10 Counties with the Highest Property Tax Rates in Massachusetts
If you are comparing property taxes across Massachusetts, these 10 counties have the highest effective rates in the state. The highest-rate county, Hampden County, comes in at 1.57% — 0.46% higher than the Massachusetts average (1.11%). The statewide effective rate is 1.11%.
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| # | County | Effective Rate | Median Tax | Median Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hampden County | 1.57% | $4,332 | $276,300 |
| 2 | Franklin County | 1.51% | $4,595 | $303,400 |
| 3 | Hampshire County | 1.47% | $5,326 | $363,400 |
| 4 | Berkshire County | 1.37% | $3,891 | $283,800 |
| 5 | Worcester County | 1.33% | $5,207 | $390,700 |
| 6 | Plymouth County | 1.24% | $6,345 | $513,000 |
| 7 | Bristol County | 1.11% | $4,685 | $421,800 |
| 8 | Norfolk County | 1.09% | $7,081 | $649,400 |
| 9 | Essex County | 1.07% | $6,267 | $584,000 |
| 10 | Middlesex County | 1.05% | $7,240 | $687,200 |
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 Massachusetts often share a few characteristics: lower home values and/or higher millage rates driven by school and local service funding needs.
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