Dorchester County, Maryland Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Dorchester County, Maryland
Median Dorchester County effective property tax rate: 1.13%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Dorchester County home value: $171,600
Median annual Dorchester County tax bill: $2,005, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Dorchester County calculated?
Property taxes in Dorchester County 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 Dorchester County’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Dorchester County or another part of the county, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors. Dorchester County’s median property tax rate is 1.13%, which is lower than Maryland’s median rate of 1.21%. Its median annual tax bill is also $395 lower than the state median.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Dorchester County, Maryland Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.13%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,939
$1,799
How Does the Dorchester County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Dorchester County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and the calculator applies Dorchester County's median effective tax rate of 1.13% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure used for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. The calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.
Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property. Dorchester County's median tax rate is higher than Maryland's 1.21% state median tax rate, while the county's median tax bill of $2,005 is $395 lower than the state median bill and below the $2,400 national median property tax bill.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Dorchester County.
Property Tax Rates Across Dorchester County, Maryland
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Dorchester County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Dorchester County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.
Below, compare Dorchester County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Maryland or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Dorchester County's median effective rate stands at 1.13%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Dorchester County, the highest rate is found in Cambridge at 1.44%, while Woolford has the lowest at 0.94%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special taxing districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· 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 Dorchester County Tax Rate
1.13%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill Ă· 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 Maryland Tax Rate
1.21%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Dorchester County, Maryland
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | 0.90% | 1.03% | 1.44% | 1.63% | 1.70% |
| Church Creek | 0.80% | 0.90% | 0.97% | 1.07% | 1.20% |
| Crapo | 0.89% | 0.93% | 1.01% | 1.12% | 1.22% |
| Crocheron | 0.89% | 0.96% | 1.06% | 1.21% | 1.36% |
| East New Market | 1.05% | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.74% |
| Federalsburg | 1.04% | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.17% |
| Fishing Creek | 0.85% | 0.91% | 0.97% | 1.02% | 1.10% |
| Hurlock | 1.06% | 1.09% | 1.12% | 1.66% | 1.70% |
| Linkwood | 1.00% | 1.11% | 1.13% | 1.16% | 1.17% |
| Madison | 0.80% | 0.89% | 0.94% | 1.00% | 1.14% |
| Rhodesdale | 1.07% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.17% | 1.42% |
| Secretary | 1.21% | 1.25% | 1.33% | 1.33% | 1.35% |
| Taylors Island | 0.86% | 0.91% | 0.97% | 1.03% | 1.13% |
| Toddville | 0.93% | 0.98% | 1.06% | 1.16% | 1.34% |
| Vienna | 0.93% | 1.05% | 1.14% | 1.39% | 1.48% |
| Wingate | 0.83% | 0.97% | 1.02% | 1.11% | 1.23% |
| Woolford | 0.83% | 0.89% | 0.94% | 1.04% | 1.08% |
| Elliott | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Galestown | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Preston | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester County, Maryland
When examining property taxes in Dorchester County, 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 Dorchester County assessment office 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.
Assessment notices:
In Dorchester 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 Dorchester County.
For example, the median tax bill in Dorchester County is $2,005, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Woolford has the highest median home price at $355,600.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester County, Maryland
Source: Ownwell
$55,600
$205,600
$355,600
Median Dorchester County Market Value
$171,600
Median Maryland Market Value
$338,400
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester County, Maryland
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | $42,420 | $96,050 | $178,600 | $280,950 | $414,000 |
| Church Creek | $44,950 | $93,425 | $154,450 | $282,925 | $450,000 |
| Crapo | $45,310 | $68,725 | $96,850 | $147,150 | $254,300 |
| Crocheron | $22,980 | $35,775 | $55,600 | $100,950 | $150,860 |
| East New Market | $98,950 | $156,475 | $225,900 | $325,100 | $441,280 |
| Federalsburg | $75,800 | $110,000 | $156,600 | $226,450 | $314,460 |
| Fishing Creek | $62,820 | $122,600 | $225,000 | $321,100 | $414,240 |
| Hurlock | $74,200 | $103,400 | $153,600 | $221,350 | $285,640 |
| Linkwood | $62,910 | $90,200 | $138,850 | $219,750 | $332,180 |
| Madison | $63,380 | $125,150 | $200,600 | $382,200 | $583,380 |
| Rhodesdale | $68,610 | $101,650 | $160,850 | $238,400 | $336,900 |
| Secretary | $83,070 | $109,475 | $137,800 | $169,600 | $218,430 |
| Taylors Island | $49,440 | $96,300 | $253,300 | $408,450 | $623,620 |
| Toddville | $25,950 | $44,425 | $70,500 | $99,750 | $181,820 |
| Vienna | $42,180 | $80,300 | $129,900 | $198,000 | $301,700 |
| Wingate | $22,080 | $57,600 | $76,900 | $137,600 | $224,100 |
| Woolford | $104,920 | $209,650 | $355,600 | $511,100 | $858,280 |
| Elliott | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Galestown | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Preston | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester County, Maryland
Property tax bills in Dorchester County are calculated by applying the local property tax rate to a home’s assessed value, which is based on the market value of the property. The assessed value is the starting point for the bill, and local tax rates determine how much a homeowner owes each year. Factors such as location, property characteristics, and changes in market conditions can all affect the assessed value, which in turn affects the final tax bill.
For homeowners, this means a higher assessed value can lead to a larger tax bill, while a lower assessed value can reduce what is owed. In Dorchester County, the median home price is $171,600, and property tax bills vary widely across the county. The 25th percentile tax bill is $1,211, the 75th percentile is $3,145, and the 90th percentile reaches $4,656. The highest median tax bill is $3,492 in Woolford, while the lowest is $592 in Crocheron.
Median Dorchester County Tax Bill
$2,005
Median Maryland Tax Bill
$4,092
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester County, Maryland
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | $479 | $1,223 | $2,148 | $3,523 | $5,097 |
| Church Creek | $452 | $914 | $1,471 | $2,565 | $3,802 |
| Crapo | $542 | $713 | $948 | $1,414 | $2,197 |
| Crocheron | $250 | $379 | $592 | $927 | $1,609 |
| East New Market | $1,172 | $1,788 | $2,607 | $3,673 | $4,845 |
| Federalsburg | $829 | $1,214 | $1,708 | $2,450 | $3,316 |
| Fishing Creek | $660 | $1,132 | $2,107 | $3,011 | $3,890 |
| Hurlock | $816 | $1,371 | $1,926 | $2,676 | $3,428 |
| Linkwood | $754 | $1,033 | $1,487 | $2,278 | $3,712 |
| Madison | $684 | $1,224 | $1,850 | $3,240 | $5,019 |
| Rhodesdale | $790 | $1,211 | $1,813 | $2,705 | $3,683 |
| Secretary | $1,040 | $1,363 | $1,745 | $2,210 | $2,937 |
| Taylors Island | $537 | $948 | $2,130 | $3,818 | $5,660 |
| Toddville | $338 | $500 | $721 | $981 | $1,580 |
| Vienna | $493 | $891 | $1,497 | $2,404 | $3,175 |
| Wingate | $287 | $592 | $802 | $1,067 | $2,096 |
| Woolford | $995 | $1,881 | $3,492 | $4,699 | $7,401 |
| Elliott | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Galestown | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Preston | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | February 14 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Dorchester Tax Assessor | |
| Website | sdat.dat.maryland.gov |