10 Counties with the Highest Property Tax Rates in Maine
If you are comparing property taxes across Maine, these 10 counties have the highest effective rates in the state. The highest-rate county, Penobscot County, comes in at 1.26% — 0.16% higher than the Maine average (1.10%). The statewide effective rate is 1.10%.
Advertisement
| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Penobscot County | 1.26% | $2,435 | $193,800 |
| 2 | Androscoggin County | 1.26% | $2,913 | $232,000 |
| 3 | Knox County | 1.25% | $3,643 | $290,800 |
| 4 | Aroostook County | 1.22% | $1,611 | $131,700 |
| 5 | Somerset County | 1.16% | $1,798 | $155,200 |
| 6 | Kennebec County | 1.14% | $2,510 | $219,900 |
| 7 | Washington County | 1.12% | $1,654 | $147,100 |
| 8 | Sagadahoc County | 1.12% | $3,365 | $300,200 |
| 9 | Cumberland County | 1.11% | $4,577 | $411,400 |
| 10 | Oxford County | 1.09% | $2,103 | $192,300 |
How this ranking is calculated
The effective property tax rate is the median annual property tax paid divided by the median home value in each county, expressed as a percentage. It is the most practical way to compare property tax burden between counties because it neutralizes differences in home values.
Counties with the highest rates in Maine often share a few characteristics: lower home values and/or higher millage rates driven by school and local service funding needs.
Advertisement