10 Counties with the Lowest Property Tax Rates in Massachusetts
If you are comparing property taxes across Massachusetts, these 10 counties have the lowest effective rates in the state. The lowest-rate county, Nantucket County, comes in at 0.22% — 0.89% lower 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 | Nantucket County | 0.22% | $2,985 | $1,387,000 |
| 2 | Dukes County | 0.50% | $5,503 | $1,104,100 |
| 3 | Suffolk County | 0.67% | $4,533 | $680,700 |
| 4 | Barnstable County | 0.71% | $4,090 | $575,900 |
| 5 | Middlesex County | 1.05% | $7,240 | $687,200 |
| 6 | Essex County | 1.07% | $6,267 | $584,000 |
| 7 | Norfolk County | 1.09% | $7,081 | $649,400 |
| 8 | Bristol County | 1.11% | $4,685 | $421,800 |
| 9 | Plymouth County | 1.24% | $6,345 | $513,000 |
| 10 | Worcester County | 1.33% | $5,207 | $390,700 |
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 lowest rates in Massachusetts often share a few characteristics: higher home values that compress the percentage even when dollar taxes are high.
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