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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. — Washington County has issued its annual tax statements, and many homeowners will pay higher property taxes this year, despite a decline in average home values.
Washington County Tax Bills Increase for Most Property Owners
Washington County has reported higher tax bills for approximately 195,000 accounts this year in its 2026-27 property tax statements. Of those, about 165,000 have increases between 0% and 5%, and another 30,000 by over 5%.
Conversely, only about 9,000 accounts will be getting lower bills, despite the county’s average real market value for single-family homes decreasing by about 3.3%, from $626,540 in 2025 to $605,955 in 2026.
For example, in Durham, one property’s real market value fell by about 9%, from $830,780 to $753,940.
At the same time, its assessed value, however, increased by 3%, from $508,050 to $523,290. The homeowner’s tax bill rose by $410 to $8,587.
Tidings Data Snapshot
A Durham Home’s Falling Value and Rising Tax BillOne property in Washington County’s typical-home sample| Measure | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Market value | $830,780 | $753,940 |
| Assessed value | $508,050 | $523,290 |
| Tax bill | $8,177 | $8,587 |
A county example, not an average for Durham. Dollar amounts are rounded as shown in the county’s sample.
Source: Washington County / 2026 Typical Residential PropertiesDailyTidings.com
How Oregon Calculates Property Taxes: Market Value vs Assessed Value
Reducing a property’s market value will not necessarily lower its tax bill if its assessed value remains unchanged. Oregon law dictates that properties be taxed on their assessed value, the lower of their real market value or maximum assessed value.
The maximum assessed value usually increases by a maximum of 3% annually, although certain property improvements can result in additional increases.
Property taxes can also increase because of new voter-approved levies, changes to taxing districts, and other assessment factors.
Tidings Data Snapshot
Where Washington County’s Property Tax Dollar GoesCountywide average allocation for 2026-27- 45.3%Education
- 33.8%Cities and special districts
- 17.7%County government
- 3.2%Regional services
Shares rounded to one decimal. Education includes schools, Portland Community College and education service districts. Regional services include Metro and the Port of Portland. An individual property’s allocation depends on its taxing districts.
Source: Washington County / 2026-27 property tax statementDailyTidings.com
Washington County property owners who believe their property has been overvalued can appeal by December 31, 2026.
The county’s payment options include three installments, beginning November 16, 2026, or a 3% discount for full payment by that date.
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