Services: Your tax dollars on this side fund the King County Library System, King County EMS, and regional services specific to the Seattle metro area.
• Snohomish County Jurisdiction: Properties north of the boundary fall under Snohomish County authority.
• Snohomish County Services: These taxes support the funding of the Sno-Isle Libraries and the roads in the county of Snohomish.
• Common School Funding: Regardless of county line, most Bothell homeowners fund the Northshore School District for educational programs, operations, and technology.
• Shared City Levies: All residents contribute to City of Bothell initiatives, including fire station bonds and the Safe Streets & Sidewalks levy.
• Verification Tools: To confirm your exact taxing district, you can use the King County Parcel Viewer or the Snohomish County Assessor Property Search tool.

Current Property Tax Rates and Levies

When you assess your tax bill, it is essential that you understand your payment is not simply a nominal fee; it is an appropriation directly benefiting your community. The largest portion of your tax bill tends to support funding in the Northshore School District (NSD), where levies are a major source of the community tax rate. The Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy for activities and personnel, Technology levy, and general bonds for new construction of schools account for funding above $3.00 per $1,000 of your home’s assessed value.

Beyond education, your taxes support a variety of essential City of Bothell and regional services. City-specific levies fund the Safe Streets & Sidewalks initiative for infrastructure maintenance, public safety, and fire station bonds. Additionally, regional levies cover the statewide McCleary school levy, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the local library district. Because these rates are determined by voter-approved bonds and levies, they naturally fluctuate—decreasing as old debts are retired and increasing when the community approves new projects like high schools or emergency facilities.

Example Tax Bill Scenarios for Bothell Homeowners

To see how those rates affect your budget, let's consider two real-world examples. Remember, although the average cost of a home in Bothell is about $1.03 million today, your tax bill is pegged to the assessed value, which often lags behind market value. Talking about rates is fine, but seeing the estimated monthly or annual cost is better. Let’s run two realistic scenarios.

For these examples, we will use a conservative effective tax rate of $10.50 per $1,000 of assessed value (1.05%). Keep in mind, your actual rate could be slightly higher or lower depending on your exact levy code area.

Scenario A: The Condo or Entry-Level Home Let’s say you own a condo or a smaller townhome with an assessed value of $600,000.

• Math: ($600,000 / 1,000) × 10.50
• Estimated Annual Tax: $6,300
• Monthly Budget: ~$525

Scenario B: The Average Single-Family Home Now let’s look at a standard detached home in a typical Bothell neighborhood, assessed at $950,000.

• Math: ($950,000 / 1,000) × 10.50
• Estimated Annual Tax: $9,975
• Monthly Budget: ~$831

As you calculate your Bothell cost of living, remember that these taxes are usually rolled into your monthly mortgage payment if you have an escrow account. If you own your home outright, you will need to budget to pay these in two installments (April and October).

Exemptions and Relief Programs

If you are on a fixed income, the sticker shock of Washington property taxes can be stressful. Fortunately, there are robust exemption programs available, but this is where the county split becomes critically important.

The Senior & Disabled Persons Exemption is the most common program. It freezes your property value and exempts you from paying certain excess levies. However, the income limits to qualify are different depending on which county you live in.

• King County: For the 2024–2026 tax years, the income threshold is generally up to $84,000.
• Snohomish County: For the 2024–2026 tax years, the income threshold is generally up to $75,000.

It is vital to note that "income" here usually means combined disposable income, which includes Social Security benefits. If you are slightly over these limits, you might still look into Deferral Programs, which allow you to postpone paying taxes (with interest/liens) until the home is sold.

There is also a Home Improvement Exemption that can provide significant relief if you decide to build your own home in Bothell or perform a major remodel on an existing property. If you add a new wing or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), this program may allow you to delay paying taxes on that newly added value for up to three years, helping you manage your budget during the transition into your new space.

How Bothell Compares to Nearby Areas

Clients often ask me if they would save money by moving just a few miles down the road.

Compared to Seattle, Bothell usually has a slightly higher levy rate. Seattle’s rate often dips below 1.0% (around 0.88%–0.90%). However, Seattle home values are generally higher, so you might pay a lower rate but on a higher assessed value, balancing out the savings.

If you compare Bothell to Kirkland or Redmond, the rates are fairly similar on the King County side. The primary difference is often the entry price and the availability of inventory. Currently, we are seeing a surge in new home developments in Bothell, which offer modern amenities and energy-efficient builds that are harder to find in the more established, land-locked neighborhoods of our neighbors. While these new builds may result in a higher initial assessed value, they often come with the predictability of modern infrastructure and lower maintenance costs.

When looking at Snohomish County neighbors like Mill Creek or Lynnwood, you might find slightly different rates due to different fire districts or city levies. Generally speaking, Bothell is "middle of the road" for the region. You aren't paying the highest rates in the state, but you certainly aren't in a low-tax rural zone either. You are paying for premium access to the I-405 corridor and top-tier school districts.

Long-Term Planning and Your Property Tax Outlook

When examining the annual real estate tax assessed upon a median-value home within our area, it is apparent that being a homeowner within the Pacific Northwest involves being proactive about personal finances. Within the year 2026, Bothell real estate tax is an essential component of funding local schools as well as essential fire protection services, although these taxes can fluctuate depending upon new levies approved by local citizens as well as an annual district budget restriction of 1%.

To estimate your property tax more accurately, a buyer should consider the average effective property tax rate for their specific county. Currently, the average effective rate in our area sits between 1.0% and 1.1%, which is higher than the national median but remains competitive with the state median once you account for the lack of a state income tax. To help with your calculation, you can use an online calculator or visit the Washington Department of Revenue website to see how local tax rates apply to your property's assessed value.

It is also important to remember that your taxable amount is subject to an annual valuation adjustment based on current market data. If you find that your assessed home value is increasing faster than expected, check your eligibility for exemptions or deferrals. Meeting the application deadline for these programs can result in significant savings on your median annual bill. As either a newbie in the real estate sector or a resident all along, it is important to stay up-to-date with information about the total and special taxes so that you will never be caught off-guard by the annual taxes for the property you own.

FAQs

What is the property tax rate in Bothell, WA?

While it varies slightly by exact neighborhood, a safe estimate for planning purposes is between $10.00 and $11.00 per $1,000 of assessed value (or 1.0% to 1.1%). This means for a $800,000 home, you should budget roughly $8,000 to $8,800 per year.

Do I pay taxes to King County or Snohomish County?

It depends entirely on your specific address. Bothell spans both counties. You must check your property legal description or use the county parcel viewer maps to confirm which treasurer sends your bill, as this determines which specific levies (like library and EMS) you pay.

How often are property assessments updated in Bothell?

Washington State requires counties to revalue properties annually. This means your Assessed Value—and your tax bill—will likely change every year based on the previous year's market sales data.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Bothell?

Yes. If you believe the Assessed Value is significantly higher than the true market value of your home, you can file an appeal with your respective County Board of Equalization. You generally have 60 days from the date the assessment notice is mailed to file an appeal.

What are the senior exemption income limits for Bothell?

This depends on your county. As of the 2024–2026 cycle, King County residents generally qualify with a combined disposable income of roughly $84,000 or less, while Snohomish County residents generally need an income of $75,000 or less. Always verify the latest thresholds with your specific County Assessor.