Massachusetts property tax rates by county
Massachusetts · #17 of 52 · 14 counties
Median annual property tax $5,992 · median home value $562,100
Above the U.S. benchmark 0.94%. Payment dates are set locally — see below. Payment dates ↓
Same house, different county
Apply each county's benchmark rate to a $562,100 home, the Massachusetts median: about $8,381 a year in Hampden County (1.49%) versus $2,810 in Dukes County (0.50%) — $5,571 a year apart for the same house. Counties with at least 20,000 people.
Where most Massachusetts residents live
| County | Rate | Median tax | Of income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesex County#10 of 14 | 1.03% | $7,501 | 5.7% |
| Worcester County#5 of 14 | 1.28% | $5,438 | 5.7% |
| Essex County#9 of 14 | 1.04% | $6,430 | 6.3% |
| Suffolk County#12 of 14 | 0.66% | $4,649 | 4.9% |
| Norfolk County#8 of 14 | 1.06% | $7,261 | 5.6% |
Of income = median annual property tax ÷ median household income (all households, owners and renters), ACS 2020–2024 5-year. A real bill depends on the assessed value and exemptions, not only the rate.
Counties, highest rate first
- Hampden CountyMedian home value $298,800
- Franklin CountyMedian home value $329,000
- Hampshire CountyMedian home value $390,300
- Berkshire CountyMedian home value $305,400
- Worcester CountyMedian home value $423,700
- Plymouth CountyMedian home value $556,000
- Bristol CountyMedian home value $451,200
- Norfolk CountyMedian home value $683,900
- Essex CountyMedian home value $619,100
- Middlesex CountyMedian home value $727,800
- Barnstable CountyMedian home value $629,000
- Suffolk CountyMedian home value $705,800
- Dukes CountyMedian home value $1,165,800
- Nantucket CountyMedian home value $1,593,800
When it's due in Massachusetts
All statesPayment dates vary by local tax authority.
Check your city, town or county tax collector for this year's deadline. The statewide notes below are a general guide.
| Late penalty | 14% per annum interest from the due date until paid (M.G.L. c. 59, § 57) |
|---|---|
| Appeal window | on or before the due date of actual tax bill (typically February 1) to local Board of Assessors (M.G.L. c. 59, § 59) |
county/municipal-set; municipalities adopt either quarterly under M.G.L. c. 59 § 57C (Aug 1, Nov 1, Feb 1, May 1 - adopted by majority) or semi-annual under § 57 (Nov 1 and May 1). Regular annual schedule; tax year: fiscal year July 1 - June 30. Source: M.G.L. c. 59, § 57, § 57C, rules checked 2026-09-19. Confirm the amount and deadline on your official tax bill.
Benchmark = median real estate taxes paid ÷ median home value, ACS 2020–2024 5-year. Counties where the Census reports a range ("less than $200", "$10,000 or more") get no rate.