Although SeaTac and Tukwila homeowners are paying a higher property tax rate per $1,000 of their assessed home value, total property tax payments are less because of declining property values.

That was the message from King County Assessor Lloyd Hara recently in an appearance at the SeaTac Senior Center.

In SeaTac, the median assessed home value dropped 9.2 percent between 2010 and 2011, Hara reported. Median assessed value for a SeaTac home in 2011 was $198,000, down from $218,000 in the previous year.

The 2011 values, which property taxes paid in 2012 are based on, were set Jan. 1, 2011.

In 2012, SeaTac taxpayers are paying $13.08 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from $12.27 in 2011 but the total property tax bite is 3.2 percent less because of declining home values.

The average total SeaTac 2012 property tax is $2,589.94. Last year, it was $2,674.86.

Tukwila valuations were also down, according to Hara. Tukwila’s median assessed value went down 9.3 percent, going from $225,000 in 2010 to $204,000 in 2011.

Although Tukwila’s tax rate per $1,000 went up to $13.46 from $12.68 the previous year, the average total property tax burden is down to $2,745.84 from $2,853.00.

Valuations have dropped considerably near Sea-Tac Airport, Hara said. Burien experienced the biggest percentage drop in King County.

“Foreclosures and short sales are driving the market,” Hara declared.

From his time as a Port of Seattle commissioner, Hara indicated he heard many stories about declining property values from the airport’s neighbors.

Hara reminded his audience of the property tax exemption for senior citizens and the disabled.

To qualify seniors must be 62 or older and have a gross annual income of $35,000 or less. Hara emphasized that all income counts including social security payments, pensions and dividend payments.

Disabled residents with incomes under $35,000 a year also qualify, regardless of age.

If the exemption is approved, the value of the homeowner’s residence is frozen and the homeowner is exempt from all excess and special levies.

Hara estimated the exemption could bring property taxes down to approximately $8 per $1,000 of assessed value for those with the exemption.

Hara also encouraged people to log on to the assessor’s website at www.kingcounty.gov/assessor to conduct an e-tools property search. By entering a parcel’s address, information can be accessed on property values, levy rate and tax bill.