Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland Property Taxes
Median Ellicott City, MD effective property tax rate: 1.08%, slightly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Maryland state median of 1.06%.
Median Ellicott City, MD home value: $526,550
Median annual Ellicott City, MD tax bill: $5,693, $3,293 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Howard County calculated?
Property taxes in Ellicott City, MD 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 Ellicott City’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Ellicott City, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.08%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,687
$5,277
Property Tax Rates Across Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland
Local government entities in Maryland are responsible for setting property tax rates, which can differ significantly within the state. This variation occurs because each county, including Howard County, estimates its annual budget needs for public services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its boundaries. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in determining these rates and budgets, this is essentially the yearly process.
In Ellicott City, the effective property tax rate is a crucial factor for homeowners to consider. By comparing Ellicott City's rate to other cities in Maryland and the national median, residents can better understand their tax obligations. Maryland's median property tax rate is slightly above the national median, reflecting the state's commitment to funding essential services. Ellicott City, located in Howard County, experiences variations in tax rates, with some areas having slightly higher or lower rates than the state median. Understanding these differences can help property owners make informed decisions about their investments and financial planning.
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 Ellicott City Tax Rate
1.08%
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 Howard County Tax Rate
1.04%
Median Effective Maryland Tax Rate
1.06%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
21042 | 0.99% | 1.02% | 1.05% | 1.08% | 1.11% |
21043 | 1.04% | 1.07% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.13% |
21045 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland
When examining property taxes in Ellicott City, Maryland, 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 Howard 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.
In Howard County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle 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 and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Ellicott City. For example, the median home price in Ellicott City is $526,550, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 21042 has the highest median home price at $593,800.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland
Source: Ownwell

$333,000
$623,400
$913,800
Median Ellicott City Market Value
$526,550
Median Howard County Market Value
$465,650
Median Maryland Market Value
$317,700
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
21042 | $386,360 | $483,600 | $593,800 | $718,900 | $933,140 |
21043 | $243,100 | $345,800 | $456,100 | $574,200 | $694,190 |
21045 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland
Median Ellicott City Tax Bill
$5,693
Median Howard County Tax Bill
$4,834
Median Maryland Tax Bill
$3,419
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
21042 | $4,258 | $5,172 | $6,240 | $7,566 | $9,574 |
21043 | $3,058 | $3,826 | $5,022 | $6,361 | $7,613 |
21045 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell