Waldo County, Maine Property Taxes
Median Waldo County effective property tax rate: 1.74%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Waldo County home value: $154,000
Median annual Waldo County tax bill: $2,632, $232 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Waldo County calculated?
Property taxes in Waldo County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Belfast or another part of Waldo County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Waldo County, Maine Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.74%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,680
$2,487
Property Tax Rates Across Waldo County, Maine
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its 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, this is the annual process.
Waldo County, ME, presents an intriguing case for property tax rates. The effective property tax rate here is 1.74%, significantly higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. This means that property owners in Waldo County face a higher tax burden compared to the average U.S. homeowner. However, within Waldo County, the rates can vary. Montville, for instance, has the highest median tax rate at 2.30%, while Palermo offers a more modest rate of 1.04%. Such variations highlight the importance of understanding local tax dynamics. By comparing Waldo County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Maine or the U.S. median, property owners can better strategize their financial planning and consider potential savings through appeals or exemptions.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Waldo County Tax Rate
1.74%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Maine Tax Rate
1.57%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Waldo County, Maine
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 2.14% | 2.14% | 2.14% | 2.14% | 2.14% |
| Belmont | 1.74% | 1.74% | 1.74% | 1.74% | 1.74% |
| Brooks | 1.70% | 1.70% | 1.70% | 1.70% | 1.70% |
| Burnham | 2.05% | 2.05% | 2.05% | 2.05% | 2.05% |
| Frankfort | 1.42% | 1.42% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
| Freedom | 1.94% | 1.94% | 1.94% | 1.94% | 1.94% |
| Islesboro | 1.10% | 1.10% | 1.10% | 1.10% | 1.10% |
| Jackson | 1.75% | 1.75% | 1.75% | 1.76% | 1.76% |
| Knox | 1.82% | 1.82% | 1.83% | 1.83% | 1.83% |
| Liberty | 1.54% | 1.54% | 1.55% | 1.55% | 1.55% |
| Lincolnville | 1.57% | 1.57% | 1.57% | 1.57% | 1.57% |
| Monroe | 1.44% | 1.44% | 1.44% | 1.44% | 1.44% |
| Montville | 2.30% | 2.30% | 2.30% | 2.30% | 2.30% |
| Morrill | 1.27% | 1.27% | 1.27% | 1.27% | 1.27% |
| Northport | 1.59% | 1.59% | 1.59% | 1.59% | 1.92% |
| Palermo | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Prospect | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% | 1.45% |
| Searsmont | 1.50% | 1.50% | 1.50% | 1.50% | 1.50% |
| Searsport | 1.93% | 1.93% | 1.93% | 1.93% | 1.93% |
| South China | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Stockton Springs | 2.22% | 2.22% | 2.22% | 2.22% | 2.22% |
| Swanville | 1.68% | 1.68% | 1.68% | 1.68% | 1.68% |
| Thorndike | 1.75% | 1.75% | 1.75% | 1.75% | 1.83% |
| Troy | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unity | 1.59% | 1.59% | 1.59% | 1.59% | 1.59% |
| Waldo | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Winterport | 1.36% | 1.36% | 1.36% | 1.37% | 1.37% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waldo County, Maine
When examining property taxes in Waldo County, 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 location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Waldo County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is 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 Waldo County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May. 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 and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Waldo County. For example, the median tax bill in Waldo County is $2,400, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Islesboro has the highest median home price at $308,900.
