Dorchester County, Maryland Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester County, Maryland
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Dorchester County effective property tax rate: 1.17%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Dorchester County home value: $163,800
Median annual Dorchester County tax bill: $2,036, $364 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Dorchester County calculated?

Property taxes in Dorchester 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 Cambridge or another part of Dorchester County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Dorchester County, Maryland Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.17%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$1,916

$1,778

Ownwell’s Dorchester County Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Dorchester County with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Dorchester County’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a more precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Dorchester County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Dorchester County, Maryland

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This variation occurs because each county annually estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this is the core annual process.

In Dorchester County, Maryland, the effective property tax rate is a crucial figure for homeowners. The median property tax rate in Dorchester County is 1.17%, which is notably higher than the national median of 1.02%. This means that residents may pay more in property taxes compared to the national average. Additionally, within Dorchester County, the city of Cambridge has the highest median tax rate at 1.46%, while East New Market offers some relief with the lowest rate at 1.10%. These variations highlight the importance of understanding local tax rates when considering property ownership in Maryland. Comparing Dorchester County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Maryland or the U.S. median can provide valuable insights for homeowners and potential buyers.

Property Tax Rates Across Dorchester County, Maryland

Source: Ownwell

1.10%

1.28%

1.46%

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 Dorchester County Tax Rate

1.17%

Median Effective Maryland Tax Rate

1.06%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Dorchester County, Maryland

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Cambridge	1.03%	1.13%	1.46%	1.63%	1.69%
Church Creek	1.12%	1.14%	1.16%	1.27%	1.35%
Crapo	1.13%	1.16%	1.18%	1.21%	1.27%
Crocheron	1.13%	1.17%	1.23%	1.29%	1.39%
East New Market	1.06%	1.08%	1.10%	1.13%	1.74%
Federalsburg	1.05%	1.10%	1.11%	1.14%	1.17%
Fishing Creek	1.13%	1.13%	1.14%	1.17%	1.20%
Hurlock	1.07%	1.09%	1.12%	1.66%	1.70%
Linkwood	1.09%	1.11%	1.13%	1.16%	1.18%
Madison	1.12%	1.13%	1.15%	1.17%	1.21%
Rhodesdale	1.08%	1.10%	1.12%	1.17%	1.40%
Seaford	1.07%	1.10%	1.12%	1.18%	1.42%
Secretary	1.22%	1.26%	1.33%	1.33%	1.35%
Taylors Island	1.12%	1.13%	1.14%	1.18%	1.25%
Toddville	1.15%	1.18%	1.21%	1.26%	1.35%
Vienna	1.10%	1.13%	1.18%	1.42%	1.48%
Wingate	1.13%	1.15%	1.19%	1.23%	1.28%
Woolford	1.12%	1.12%	1.13%	1.15%	1.18%
Anderson	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Elliott	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Galestown	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Preston	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester County, Maryland

When examining property taxes in Dorchester 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 Dorchester County State Department of Assessments and Taxation 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: Assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March. 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 Dorchester County. For example, the median tax bill in Dorchester County is $2401, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Woolford has the highest median home price at $309,700.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester County, Maryland

Source: Ownwell

$47,800

$178,750

$309,700

Median Dorchester County Market Value

$163,800

Median Maryland Market Value

$317,700

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Dorchester County, Maryland

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Cambridge	$43,160	$92,100	$169,900	$270,050	$391,540
Church Creek	$41,000	$77,875	$126,900	$223,775	$335,750
Crapo	$38,670	$57,500	$81,250	$122,250	$192,320
Crocheron	$21,730	$30,325	$47,800	$82,925	$141,450
East New Market	$98,460	$155,450	$223,100	$318,375	$437,100
Federalsburg	$73,560	$108,625	$155,800	$223,100	$306,800
Fishing Creek	$56,800	$99,200	$189,500	$267,200	$344,340
Hurlock	$73,230	$101,900	$153,000	$220,775	$284,010
Linkwood	$63,530	$88,700	$131,350	$210,000	$331,740
Madison	$61,340	$106,950	$161,000	$286,000	$445,920
Rhodesdale	$66,280	$101,800	$159,600	$237,000	$334,920
Seaford	$82,480	$113,750	$173,200	$246,300	$336,900
Secretary	$82,650	$109,250	$136,900	$169,275	$218,200
Taylors Island	$43,650	$84,475	$198,350	$347,100	$514,750
Toddville	$24,660	$39,350	$59,400	$82,700	$143,140
Vienna	$41,690	$74,775	$121,150	$188,575	$271,830
Wingate	$21,100	$49,300	$68,400	$100,800	$183,100
Woolford	$88,790	$165,600	$309,700	$423,750	$660,140
Anderson	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Elliott	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Galestown	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Preston	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester County, Maryland

In Dorchester County, MD, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local tax assessor. The county's tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to calculate the annual tax bill. Homeowners in Dorchester County face a median property tax bill of $2,401, slightly above the national median of $2,400. However, tax bills can vary significantly within the county. For instance, Woolford has the highest median tax bill at $3,492, while Crocheron has the lowest at $592. This variation is influenced by factors such as the property's location, size, and market conditions. Homeowners in the 25th percentile pay around $1,252, while those in the 75th percentile pay about $3,174. At the 90th percentile, the tax bill can rise to $4,696. These property tax bills significantly impact homeowners by affecting their annual housing costs and influencing decisions about buying, selling, or refinancing properties.

Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester County, Maryland

Source: Ownwell

$592

$2,042

$3,492

Median Dorchester County Tax Bill

$2,036

Median Maryland Tax Bill

$3,419

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Dorchester County, Maryland

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Cambridge	$618	$1,304	$2,209	$3,577	$5,162
Church Creek	$457	$914	$1,472	$2,565	$3,794
Crapo	$490	$666	$941	$1,411	$2,193
Crocheron	$250	$379	$592	$927	$1,609
East New Market	$1,220	$1,789	$2,608	$3,682	$4,852
Federalsburg	$831	$1,196	$1,703	$2,442	$3,314
Fishing Creek	$660	$1,143	$2,107	$3,011	$3,890
Hurlock	$842	$1,378	$1,928	$2,682	$3,433
Linkwood	$740	$1,012	$1,467	$2,220	$3,711
Madison	$684	$1,224	$1,850	$3,240	$5,019
Rhodesdale	$785	$1,211	$1,762	$2,666	$3,688
Seaford	$1,014	$1,355	$2,049	$2,952	$3,703
Secretary	$1,044	$1,364	$1,745	$2,212	$2,938
Taylors Island	$537	$938	$2,125	$3,815	$5,628
Toddville	$334	$496	$721	$980	$1,575
Vienna	$500	$908	$1,503	$2,435	$3,240
Wingate	$287	$592	$802	$1,067	$2,096
Woolford	$995	$1,881	$3,492	$4,699	$7,401
Anderson	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Elliott	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Galestown	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Preston	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell