Property Tax in Maine by County
The typical Maine homeowner pays $2,926 per year in property taxes, with a median home value of $266,400 (US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023). This page lists the same figures for each of the state's 16 counties with published Census data. That state median is about 1% lower than the US median of $2,969.
Within Maine, the highest median tax bill is in Cumberland County, ME at $4,577, and the lowest is in Piscataquis County, ME at $1,487. The gap mostly reflects differences in home values and in the local rates set by counties, school districts and municipalities.
How do the counties compare with the nation? 4 of the 16 counties listed here sit above the US median bill of $2,969. Take the county medians themselves and the middle one is $2,510; the full range runs from $1,487 (Piscataquis County) up to $4,577 (Cumberland County).
Population and land tell different stories in Maine: Cumberland County leads on population (305,940), whereas Aroostook County leads on land area (6,671 square miles). Find both in the county table to see how their tax bills compare.
Where people live in Maine: Cumberland County leads with 305,940 residents (median tax $4,577, median home $411,400), followed by York County (214,731; $3,691 on $357,200) and Penobscot County (153,571; $2,435 on $193,800).
Maine counties: median property tax
| County | Median tax paid | Median home value | Derived rate* | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumberland County, ME | $4,577 | $411,400 | 1.11% | 305,940 |
| York County, ME | $3,691 | $357,200 | 1.03% | 214,731 |
| Knox County, ME | $3,643 | $290,800 | 1.25% | 40,860 |
| Sagadahoc County, ME | $3,365 | $300,200 | 1.12% | 37,093 |
| Androscoggin County, ME | $2,913 | $232,000 | 1.26% | 112,323 |
| Lincoln County, ME | $2,850 | $306,200 | 0.93% | 35,840 |
| Waldo County, ME | $2,593 | $239,100 | 1.08% | 40,006 |
| Kennebec County, ME | $2,510 | $219,900 | 1.14% | 125,614 |
| Hancock County, ME | $2,445 | $278,400 | 0.88% | 56,084 |
| Penobscot County, ME | $2,435 | $193,800 | 1.26% | 153,571 |
| Oxford County, ME | $2,103 | $192,300 | 1.09% | 58,728 |
| Franklin County, ME | $1,897 | $176,700 | 1.07% | 30,145 |
| Somerset County, ME | $1,798 | $155,200 | 1.16% | 50,852 |
| Washington County, ME | $1,654 | $147,100 | 1.12% | 31,261 |
| Aroostook County, ME | $1,611 | $131,700 | 1.22% | 67,227 |
| Piscataquis County, ME | $1,487 | $153,300 | 0.97% | 17,125 |
*Derived rate = median taxes paid ÷ median home value — an estimate from two survey medians, not an official rate. Counties in bold detail pages are linked; all figures: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023.
How assessment and appeals work in Maine
Property tax in Maine is administered locally. As in almost every state, the process starts with an assessment: a local assessor (in most places a county official) estimates the market value of your property. That value, minus any exemptions you qualify for — homestead exemptions are the most common — is multiplied by the combined rates of the local taxing districts where the property sits: typically the county, a municipality, a school district, and sometimes special districts such as fire or water districts.
If your assessment notice shows a value that looks too high, you can usually appeal. Start by asking the assessor's office for your property record card and checking it for simple errors — wrong square footage, an extra bathroom, a missed exemption. If the value still looks wrong, gather evidence: recent sales of similar homes nearby, or an independent appraisal. Appeals go to the local review board named on your notice, and the deadline on that notice controls — appeal windows are typically short.
One caution applies everywhere in Maine: the median figures on this page describe the typical owner-occupied household across the whole state. Your own bill depends on your assessed value, your exemptions, and your exact combination of local districts, so use these numbers as a benchmark and confirm specifics with your county assessor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median property tax in Maine?
The median real estate tax paid in Maine is $2,926 per year, on a median home value of $266,400 (US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023).
Which Maine county has the highest property taxes?
Among counties with published Census data, Cumberland County has the highest median real estate taxes paid at $4,577 per year.
Which Maine county has the lowest property taxes?
Among counties with published Census data, Piscataquis County has the lowest median real estate taxes paid at $1,487 per year.
How do I appeal a property tax assessment in Maine?
Assessments in Maine are handled locally, usually by the county assessor or an equivalent local office. If you believe your assessed value is too high, request your property record card, check it for errors, and file an appeal with the local board named on your assessment notice before the deadline printed on that notice — appeal windows are short, often 30 to 90 days.