Massachusetts Property Tax

Massachusetts Property Tax Overview

Keywords: Massachusetts property tax, property tax in Massachusetts, Massachusetts property tax rate

Key Statistics (2026)

*The effective property tax rate is the median annual tax divided by the median home value, expressed as a percentage.

Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) (5‑year estimates, 2023).

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Effective Property Tax Rate in Massachusetts

Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the Massachusetts property tax rate (effective) is 1.11 %. This rate reflects the median tax burden relative to home values and is higher than the national average of 0.97 %.

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Example Property Tax Bills

Using the effective rate of 1.11 %, typical annual taxes can be approximated as follows:

These figures are derived by multiplying the home value by the 1.11 % effective rate. Actual bills may differ due to local assessments, exemptions, and millage variations.

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Variation by County and Municipality

Property tax rates in Massachusetts are not uniform across the state. Each of the 14 counties (and the numerous cities and towns within them) sets its own mill rate (taxes per $1,000 of assessed value). Consequently, a homeowner in Bristol County may pay a different amount than a homeowner with an identical property value in Worcester County. Local assessments, school district funding needs, and municipal budgets drive these differences.

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Comparison to the National Average

• Effective rate: Massachusetts 1.11 % vs. U.S. average 0.97 %
• Relative difference: Massachusetts is 14.25 % above the national average.
• Ranking: With an effective rate that places the Commonwealth 36th out of 52 states and territories, its property tax burden is higher than the majority of jurisdictions but lower than the most heavily taxed states (e.g., New Jersey, Illinois).

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Considerations for Retirees

• Cost impact: Higher property taxes increase the overall cost of homeownership for retirees on fixed incomes.
• Exemptions: Massachusetts offers a Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit and a homestead exemption for eligible homeowners aged 65 or older with limited incomes. These programs can partially offset the tax burden, but eligibility is income‑ and asset‑based.
• Overall assessment: The higher effective rate means retirees should factor property taxes into their budgeting, especially if they own homes with values near the state median.

Considerations for Landlords

• Operating expenses: Property taxes are a major component of the cost structure for rental properties.
• Rent calculations: Landlords typically incorporate the annual tax (e.g., $5,528 for a $500 k property) into rent-setting decisions to maintain cash flow.
• Tax‑benefit implications: Mortgage interest and property tax deductions may affect net taxable income for landlord‑owners, though recent federal tax changes limit the deductibility of state and local taxes (SALT) to $10,000 per year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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All figures are based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates for 2023 and are presented for informational purposes only.