The Kootenai County Assessor’s office reported Thursday that countywide residential property values increased an average of 8.3% for the 2026 tax year, pushing the average residential assessment to approximately $412,000 and raising concerns among long-time residents about rising property tax bills even as tax rates remain relatively stable. The increase reflects continued strong demand for housing in the Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, and Rathdrum markets.
Assessor Bela Kovacs said the valuation increases were most pronounced in Post Falls (9.8%), Rathdrum (10.1%), and the Hayden corridor along Highway 95 (8.9%), areas where new residential construction and strong buyer demand have driven prices higher. Coeur d’Alene proper saw a more moderate 6.7% increase, reflecting a market that has matured relative to faster-growing surrounding communities.
What Rising Assessments Mean for Property Tax Bills
Property tax bills are calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the combined levy rate of all taxing districts that serve a given property — including the county, city, school district, highway district, fire district, and library district. While most taxing districts have held their levy rates steady or increased them modestly, the higher assessed values mean homeowners pay more in total dollars even when rates don’t change.
For a homeowner whose property assessment increased from $380,000 to $412,000 — the countywide average — the additional assessment of $32,000 translates to approximately $380-420 in additional annual property taxes, depending on which taxing districts serve the property. Homeowners in areas served by multiple overlapping districts face the highest cumulative rates.
Kovacs emphasized that the assessor’s office is legally required to value properties at market value based on comparable sales data. “I understand the frustration when assessments go up, but our job is to ensure every property is valued fairly and consistently,” Kovacs said. “If your assessment doesn’t reflect what your property would actually sell for, the appeal process exists to correct that.”
How to Appeal Your Assessment
Property owners who believe their 2026 assessment does not accurately reflect their property’s market value can file an appeal with the Kootenai County Board of Equalization. The appeal window runs from mid-June through late July, with the exact dates to be published on the assessor’s website at kcgov.us/assessor. Appeals must be supported by evidence such as recent comparable sales, a professional appraisal, or documentation of property conditions that would reduce value.
The assessor’s office will hold public information sessions in May at locations throughout Kootenai County to help homeowners understand their assessments and the appeal process. Locations and dates will be posted on the county website.
What Comes Next
Assessment notices will be mailed to Kootenai County property owners in mid-June. The Board of Equalization hearings typically take place in July. Property owners with questions can contact the assessor’s office at 208-446-1500 or visit the office at 451 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene. As Ada County News recently reported, similar assessment increases are affecting homeowners across Idaho’s fastest-growing counties.