Scarborough, Cumberland County, Maine Property Taxes
Median Scarborough, ME effective property tax rate: 1.60%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Maine state median of 1.57%. Median Scarborough, ME home value: $382,350. Median annual Scarborough, ME tax bill: $6,105, $3,705 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Cumberland calculated?
Property taxes in Scarborough, ME are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding Scarborough’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Scarborough, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Scarborough, Cumberland County, Maine Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.6%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$6,118
$5,677
Property Tax Rates Across Scarborough, Cumberland County, Maine
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This is because each county annually estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.
In Scarborough, located in Cumberland County, the effective property tax rate is 1.60%. This rate is notably higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. The property tax rate in Scarborough is consistent across the zip code 04074, indicating a uniform approach to property taxation in this area. The higher tax rate in Scarborough reflects the local government's budgetary needs and the value of taxable property within the jurisdiction. When considering property taxes, it's essential to understand how these rates compare to both state and national levels. While Scarborough's rate is higher than the national median, it aligns with the median rate for Maine, offering a benchmark for property owners to assess their tax obligations.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Scarborough Tax Rate
1.60%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Cumberland County Tax Rate
1.52%
Median Effective Maine Tax Rate
1.57%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Scarborough, Cumberland County, Maine
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04074 | 1.60% | 1.60% | 1.60% | 1.60% | 1.60% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Scarborough, Cumberland County, Maine
When examining property taxes in Scarborough, ME, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Cumberland County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
In Cumberland County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Scarborough. For example, the median home price in Scarborough is $382,350, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. The zip code 04074 has the highest median home price at $382,350.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Scarborough, Cumberland County, Maine
Source: Ownwell
$153,100
$402,100
$651,100
Median Scarborough Market Value
$382,350
Median Cumberland County Market Value
$319,900
Median Maine Market Value
$204,200
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Scarborough, Cumberland County, Maine
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04074 | $221,890 | $283,700 | $382,350 | $486,775 | $669,570 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Scarborough, Cumberland County, Maine
In Scarborough, Cumberland County, ME, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local assessor's office. The property tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to compute the tax bill. Factors such as location, property size, and market conditions influence the assessed value, impacting the final tax bill. Homeowners in Scarborough face a median property tax bill of $6,105, which is significantly higher than the national median of $2,400. This can pose a substantial financial burden on homeowners, especially when compared to the national median property tax rate of 1.02%.
Ownwell assists homeowners by providing property tax appeal services, potentially lowering their tax bills. By analyzing property assessments and identifying discrepancies, Ownwell can help homeowners challenge overvaluations. This service can lead to significant savings, ensuring that homeowners pay only their fair share. With expertise in navigating the appeals process, Ownwell offers a valuable resource for those looking to reduce their property tax expenses in Scarborough.
Median Scarborough Tax Bill
$6,105
Median Cumberland County Tax Bill
$4,856
Median Maine Tax Bill
$3,200
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Scarborough, Cumberland County, Maine
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04074 | $3,544 | $4,531 | $6,105 | $7,774 | $10,693 |
Source: Ownwell