Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Essex, Massachusetts

Median Essex, Massachusetts effective property tax rate: 1.30%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the Massachusetts state median of 1.15%.
Median Essex, Massachusetts home value: $732,100
Median annual Essex, Massachusetts tax bill: $9,510, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Essex calculated?

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

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.3%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$9,517

$8,832

How Does the Essex Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Essex property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property’s assessed value and the calculator applies Essex’s median effective tax rate of 1.30% — based on actual property records in Essex County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property’s estimated assessed value — the figure used to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home’s market value. The calculator applies Essex’s median effective rate across local levies, giving a more accurate estimate than using a single county millage rate.

Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Essex, though the available ZIP data shows a consistent median tax bill of $9,510 in 01929. Essex’s median tax rate is higher than the 1.15% state median, and the median tax bill is also higher than the $2,400 national median by $7,110.

For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Essex.

About Essex Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Essex, Essex, MA

Essex’s median effective property tax rate of 1.30% is higher than the Massachusetts state median of 1.15% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Essex County base levy combined with local school district levies and special assessment districts that vary by subdivision throughout the city.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Essex. Homeowners in the 01929 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.30%, while those in the same ZIP also pay 1.30%. This spread — 0.00 percentage points across the same city — reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Essex County. Understanding which part of Essex you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Essex homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the Tax Assessor before the February 1, 2026 deadline each year.

If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.

Property Tax Rates Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts

As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.

Why? Because annually, each county 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.

Below, you can compare Essex's effective property tax rate to other cities in Massachusetts and the median property tax rates in Massachusetts and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

0.75%

1.16%

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 Essex Tax Rate

1.30%

Median Effective Essex County Tax Rate

1.07%

Median Effective Massachusetts Tax Rate

1.15%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
01929	1.30%	1.30%	1.30%	1.30%	1.30%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts

When examining property taxes in Essex, Massachusetts, 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 Essex County tax 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 Essex County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month.

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 Essex.

For example, the median home price in Essex is $732,100, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 01929 has the highest median home price at $732,100.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

$317,300

$693,825

$1,070,350

Median Essex Market Value

$732,100

Median Essex County Market Value

$622,800

Median Massachusetts Market Value

$561,600

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
01929	$486,520	$584,000	$732,100	$1,020,400	$1,423,974

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts

Essex property tax bills are calculated by applying the local tax rate to a home’s assessed value, which is based on the market value of the property. The assessed value is then used to determine how much tax a homeowner owes each year, so changes in market value can directly affect the bill.

For Essex, the median home price is $732,100, and the median property tax bill is $9,510, which is well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Bills can vary widely across homeowners, with the 25th percentile at $7,586, the 75th percentile at $13,264, and the 90th percentile at $18,497.

These differences reflect how local assessments and tax rates interact with home values. For homeowners, that means a higher market value can lead to a larger tax bill, making property taxes a significant ongoing housing cost in Essex.

Property Tax Bills Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

$2,792

$8,369

$13,946

Median Essex Tax Bill

$9,510

Median Essex County Tax Bill

$6,608

Median Massachusetts Tax Bill

$6,068

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
01929	$6,320	$7,586	$9,510	$13,264	$18,497

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Dates
Appeal Deadline	February 1

Links
Essex Tax Assessor
Website	www.mass.gov

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Essex, Massachusetts

How are property taxes calculated in Essex, Massachusetts?

Property taxes in Essex, 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 Essex, Massachusetts?

To appeal your property taxes in Essex, 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 Essex, Massachusetts?

Common property tax exemptions in Essex, 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 Essex, Massachusetts?

Property tax deadlines in Essex, 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 Essex, Massachusetts?

Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Essex, 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.