Massachusetts Property Tax Data

By Kiznis Studio Editorial · May 2026

ACS 2024 property tax data for 14 counties in MA.

The average median property tax in Massachusetts is $5,388/year, which is 170% above the national average of $1,993. The average effective tax rate is 1.03% on a median home value of $634,257. Taxes range from $3,974 in Nantucket County to $7,501 in Middlesex County.

What This Data Tells Us About Massachusetts

Across 14 counties in Massachusetts, the average median property tax is $5,388 per year, 170% above the national median of $1,993. The statewide effective rate of 1.03% on a median home value of $634,257 reflects how Massachusetts's assessment rules and local millage combine at the household level.

Within Massachusetts, median annual tax ranges from $3,974 in Nantucket County (effective rate 0.25%) to $7,501 in Middlesex County (effective rate 1.03%). Median home values in Massachusetts ($634,257) 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

$5,388

+170% vs US avg

Median Home Value

$634,257

+178% vs US avg

Effective Tax Rate

1.03%

+12% vs US avg

Lowest Property Taxes in Massachusetts

Counties with the cheapest tax bills →

Highest Property Taxes in Massachusetts

Counties with the most expensive tax bills →

Top 5 Lowest Tax Counties

Top 5 Highest Tax Counties

Tax Affordability Score

6.3

Affordable

Based on the average effective tax rate of 1.03% compared to the national average of 0.92%. Massachusetts has below-average property tax rates, making it a more affordable state for homeowners.

Very Expensive Very Affordable

All Counties in Massachusetts (14)

County	Median Tax	Effective Rate	Home Value	Population
Barnstable County	$4,239	0.67%	$629,000	85,753
Berkshire County	$4,036	1.32%	$305,400	40,263
Bristol County	$4,807	1.07%	$451,200	145,649
Dukes County	$5,828	0.50%	$1,165,800	6,225
Essex County	$6,430	1.04%	$619,100	198,838
Franklin County	$4,720	1.43%	$329,000	22,143
Hampden County	$4,455	1.49%	$298,800	114,780
Hampshire County	$5,589	1.43%	$390,300	42,116
Middlesex County	$7,501	1.03%	$727,800	388,893
Nantucket County	$3,974	0.25%	$1,593,800	3,770
Norfolk County	$7,261	1.06%	$683,900	194,812
Plymouth County	$6,502	1.17%	$556,000	157,665
Suffolk County	$4,649	0.66%	$705,800	119,335
Worcester County	$5,438	1.28%	$423,700	220,916

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average property tax in Massachusetts? ▼

The average median property tax paid in Massachusetts is $5,388 per year, based on ACS 2024 data. The average effective tax rate is 1.03%.

How does Massachusetts compare to the national average? ▼

Massachusetts property taxes are 170% above the national average. Homeowners here pay a median of $5,388 per year compared to $1,993 nationally.

Which county in Massachusetts has the lowest property taxes? ▼

Nantucket County has the lowest median property tax in Massachusetts at $3,974 per year with an effective rate of 0.25%. The highest is Middlesex County at $7,501.

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 Massachusetts? ▼

The median home value across Massachusetts is $634,257, 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 Massachusetts? ▼

Yes. Every Massachusetts 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.