When looking for a home, some people only consider the rent or home prices, only to be surprised later by the property tax bill. I was one of them at first.

The Lynnwood area falls under the Edmonds School District, and understanding the tax structure of this district can help reduce surprises while living there.

Property taxes are typically paid in two installments, in April and October, each covering half of the total. It's important to budget for this in advance. I learned firsthand that even if you live modestly, you need to keep track of your taxes carefully.

The total property tax amount for Snohomish County in 2025 is $1.851 billion. This is an increase of $104 million, or about 5.96 percent, from $1.747 billion in 2024. The median effective tax rate in Snohomish County, where Lynnwood is located, is about 0.80 percent. Depending on the area, rates can vary from a low of 0.63 percent to a high of 0.93 percent. The total assessed value of taxable properties in the county increased from $212 billion in 2024 to $223 billion in 2025.

The increase in the assessed value, which is the basis for taxes, means that the tax burden may also rise. While it's good news that home values are increasing, we must accept the reality that taxes will also go up.

Looking specifically at school district taxes, the current levy rate for educational programs and operations in the Edmonds School District is $2.66 per $1,000 of assessed value. The district plans to renew this levy through a public vote in 2026. The expected new levy rate, determined by the vote on February 10, 2026, is projected to be $1.45 per $1,000, starting in 2027.

By 2029-2030, it is expected to rise to $1.51 per $1,000. The total amount of the levy that the district is putting to a public vote is $361 million. This money will be used for teacher salaries, program operations, and facility maintenance in local schools.

The median home price in the 98036 ZIP code is $660,300, so applying the Snohomish County effective rate of 0.80 percent would result in an annual property tax of around $5,282. In reality, it is more complicated due to additional levies, bonds, and special assessments.

Education levies, city levies, county levies, and fire levies all overlap. Lynnwood City Hall is located at 19100 44th Avenue West, and inquiries regarding tax payments or appeals can be directed to the Snohomish County Assessor's Office. You can check your current assessed value and tax history online by entering your address. I recommend checking this at least once before moving in.

One more thing to keep in mind regarding property taxes: when you first purchase a home, the county assessor's office automatically reassesses the property value. This may differ from the previous owner's tax amount. In fact, it is possible for the tax bill in the first year after moving in to be different from the following year.

To avoid surprises, it's a good idea to check whether you receive an assessment notice at your address within six months of moving in. Homeowners in the Lynnwood area should remember that the results of the Edmonds School District levy renewal vote will directly impact their property taxes. Whether or not you have children, as a homeowner, you should pay attention to the school district's budget and levy votes.

Understanding this structure from the beginning will help you feel much less overwhelmed later. Even if you live simply, it's important to know and pay your taxes correctly. Not knowing can lead to financial loss when it comes to taxes. I recommend checking your address on the Snohomish County Assessor's Office website right now.