Median Waldo County Market Value
$154,000
Median Maine Market Value
$204,200
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waldo County, Maine
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | $46,920 | $115,100 | $179,450 | $267,850 | $377,920 |
| Belmont | $34,866 | $72,973 | $146,892 | $211,287 | $264,780 |
| Brooks | $43,400 | $78,200 | $124,900 | $168,800 | $234,240 |
| Burnham | $36,300 | $61,075 | $93,350 | $135,100 | $184,780 |
| Frankfort | $46,368 | $78,486 | $122,997 | $167,180 | $217,576 |
| Freedom | $54,307 | $87,016 | $129,024 | $177,848 | $244,163 |
| Islesboro | $155,800 | $219,900 | $308,900 | $434,300 | $792,800 |
| Jackson | $46,251 | $81,579 | $126,009 | $170,903 | $233,378 |
| Knox | $40,790 | $68,225 | $104,850 | $143,675 | $187,040 |
| Liberty | $76,264 | $106,380 | $150,970 | $222,370 | $283,894 |
| Lincolnville | $117,060 | $156,800 | $207,800 | $279,700 | $395,220 |
| Monroe | $44,548 | $87,861 | $128,174 | $180,250 | $231,402 |
| Montville | $28,310 | $60,025 | $115,650 | $155,725 | $194,580 |
| Morrill | $84,300 | $142,450 | $200,000 | $259,600 | $337,250 |
| Northport | $67,300 | $107,100 | $154,900 | $222,800 | $359,600 |
| Palermo | $112,580 | $176,200 | $242,100 | $328,300 | $439,300 |
| Prospect | $69,104 | $113,165 | $154,560 | $200,805 | $252,526 |
| Searsmont | $79,980 | $130,650 | $195,100 | $269,200 | $346,800 |
| Searsport | $39,440 | $79,100 | $138,200 | $196,900 | $268,360 |
| South China | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Stockton Springs | $56,396 | $89,330 | $137,320 | $199,980 | $269,798 |
| Swanville | $30,605 | $62,825 | $110,020 | $172,770 | $238,440 |
| Thorndike | $52,096 | $90,130 | $137,940 | $201,230 | $270,682 |
| Troy | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unity | $47,980 | $92,250 | $134,000 | $186,800 | $245,400 |
| Waldo | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Winterport | $8,880 | $11,350 | $14,800 | $17,575 | $40,450 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Waldo County, Maine
In Waldo County, ME, property tax bills are determined by multiplying the assessed value of a home by the local tax rate. The assessed value is typically a percentage of the market value, and the tax rate is set by local governments to meet budgetary needs. Homeowners in Waldo County experience a wide range of tax bills, influenced by the assessed value of their property and the specific tax rate applied. For instance, the median home price in the county is $154,000, which can lead to varying tax bills based on location and property characteristics.
The disparity in tax bills is evident, with the 25th percentile tax bill at $1,689 and the 75th percentile reaching $3,862. At the 90th percentile, homeowners might pay up to $5,562. Belfast has the highest median tax bill at $3,848, while Winterport has the lowest at $202. These variations significantly impact homeowners' financial obligations, with some paying more than the national median property tax bill of $2,400, while others pay less. Understanding these factors helps homeowners anticipate their annual property tax expenses.
Median Waldo County Tax Bill
$2,632
Median Maine Tax Bill
$3,200
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Waldo County, Maine
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | $1,080 | $2,475 | $3,848 | $5,734 | $8,076 |
| Belmont | $605 | $1,270 | $2,556 | $3,677 | $4,607 |
| Brooks | $738 | $1,329 | $2,123 | $2,870 | $3,982 |
| Burnham | $744 | $1,252 | $1,914 | $2,770 | $3,786 |
| Frankfort | $661 | $1,118 | $1,753 | $2,382 | $3,101 |
| Freedom | $1,170 | $1,747 | $2,590 | $3,470 | $4,787 |
| Islesboro | $1,714 | $2,419 | $3,398 | $4,777 | $8,721 |
| Jackson | $812 | $1,432 | $2,211 | $2,999 | $4,096 |
| Knox | $744 | $1,245 | $1,914 | $2,622 | $3,414 |
| Liberty | $1,178 | $1,644 | $2,332 | $3,436 | $4,386 |
| Lincolnville | $1,838 | $2,462 | $3,262 | $4,391 | $6,205 |
| Monroe | $642 | $1,265 | $1,846 | $2,608 | $3,351 |
| Montville | $651 | $1,380 | $2,658 | $3,562 | $4,423 |
| Morrill | $1,070 | $1,820 | $2,558 | $3,308 | $4,338 |
| Northport | $1,070 | $1,717 | $2,487 | $3,917 | $5,988 |
| Palermo | $1,171 | $1,832 | $2,519 | $3,414 | $4,569 |
| Prospect | $1,002 | $1,641 | $2,241 | $2,912 | $3,662 |
| Searsmont | $1,200 | $1,963 | $2,927 | $4,038 | $5,207 |
| Searsport | $761 | $1,526 | $2,667 | $3,800 | $5,179 |
| South China | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Stockton Springs | $1,234 | $1,982 | $3,037 | $4,428 | $5,991 |
| Swanville | $514 | $1,056 | $1,848 | $2,903 | $4,006 |
| Thorndike | $951 | $1,658 | $2,426 | $3,564 | $4,951 |
| Troy | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Unity | $763 | $1,466 | $2,131 | $2,970 | $3,902 |
| Waldo | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Winterport | $121 | $155 | $202 | $240 | $552 |
Source: Ownwell