Property Taxes in Maine
The median property tax rate in Maine is 1.57%, significantly higher than the national median of 0.99%. With a median home value of $204,200, the median property tax bill in Maine is approximately $3,200 annually, which is much higher compared to the national median annual property tax bill. Property taxes in Maine are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the actual market value due to property tax exemptions, such as the primary residence or agriculture exemption. Understanding your county's specific property tax system, exploring property tax exemptions, and recognizing opportunities for property tax reductions can lead to significant annual tax savings. Whether you're in Portland, Bangor, Augusta, or any other Maine locale, familiarizing yourself with the property taxes in your location can benefit homeowners and investors alike.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Maine Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.57%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,206
Ownwell’s Maine Property Tax Bill Calculator allows homeowners, real estate investors, and potential property owners to estimate their annual property taxes in Maine with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator uses the median tax rate in Maine to provide an estimated property tax bill. This tool offers valuable insights into your potential tax liabilities. For a more detailed look at trends on a county or city level, scroll down to access local informational pages. Your property's assessed value is the value assigned by your county for tax calculations and includes any applicable exemptions.
Property Tax Rates Across Maine
Property taxes in Maine fund essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Maine is 1.57% compared to the median tax rate in the United States of 0.99%. The tax rate is set by local government entities, and it can vary widely between different areas within the state. Put simply, each county estimates its required budget to provide services for the upcoming year, and then divides that by the total value of all taxable property within their jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell that is the process followed each year. Compare a Maine county’s effective property tax rate to other counties in the state or the US median property tax rate below. Androscoggin County has the highest property tax rate in Maine at 2.28%. Hancock County has the lowest property tax rate in Maine at 1.23%.
Average Maine Tax Rate
1.57%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Maine
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Androscoggin | 1.51% | 1.78% | 2.28% | 2.85% | 2.85% |
| Aroostook | 1.61% | 1.85% | 2.26% | 2.36% | 2.43% |
| Cumberland | 1.16% | 1.37% | 1.52% | 1.72% | 2.16% |
| Franklin | 0.95% | 1.58% | 1.80% | 2.00% | 2.04% |
| Hancock | 0.87% | 0.87% | 1.23% | 1.57% | 1.69% |
| Kennebec | 1.26% | 1.50% | 1.72% | 2.18% | 2.30% |
| Knox | 1.23% | 1.39% | 1.55% | 1.62% | 2.43% |
| Lincoln | 0.83% | 1.00% | 1.40% | 1.66% | 1.70% |
| Oxford | 1.22% | 1.47% | 1.50% | 1.80% | 2.22% |
| Penobscot | 1.27% | 1.64% | 1.92% | 2.07% | 2.34% |
| Piscataquis | 0.91% | 1.69% | 2.00% | 2.22% | 2.59% |
| Sagadahoc | 1.01% | 1.36% | 1.54% | 1.69% | 1.95% |
| Somerset | 1.17% | 1.65% | 1.77% | 1.93% | 2.10% |
| Waldo | 1.42% | 1.54% | 1.74% | 2.14% | 2.22% |
| Washington | 1.23% | 1.52% | 1.70% | 1.97% | 2.42% |
| York | 0.60% | 0.86% | 1.32% | 1.60% | 1.82% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Maine
When examining property taxes in Maine, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by factors such as location, property condition, and economic market trends. Market value is estimated by each Maine county assessor for tax purposes. The assessed value is then the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes, or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill. Assessment notices in Maine are sent in the spring each year. They should reach your mailbox typically by the end of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed values and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Maine. Cumberland County has the highest median tax bill at $4,856, while Washington County has the lowest at $1,700.
Average Maine Assessed Value
$204,200
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Maine
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Androscoggin | $59,150 | $93,600 | $134,490 | $183,500 | $251,100 |
| Aroostook | $37,800 | $58,900 | $86,999 | $127,300 | $182,900 |
| Cumberland | $165,100 | $231,900 | $319,900 | $450,000 | $632,000 |
| Franklin | $41,525 | $77,803 | $119,100 | $175,155 | $251,820 |
| Hancock | $78,500 | $130,870 | $205,850 | $354,655 | $584,540 |
| Kennebec | $69,000 | $109,000 | $154,165 | $217,200 | $296,300 |
| Knox | $3,000 | $106,600 | $198,500 | $317,400 | $499,160 |
| Lincoln | $94,490 | $153,200 | $224,290 | $340,500 | $534,453 |
| Oxford | $55,203 | $89,500 | $138,018 | $199,500 | $286,087 |
| Penobscot | $44,600 | $86,000 | $141,580 | $204,000 | $277,106 |
| Piscataquis | $39,700 | $63,500 | $100,500 | $149,500 | $221,272 |
| Sagadahoc | $99,400 | $159,400 | $236,900 | $347,500 | $498,800 |
| Somerset | $40,200 | $69,300 | $105,900 | $154,700 | $220,300 |
| Waldo | $52,100 | $97,500 | $154,000 | $225,595 | $317,855 |
| Washington | $37,296 | $63,410 | $97,800 | $149,800 | $227,140 |
| York | $131,859 | $215,140 | $307,400 | $459,765 | $709,708 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Maine
In Maine, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is determined by local assessors. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate, known as the mill rate, to determine the annual tax bill. Factors such as property location, size, and market conditions influence the assessed value. For example, Cumberland County boasts the highest median tax bill at $4,856, reflecting its higher property values and tax rates, while Washington County has the lowest median tax bill at $1,700. Homeowners in Maine experience varying tax burdens. The median home price is $204,200, with tax bills ranging significantly across different percentiles. At the 25th percentile, the tax bill is around $1,960, while at the 75th percentile, it climbs to $4,785. For those at the 90th percentile, the tax bill can reach up to $6,945. These variations highlight the impact of property assessments and local tax rates on homeowners, often leading to substantial differences in annual tax obligations.
Average Maine Tax Bill
$3,200
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Maine
| County | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Androscoggin | $1,179 | $2,250 | $3,060 | $3,986 | $5,330 |
| Aroostook | $736 | $1,178 | $1,771 | $2,592 | $3,698 |
| Cumberland | $2,404 | $3,581 | $4,856 | $6,771 | $9,521 |
| Franklin | $724 | $1,292 | $1,981 | $2,810 | $3,936 |
| Hancock | $969 | $1,636 | $2,609 | $4,109 | $6,127 |
| Kennebec | $1,152 | $1,897 | $2,685 | $3,626 | $4,924 |
| Knox | $46 | $1,628 | $3,340 | $5,005 | $7,465 |
| Lincoln | $1,157 | $1,883 | $2,866 | $4,289 | $6,389 |
| Oxford | $906 | $1,485 | $2,200 | $3,132 | $4,379 |
| Penobscot | $831 | $1,612 | $2,548 | $3,648 | $5,090 |
| Piscataquis | $694 | $1,142 | $1,766 | $2,560 | $3,632 |
| Sagadahoc | $1,506 | $2,408 | $3,525 | $4,852 | $6,703 |
| Somerset | $655 | $1,180 | $1,837 | $2,656 | $3,719 |
| Waldo | $905 | $1,689 | $2,632 | $3,862 | $5,562 |
| Washington | $630 | $1,099 | $1,700 | $2,556 | $3,765 |
| York | $1,539 | $2,726 | $3,841 | $5,320 | $7,457 |
Source: Ownwell