Property Tax in Massachusetts by County
The typical Massachusetts homeowner pays $5,813 per year in property taxes, with a median home value of $525,800 (US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023). This page lists the same figures for each of the state's 14 counties with published Census data. That state median is about 96% higher than the US median of $2,969.
At the top of the Massachusetts table sits Middlesex County, MA (median $7,240); at the bottom, Nantucket County, MA (median $2,985). One state, one tax system on paper — but the bills are set locally, county by county and district by district.
A few distribution facts: the median of Massachusetts's county medians is $5,207, 14 of 14 counties exceed the national median of $2,969, and the distance between the cheapest county (Nantucket County, $2,985) and the most expensive (Middlesex County, $7,240) is $4,255 a year.
Population and land tell different stories in Massachusetts: Middlesex County leads on population (1,622,896), whereas Worcester County leads on land area (1,511 square miles). Find both in the county table to see how their tax bills compare.
The state's population centres are Middlesex County (1,622,896 residents; median tax $7,240 on a median value of $687,200), Worcester County (861,664; $5,207 on $390,700) and Essex County (807,258; $6,267 on $584,000).
Massachusetts counties: median property tax
| County | Median tax paid | Median home value | Derived rate* | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesex County, MA | $7,240 | $687,200 | 1.05% | 1,622,896 |
| Norfolk County, MA | $7,081 | $649,400 | 1.09% | 724,540 |
| Plymouth County, MA | $6,345 | $513,000 | 1.24% | 531,889 |
| Essex County, MA | $6,267 | $584,000 | 1.07% | 807,258 |
| Dukes County, MA | $5,503 | $1,104,100 | 0.50% | 20,751 |
| Hampshire County, MA | $5,326 | $363,400 | 1.47% | 156,595 |
| Worcester County, MA | $5,207 | $390,700 | 1.33% | 861,664 |
| Bristol County, MA | $4,685 | $421,800 | 1.11% | 578,436 |
| Franklin County, MA | $4,595 | $303,400 | 1.51% | 70,922 |
| Suffolk County, MA | $4,533 | $680,700 | 0.67% | 782,172 |
| Hampden County, MA | $4,332 | $276,300 | 1.57% | 462,853 |
| Barnstable County, MA | $4,090 | $575,900 | 0.71% | 230,073 |
| Berkshire County, MA | $3,891 | $283,800 | 1.37% | 128,047 |
| Nantucket County, MA | $2,985 | $1,387,000 | 0.21% | 14,299 |
*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 Massachusetts
Property tax in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts: 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 Massachusetts?
The median real estate tax paid in Massachusetts is $5,813 per year, on a median home value of $525,800 (US Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 2023).
Which Massachusetts county has the highest property taxes?
Among counties with published Census data, Middlesex County has the highest median real estate taxes paid at $7,240 per year.
Which Massachusetts county has the lowest property taxes?
Among counties with published Census data, Nantucket County has the lowest median real estate taxes paid at $2,985 per year.
How do I appeal a property tax assessment in Massachusetts?
Assessments in Massachusetts 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.