Why have my property values changed? How are property values determined? These are often questions I get as county auditor. I want to address some of those questions as Washington County completes its Real Estate Valuation triennial update (ordered by the Ohio Department of Taxation) and as property owners begin receiving postcards with information about their tentative new property values. Below, I answer some FAQs about the “how’s” and “why’s” of property valuation.

Where can I find out my property values?

Property values can be viewed on the county auditor’s website at www.auditorwashingtoncountyohio.gov .

What is a triennial update? How are property values adjusted in a triennial update?

In 2022, the auditor’s office completed a state-required full reappraisal of property values. The state requires counties to update these values every three years. This means the auditor’s office measures changes in local market value that have occurred since 2022. My office determines new market values by comparing the sales in each of Washington County’s 40 taxing districts over the last three years with the previous auditor values. New market values are based on this analysis. It is critical to note that updated values reflect our local market. Property tax bills for Tax Year 2025 (payable 2026) will be based on these updated values. In most cases, the bills paid in 2025 were based on values set in 2022.

What causes property values to increase or decrease?

Market trends determine property valuation. The Ohio Association of Realtors reports “steady price growth reflecting continued demand” across Ohio. Washington County is in a similar position. Local real estate market activity tells us that sales reflect an increase in real estate values from three years ago. Based on these sales figures, the Ohio Department of Taxation recommended a county-wide aggregate of a 25% increase in residential values, or an increase of about 8% per year since 2022. The values did not change uniformly across the county. Some districts saw as little as a 4% increase while some districts were adjusted as much as 40%. The Ohio Department of Taxation’s recommendation for agricultural property values was a county-wide aggregate of 15%, or an increase of about 5% per year since 2022. This agricultural valuation is not the same as the current agricultural use valuation (CAUV). The state sets those values through a separate process. For more information on that process, visit www.auditorwashingtoncountyohio.gov . Click on “CAUV,” and scroll to the bottom of the page. Select the link called “Explanation of 2025 Calculations.”

What can I do if I have questions about my property valuation?

Contact the county auditor’s office to schedule an appointment with the appraisal team to discuss values. Both in-person or phone-in appointments are still available today and Friday.

If meeting with the appraisal team does not resolve questions or concerns, a formal complaint may be filed with the County Board of Revision at no cost. Complaints may be filed between Jan. 1, 2026 and March 31, 2026. A hearing will follow. Property owners who choose to contest their property value can best support their case by providing documents such as a recent certified appraisal, evidence from an arm’s-length sale of the property or information from comparable sales.

I and my staff realize that property valuation is a sensitive issue. Our goals are to ensure that your property value is fair and equitable and to provide you with accurate information regarding your property.

Please contact us at 740-373-6623, ext. 2121, if you have concerns or would like additional information.

Matthew Livengood is the Washington County auditor.