Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts Property Taxes
Median Essex, MA effective property tax rate: 1.39%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%.
Median Essex, MA home value: $657,300
Median annual Essex, MA tax bill: $9,123, $6,723 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Essex calculated?
Property taxes in Essex, MA 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 March 1, 2025
Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.39%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$9,136
$8,478
Property Tax Rates Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts
Local government entities determine property tax rates, which can differ significantly within a state. This variation occurs because each county annually estimates its budgetary needs to provide essential services and divides that by the total assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Despite the involvement of votes and legislation in setting these rates and budgets, this is the fundamental process followed each year.
In Essex, Massachusetts, the effective property tax rate is a key point of comparison to other cities within the state and across the nation. Massachusetts has a median property tax rate that stands above the national median of 1.02%. This positions Essex in a unique spot where local tax rates can impact the affordability and attractiveness of property ownership. Understanding these rates is crucial for property owners looking to manage their expenses effectively. By comparing Essex's property tax rate to state and national medians, property owners can gain valuable insights into how local taxes might affect their financial planning and property investment decisions.
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
1.39%
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 County Tax Rate
1.12%
Median Effective Massachusetts Tax Rate
1.23%
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 | 1.39% | 1.39% | 1.39% | 1.39% | 1.39% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts
When examining property taxes in Essex, MA, 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 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 Essex County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May. 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 $657,300, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 01929 has the highest median home price at $657,300.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell

$258,000
$568,450
$878,900
Median Essex Market Value
$657,300
Median Essex County Market Value
$545,500
Median Massachusetts Market Value
$492,600
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 | $442,340 | $526,150 | $657,300 | $891,300 | $1,268,497 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Essex, Essex County, Massachusetts
Median Essex Tax Bill
$9,123
Median Essex County Tax Bill
$6,145
Median Massachusetts Tax Bill
$5,844
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 | $6,140 | $7,314 | $9,123 | $12,388 | $17,607 |
Source: Ownwell