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Statewide · Property tax · ACS 2024

Maine Property Taxes

The average Maine homeowner pays $3,036 a year at an effective rate of 1.02%, 52% above the U.S. average. Compare 16 counties below.

$3,036
Avg median tax
1.02%
Effective rate
#19 of 51
U.S. rank (burden)
16
Counties

The verdict

The average Maine homeowner pays $3,036 a year in property tax, an effective rate of 1.02%, the #19 highest burden of 51 U.S. states.

$3,036
Average median tax, 2024
1.02%
Statewide effective rate
#19 of 51
U.S. states by tax burden
16
counties measured

Effective rate is the median property tax bill divided by the median home value ($296,600). U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2024.

The average median property tax in Maine is $3,036/year, which is 52% above the national average of $1,993. The average effective tax rate is 1.02% on a median home value of $296,600. Taxes range from $1,537 in Piscataquis County to $4,707 in Cumberland County.

What This Data Tells Us About Maine

The statewide average property tax in Maine is $3,036 per year, 52% above the national average of $1,993, based on Census ACS state-level estimates. The statewide effective rate of 1.02% on a median home value of $296,600 reflects how Maine's assessment rules and local millage combine at the household level; the 16 counties below show how that varies locally.

Within Maine, median annual tax ranges from $1,537 in Piscataquis County (effective rate 0.90%) to $4,707 in Cumberland County (effective rate 1.04%). Median home values in Maine ($296,600) compared with $227,791 nationally help explain why the same effective rate produces different dollar bills in different states. Within-state variation often tracks local school levies, county bonds, and municipal overlays rather than a single statewide rate.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Figures describe median homeowner households reported to the Census Bureau, individual bills can differ based on assessed value, exemptions, special districts, and local overlays. Always confirm current rates with your county assessor or a qualified professional before making decisions that rely on these numbers.

State Average vs National Average

Median Annual Tax
$3,036
+52% vs US avg
Median Home Value
$296,600
+30% vs US avg
Effective Tax Rate
1.02%
+11% vs US avg

How Maine compares

Average effective property tax rate vs the national average, ACS 2024.

Maine 1.02%
U.S. average 0.92%

Maine has a higher effective property tax rate than 64% of U.S. states, ranking #19 of 51 for property tax burden.

Tax Affordability Score

6.3
Affordable

Based on the average effective tax rate of 1.02% compared to the national average of 0.92%. Maine has below-average property tax rates, making it a more affordable state for homeowners.

Very Expensive Very Affordable

How this score is calculated: a 1-10 scale derived mechanically from the ratio of this state's average effective rate to the national average effective rate (0.92%) - a ratio at or below 0.5× scores 10, a ratio at or above 2.0× scores 1, with a linear scale between. It is a factual comparison of Census figures only, not a recommendation, quality rating, or endorsement of Maine or any other state.

All Counties in Maine (16)

County (by tax bill) Median taxEff. rateHome value
Cumberland County $4,707 1.04% $451,200
York County $3,787 0.96% $395,700
Knox County $3,786 1.17% $324,900
Sagadahoc County $3,470 1.04% $333,300
Androscoggin County $2,940 1.16% $252,800
Lincoln County $2,828 0.85% $332,700
Waldo County $2,684 1.04% $257,700
Kennebec County $2,605 1.09% $238,200
Hancock County $2,561 0.83% $310,400
Penobscot County $2,481 1.16% $214,100
Oxford County $2,162 0.99% $217,300
Franklin County $2,027 1.04% $194,700
Somerset County $1,798 1.08% $166,900
Washington County $1,683 1.04% $161,800
Aroostook County $1,672 1.12% $149,700
Piscataquis County $1,537 0.90% $170,200

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average property tax in Maine?
The average median property tax paid in Maine is $3,036 per year, based on ACS 2024 data. The average effective tax rate is 1.02%.
How does Maine compare to the national average?
Maine property taxes are 52% above the national average. Homeowners here pay a median of $3,036 per year compared to $1,993 nationally.
Which county in Maine has the lowest property taxes?
Piscataquis County has the lowest median property tax in Maine at $1,537 per year with an effective rate of 0.90%. The highest is Cumberland County at $4,707.
How are property taxes calculated?
Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of a property by the local tax rate (mill rate). Rates vary by county, city, and school district. The effective tax rate shown here is the median tax paid divided by the median home value, which provides a standardized comparison across counties.
What is the median home value in Maine?
The median home value across Maine is $296,600, compared to $227,791 nationally. Home values directly impact property tax bills since taxes are assessed as a percentage of property value.
Can I appeal my property taxes in Maine?
Yes. Every Maine homeowner has the right to appeal their property tax assessment. The process typically starts at your county assessor's office within 30-90 days of receiving your assessment notice. You can challenge the assessed value by providing comparable sales data, evidence of property condition, or errors in the assessment. See our guide on how to appeal property taxes for detailed steps.

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PlainPropertyTax is rendered directly from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on the Census ACS state-level record for Maine. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of 2026-06-09.