Property Taxes in Worcester, New York
Median Worcester, New York effective property tax rate: 2.47%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the New York state median of 1.90%.
Median Worcester, New York home value: $140,482
Median annual Worcester, New York tax bill: $3,255, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Otsego calculated?
Property taxes in Worcester, New York 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 Worcester's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Worcester, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
How Does the Worcester Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Worcester property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Worcester's median effective tax rate of 2.47% — based on actual property records in Otsego County — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local assessment office uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Worcester's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.
Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Worcester: rates range from 3255.00 in 12197 to 3255.00 in 12197, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Worcester.
About Worcester Property Taxes
About Property Taxes in Worcester, Otsego, New York
Worcester’s median effective property tax rate of 2.47% is higher than the New York state median of 1.90% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Otsego County base levy combined with local school district levies and special district levies that vary by subdivision throughout the city.
Property tax rates are not uniform across Worcester. Homeowners in ZIP code 12197 carry a median effective rate of 2.47%, while those in the same ZIP code also pay 2.47%. This reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Otsego County. Understanding where you live in Worcester can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.
Worcester homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the Assessment Review Commission before the May 26, 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 Worcester, Otsego County, New York
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 Worcester's effective property tax rate to other cities in New York and the median property tax rates in New York and the U.S.
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 Worcester Tax Rate
2.47%
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 Otsego County Tax Rate
1.90%
Median Effective New York Tax Rate
1.90%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.27%
Property Tax Rates Across Worcester, Otsego County, New York
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12197 | 1.57% | 2.08% | 2.47% | 2.65% | 3.49% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Worcester, Otsego County, New York
When examining property taxes in Worcester, New York, 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 Otsego 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 are sent in the spring each year and typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the season. 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.
For example, the median home price in Worcester is $140,482, with a median tax bill of $3,255. That is above the national median property tax bill of $2,400 and reflects the range of tax bills seen across the county, including zip code 12197.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Worcester, Otsego County, New York
Source: Ownwell
$93,693
$202,252
$310,811
Median Worcester Market Value
$140,482
Median Otsego County Market Value
$162,338
Median New York Market Value
$312,500
Median United States Market Value
$274,101
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Worcester, Otsego County, New York
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12197 | $53,440 | $97,446 | $140,482 | $194,954 | $256,304 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Worcester, Otsego County, New York
Worcester property tax bills are calculated by multiplying a home’s assessed value by the local tax rate, then applying any exemptions or adjustments that may reduce the amount owed. The assessed value is based on the market value of the property, so changes in home prices can affect the bill even if the homeowner has not made major improvements.
For Worcester homeowners, the median home price is $140,482, and the median property tax bill is $3,255 in ZIP code 12197. That is higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400, which means local homeowners often pay more than the typical U.S. household.
Property tax bills can vary widely depending on where a home is located and how it is assessed. In Worcester, bills range from $2,001 at the 25th percentile to $6,447 at the 90th percentile, showing how assessment differences and tax rates can significantly affect what homeowners pay each year.
Median Worcester Tax Bill
$3,255
Median Otsego County Tax Bill
$3,172
Median New York Tax Bill
$5,420
Median United States Tax Bill
$3,209
Property Tax Bills Across Worcester, Otsego County, New York
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12197 | $1,064 | $2,001 | $3,255 | $4,691 | $6,447 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to file a grievance!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | May 26 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Otsego Assessment Review Commission | |
| Website | otsegocountygis.mapxpress.net |