Scarborough, Maine Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Scarborough, ME is 1.60%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Maine state median of 1.57%. With the median home value in Scarborough, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $6,105, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Scarborough are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Scarborough's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Scarborough or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Scarborough, Maine Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.6%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$6,118
Ownwell’s Scarborough Property Tax Bill Calculator assists homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers in estimating their annual property taxes in Scarborough with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator uses the median tax rate in Scarborough to provide an estimate of your property tax bill. This valuable tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. For those interested in neighborhood-level trends, additional localized information is available below. Your property’s assessed value is the figure assigned by the county for property tax purposes, considering any applicable exemptions.
Property Tax Rates Across Scarborough, Maine
Property taxes in Scarborough, Maine, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Scarborough is 1.60%, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Scarborough set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Scarborough estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Scarborough's effective property tax rate to other counties in Maine and the national median. For comparison, the 04074 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.60%, while the same zip code also has the lowest median tax rate of 1.60%. Understanding how these cities compare with Scarborough provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Cumberland County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Scarborough Tax Rate
1.60%
Average Cumberland County Tax Rate
1.52%
Average Maine Tax Rate
1.57%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Scarborough, Maine
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04074 | 1.60% | 1.60% | 1.60% | 1.60% | 1.60% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Scarborough, Maine
In Scarborough, Maine, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Cumberland County Appraisal District for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In Scarborough, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Scarborough helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The zip code 04074 has the highest and lowest median tax bill at $6,105, reflecting the localized nature of property tax variations.
Average Scarborough Assessed Value
$382,350
Average Cumberland County Assessed Value
$319,900
Average Maine Assessed Value
$204,200
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Scarborough, Maine
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04074 | $221,890 | $283,700 | $382,350 | $486,775 | $669,570 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Scarborough, Maine
In Scarborough, located in Cumberland County, ME, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate. The median home price in Scarborough is $382,350. To determine the tax bill, the home’s assessed value is multiplied by the local tax rate. Factors such as property size, location, and improvements can influence the assessed value. Homeowners in Scarborough experience varying tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $4,531 and the 75th percentile at $7,774. The 90th percentile tax bill reaches $10,693, reflecting the significant impact of property value on tax obligations. The highest median tax bill in Scarborough is $6,105, which is above the national median property tax rate of 0.99%. This higher rate can affect homeowners by increasing their annual financial commitments, potentially influencing decisions on property investment and homeownership. Understanding these factors is crucial for homeowners to manage their finances and anticipate future tax liabilities effectively.
Average Scarborough Tax Bill
$6,105
Average Cumberland County Tax Bill
$4,856
Average Maine Tax Bill
$3,200
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Scarborough, Maine
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04074 | $3,544 | $4,531 | $6,105 | $7,774 | $10,693 |
Source: Ownwell