Property Search
King County WA Property Search helps residents, property owners, buyers, researchers, and other users find official information about land, buildings, assessments, parcels, and property records. This article explains how the county’s property search systems work, which records are available, how to search by parcel number or address, what information different offices provide, and how to avoid common mistakes when researching a property.
Property Search Services
The King County Department of Assessments provides several online tools for researching property information. The main King County property information search page connects users with services for finding property details, valuation information, sales information, maps, and assessment records.
Property searches can be completed using different types of information depending on the record system being used. Many searches begin with a property tax account number or parcel number, while map-based tools may allow users to locate a property by address or by selecting a parcel on an interactive map.
Available Property Tools
The county provides several systems that serve different research purposes. Choosing the correct tool can save time and help users find the most relevant information.
eReal Property Search: Provides property information using a property tax account number or parcel number.
eSales: Provides information about sold properties by parcel number, similar properties, geographic area, and tax year.
eMap: Allows searches using a 10-digit parcel number and other property-related fields.
Parcel Viewer: Provides map-based property searches using an address, parcel number, or map selection.
Assessment Data Download: Provides copies of public records from the Assessor’s property information files.
Department of Assessments Records
The King County Department of Assessments is responsible for maintaining property assessment information and providing public access to property records. Its online systems allow users to review property details connected to assessment records.
The Department of Assessments eReal Property system allows users to search by property tax account number or parcel number. The information available through this system may include property details, but users should understand that online information can be affected by changes and updates. The county does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of all information displayed through the system.
Property Detail Information
After locating a property through the eReal Property system, users can review several types of information associated with the parcel. Property details may include parcel information, land information, building information, and zoning-related information.
Property detail records can help users confirm information such as:
Parcel data, including jurisdiction, property owner name, and legal description.
Land information, including land size, present use, water, sewer, and septic details.
Building information, including recorded buildings, square footage, and building age.
Zoning information and related property use details.
Users researching a property for development or land use questions may need additional county resources because assessment records and zoning information serve different purposes.
Searching By Parcel Number
A parcel number is one of the most reliable ways to locate a specific property in King County. Different county systems may require different parcel number formats, so users should follow the instructions provided by each search tool.
The eMap system uses a 10-digit parcel number search. The King County Department of Assessments eMap Search also allows searches using combinations of other information, including quarter section, township, range, city, and levy code.
Parcel Number Tips
Before searching, users should verify that they have the correct parcel information. A property address, tax account number, and parcel number may identify related but different records depending on the county system being used.
Common reasons a search may not return expected results include:
Entering an incorrect parcel number.
Using a tax account number in a system that requires a parcel number.
Searching a property record through the wrong county tool.
Relying on older information when property records have changed.
Map-Based Property Searches
Some users may not know the parcel number or tax account number for a property. The county’s map tools provide another way to locate property information.
The King County Parcel Viewer allows users to search by address, search by parcel number, or zoom into a map and select a parcel. After selecting a parcel, users can access direct links to the Assessor’s eReal Property report and Districts and Development Conditions report.
Parcel Viewer Information
Parcel Viewer is designed to help users view King County parcel information through an interactive map. It is useful for property research because it connects geographic information with related property records.
The Parcel Viewer can help users locate:
Parcel boundaries and map locations.
Links to related Assessor property reports.
Property information connected to selected parcels.
Users who need additional geographic information may also use other county mapping programs, including iMap, which provides interactive spatial information for King County properties.
Property Sales Research
Property buyers, owners, and researchers may need information about previous property sales. The county’s eSales system provides a way to search sold property information connected to assessment records.
The King County eSales Search allows users to search for sold properties by parcel number, similar property characteristics, geographic area, and tax year. The system is designed to provide property sales information as part of the county’s assessment services.
Assessment Dates And Sales
Property assessments are connected to specific assessment dates. The county explains that properties are assessed as of January 1 of a given year for taxes paid the following year. Users reviewing sales and assessment information should consider the assessment year connected to the record they are viewing.
Property Research For Development
Property searches are often used before building projects, land use decisions, or permit applications. King County provides property research tools that help users review conditions that may affect a parcel.
The county’s property research and maps information explains that users should research a parcel before applying for permits. This research can help users understand jurisdiction, zoning, and property conditions.
Property Conditions To Review
When researching a property, users may need to review information related to:
Jurisdiction and whether the property is located in unincorporated King County.
Zoning and possible land use options.
Critical areas and environmental conditions.
Flood zones, wetlands, shorelines, and steep slopes.
Setback areas and development limitations.
Property research tools provide information to help users understand a parcel, but specific zoning interpretations and development decisions may require additional review.
Assessment Data Requests
Users who need copies of public records from the Assessor’s property information files can request assessment data through the county’s data services.
The King County Department of Assessments data download service provides access to copies of public records from Assessor property information files. Users should be aware that Washington law restricts the use of lists of individuals from public records for commercial purposes.
Public Record Limitations
Online property information is provided as a public service. Users should verify information when making decisions based on property records because records may change over time.
The county’s property systems are designed for public access to assessment and property information. They are not a replacement for independent verification of property conditions, legal matters, or professional services related to property decisions.
Common Search Mistakes
Property research can involve several county systems, and using the wrong search method may lead to incomplete results. Understanding the purpose of each system helps users locate the correct information.
Matching The Right Tool
Use eReal Property when searching assessment and property record information by account or parcel number.
Use Parcel Viewer when locating a property through an address or map.
Use eSales when researching sold property information.
Use eMap when searching by parcel number or specific map-related fields.
Use assessment data services when requesting copies of Assessor property information files.
Users should also confirm that they are reviewing records from official King County systems. Government property records may change as updates, assessments, or corrections are processed.
Relevant Offices
King County Department of Assessments — 201 South Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104 — 206-296-7300
King County GIS Center — 201 S Jackson St KSC-IT-225, Seattle, WA 98104 —
Property Search FAQs
How can I find a property record if I only have the parcel number?
If you have a property tax account number or parcel number, you can use the King County Department of Assessments eReal Property search to access available property information. The system allows users to enter property tax account or parcel numbers to locate records. Keep in mind that online information may change as records are updated, so review the information carefully when using it for property decisions.
What should I do if I do not know the parcel number?
Users who do not have a parcel number can start with a map-based search. The King County Parcel Viewer allows searches by address, parcel number, or by selecting a parcel directly on the map. After choosing a parcel, users can access related Assessor property reports and district information connected to that location.
How can I check information before planning a property project?
Before applying for permits or making land use decisions, review property details that may affect future work. King County property research tools can help users look at information such as jurisdiction, zoning, critical areas, flood zones, wetlands, shorelines, steep slopes, and other property conditions. Reviewing these details early can help users better understand possible requirements for a parcel.
Where can I search for previous property sales?
The county’s eSales system provides sold property information by parcel number, similar property characteristics, geographic area, and tax year. The King County eSales Search can help users review sales records connected to property assessment information and understand the assessment year associated with those records.
Can I request copies of assessment records?
Yes. Users who need copies of public records from the Assessor’s property information files can use the county’s Assessments Data Download service. Requests are subject to applicable public records rules, including restrictions on using lists of individuals from public records for commercial purposes.