Property Taxes in Massachusetts

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Median Massachusetts effective property tax rate: 1.15%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Massachusetts home value: $561,600
Median annual Massachusetts tax bill: $6,068, $3,668 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Massachusetts calculated?

Property taxes in Massachusetts 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 your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you are in Massachusetts, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.15%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$6,458

$5,993

How Does the Massachusetts Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Massachusetts property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Massachusetts' median effective tax rate of 1.15% to generate an estimated bill.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the value your county assessor assigns to your property, which is typically lower than market value after exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective tax rate (actual bills divided by assessed market value), accounting for typical exemptions and providing a more accurate estimate than the statutory rate alone.

Note: your assessed value reflects any exemptions you currently hold. Your actual bill may be higher or lower depending on local levies, special assessments, and individual exemption eligibility. Massachusetts has a median property tax bill of $6,068, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

For a more localized estimate, scroll down to explore county and city-level property tax trends across Massachusetts.

Property Tax Rates Across Massachusetts

What Are Effective Property Tax Rates in Massachusetts?

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely across Massachusetts. Each county estimates its required budget to fund public services and divides that by the total assessed value of all taxable property in its jurisdiction. This calculation produces the effective tax rate.

Below, compare any Massachusetts county's effective rate to other counties in the state or the national median of 1.02%.

For instance, Hampden County has the highest effective property tax rate in Massachusetts at 1.57%, while Dukes County has the lowest at 0.50%.

Our median effective rate (your actual tax bill divided by the assessor's market value) accounts for all exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general statutory millage rate.

Property Tax Rates Across Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

0.33%

0.95%

1.57%

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 Massachusetts Tax Rate

1.15%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Massachusetts

County	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Barnstable	0.43%	0.62%	0.69%	0.78%	0.93%
Berkshire	0.69%	0.96%	1.38%	1.79%	1.79%
Dukes	0.26%	0.27%	0.50%	0.51%	0.76%
Essex	0.91%	0.97%	1.07%	1.13%	1.29%
Hampden	1.46%	1.52%	1.57%	1.74%	1.83%
Nantucket	0.33%	0.33%	0.33%	0.33%	0.33%
Norfolk	0.99%	1.01%	1.15%	1.26%	1.38%
Plymouth	1.00%	1.07%	1.21%	1.30%	1.37%
Suffolk	1.03%	1.16%	1.16%	1.16%	1.16%
Bristol	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Franklin	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Hampshire	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Middlesex	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Worcester	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Massachusetts

Understanding the distinction between market value and assessed value is crucial when examining property taxes in Massachusetts.

The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market. Location, property condition, and economic market trends often influence it. Each Massachusetts county assessor 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 Massachusetts, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the end of March.

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. Massachusetts has a median home price of $561,600 and a median tax bill of $6,068, well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400. For example, Nantucket has the highest median home price at $2,120,900, while Suffolk has the highest median tax bill at $7,906 and Berkshire has the lowest at $4,157.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

$287,400

$1,204,150

$2,120,900

Median Massachusetts Market Value

$561,600

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Massachusetts

County	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Barnstable	$391,600	$497,200	$651,000	$949,800	$1,500,650
Berkshire	$161,600	$216,800	$303,200	$471,200	$731,800
Dukes	$762,020	$964,025	$1,325,050	$2,050,575	$3,526,430
Essex	$380,700	$493,400	$622,800	$807,500	$1,058,600
Hampden	$200,300	$239,800	$287,400	$361,100	$474,100
Nantucket	$1,007,350	$1,457,000	$2,120,900	$3,475,100	$5,324,539
Norfolk	$405,500	$510,100	$652,800	$909,350	$1,406,000
Plymouth	$359,500	$430,900	$542,000	$718,800	$989,600
Suffolk	$394,300	$525,250	$701,500	$947,300	$1,357,400
Bristol	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Franklin	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Hampshire	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Middlesex	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Worcester	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Massachusetts

How much are property tax bills across Massachusetts?

Property tax bills in Massachusetts are calculated by multiplying the property's assessed value by the local effective tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and reflects the market value of the property minus any applicable exemptions.

Massachusetts homeowners face varying tax obligations depending on their location. The median tax bill in Suffolk County is $7,906, while homeowners in Berkshire County pay a median of $4,157.

Factors including property size, recent improvements, and neighborhood comparables all influence the final assessed value, and therefore the tax bill. Compared with the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and national median property tax bill of $2,400, Massachusetts property taxes are often higher.

Understanding these factors helps property owners evaluate their assessment accuracy and identify whether an informal review or formal appeal may be warranted.

Property Tax Bills Across Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

$4,157

$6,032

$7,906

Median Massachusetts Tax Bill

$6,068

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Massachusetts

County	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Barnstable	$2,406	$3,284	$4,531	$6,540	$9,857
Berkshire	$2,104	$3,034	$4,157	$5,759	$8,463
Dukes	$2,742	$4,004	$5,954	$8,926	$14,813
Essex	$3,933	$5,137	$6,608	$8,834	$12,020
Hampden	$3,106	$3,742	$4,506	$5,793	$7,944
Nantucket	$3,305	$4,779	$6,957	$11,398	$17,464
Norfolk	$3,345	$5,473	$7,502	$10,741	$16,160
Plymouth	$4,240	$5,270	$6,586	$8,506	$11,231
Suffolk	$4,421	$5,856	$7,906	$10,882	$15,711
Bristol	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Franklin	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Hampshire	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Middlesex	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Worcester	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Massachusetts

How are property taxes calculated in Massachusetts?

Property taxes in Massachusetts are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.

How do I appeal my property taxes in Massachusetts?

To appeal your property taxes in Massachusetts, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.

What property tax exemptions are available in Massachusetts?

Common property tax exemptions in Massachusetts include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.

When are property taxes due in Massachusetts?

Property tax deadlines in Massachusetts vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.

How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Massachusetts?

Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Massachusetts. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.