Waldo County, Maine Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Waldo County is 1.74%, which is significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Maine state median of 1.57%. With the median home value in Waldo County, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $2,632, which is close to the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Waldo County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Waldo County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Belfast or another part of Waldo County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Waldo County, Maine Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.74%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,680
$2,487
Ownwell’s Waldo Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Waldo with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Waldo to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Waldo County, Maine
Property taxes in Waldo County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Waldo County is 1.74%, which is higher than both the Maine state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Waldo County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Waldo County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares Waldo County's effective property tax rate with other counties in Maine and the national median. For comparison, the city of Montville has one of the higher property tax rates in Maine at 2.30%, while the city of Palermo boasts one of the lowest at 1.04%. Analyzing how Waldo County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Waldo County Tax Rate
1.74%
Average Maine Tax Rate
1.57%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
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
In Waldo County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Waldo County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, 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. Assessment notices in Waldo County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. For instance, the highest median tax bill in Belfast is $3,848, while Winterport has the lowest at $202. Being aware of these valuation processes in Waldo County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Average Waldo County Assessed Value
$154,000
Average Maine Assessed Value
$204,200
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
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 calculated based on the assessed value of a property, which is determined by the local assessor's office. The assessed value aims to reflect the market value of the property. Once the assessed value is established, it is multiplied by the local tax rate to determine the tax bill. Factors such as property size, location, and improvements can influence the assessed value, impacting the overall tax bill. Homeowners in Waldo County experience a range of property tax bills. For instance, the median home price is $154,000, and the tax bill at the 25th percentile is $1,689, while at the 75th percentile, it rises to $3,862. The highest median tax bill in the county is found in Belfast at $3,848, whereas Winterport has the lowest at $202. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Waldo County's property tax rates can significantly affect homeowners, making it crucial for them to understand how their tax bills are calculated.
Average Waldo County Tax Bill
$2,632
Average Maine Tax Bill
$3,200
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
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