Washington County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Washington County is 0.92%, which is slightly lower than the Maryland state median of 1.06% but still below the national median of 0.99%. With a median home value of $219,600 in Washington County, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $1,934, significantly less than the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in this county are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is typically below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding Washington County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide substantial annual savings. Whether you reside in Hagerstown or another part of Washington County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Washington County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
0.92%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,020
Ownwell’s Washington County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Washington County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Washington County 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 Washington County, Maryland
Property taxes in Washington County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Washington County is 0.92%, which is slightly lower than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Washington County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Washington 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. For comparison, the city of Big Pool has one of the higher property tax rates in Maryland at 1.04%, while the city of Hagerstown boasts one of the lowest at 0.86%. Analyzing how Washington County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Washington County Tax Rate
0.92%
Average Maryland Tax Rate
1.06%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Washington County, Maryland
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Pool | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Boonsboro | 0.79% | 0.84% | 0.92% | 1.00% | 1.04% |
| Brownsville | 1.02% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Cascade | 0.96% | 0.98% | 1.00% | 1.01% | 1.02% |
| Cavetown | 0.88% | 0.92% | 0.95% | 0.98% | 1.01% |
| Chewsville | 0.99% | 1.01% | 1.02% | 1.03% | 1.03% |
| Clear Spring | 0.92% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Fairplay | 0.96% | 1.01% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Funkstown | 0.74% | 0.82% | 0.87% | 0.91% | 0.91% |
| Hagerstown | 0.69% | 0.75% | 0.86% | 0.99% | 1.02% |
| Hancock | 0.92% | 0.92% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Keedysville | 0.92% | 0.92% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Knoxville | 1.03% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Maugansville | 0.75% | 0.81% | 0.86% | 0.91% | 0.93% |
| Middletown | 0.84% | 0.86% | 0.92% | 0.95% | 0.98% |
| Rohrersville | 1.01% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Sabillasville | 0.95% | 0.98% | 1.00% | 1.02% | 1.04% |
| Sharpsburg | 0.92% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Smithsburg | 0.82% | 0.87% | 0.92% | 0.99% | 1.01% |
| St James | 0.98% | 0.99% | 1.00% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
| Williamsport | 0.81% | 0.87% | 0.97% | 1.04% | 1.04% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington County, Maryland
In Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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. Being aware of these valuation processes in Washington County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively. Middletown has the highest median tax bill at $3,055, while Chewsville has the lowest at $954.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington County, Maryland
Source: Ownwell
$99,000
$213,775
$328,550
Average Washington County Assessed Value
$219,600
Average Maryland Assessed Value
$317,700
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Washington County, Maryland
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Pool | $107,190 | $127,700 | $175,700 | $242,800 | $334,170 |
| Boonsboro | $161,700 | $212,700 | $277,000 | $365,750 | $469,640 |
| Brownsville | $117,210 | $149,200 | $172,300 | $241,550 | $382,710 |
| Cascade | $110,290 | $141,725 | $175,700 | $223,325 | $289,360 |
| Cavetown | $120,460 | $153,300 | $174,200 | $248,600 | $332,580 |
| Chewsville | $63,380 | $71,650 | $99,000 | $143,800 | $158,940 |
| Clear Spring | $110,780 | $158,500 | $209,700 | $275,500 | $353,020 |
| Fairplay | $142,650 | $193,875 | $257,850 | $343,450 | $451,660 |
| Funkstown | $107,300 | $129,550 | $158,850 | $198,500 | $245,850 |
| Hagerstown | $114,100 | $161,100 | $216,450 | $289,700 | $375,810 |
| Hancock | $69,160 | $89,900 | $124,700 | $171,300 | $222,600 |
| Keedysville | $140,870 | $197,600 | $268,750 | $338,800 | $425,600 |
| Knoxville | $109,300 | $163,000 | $234,600 | $330,300 | $409,100 |
| Maugansville | $158,200 | $176,850 | $207,700 | $242,650 | $291,300 |
| Middletown | $137,310 | $249,600 | $328,550 | $440,000 | $451,540 |
| Rohrersville | $143,990 | $199,825 | $273,800 | $368,475 | $458,170 |
| Sabillasville | $111,060 | $162,700 | $241,050 | $303,925 | $373,210 |
| Sharpsburg | $99,600 | $140,000 | $199,900 | $271,050 | $344,100 |
| Smithsburg | $147,250 | $191,400 | $244,250 | $306,250 | $394,350 |
| St James | $150,180 | $162,750 | $174,550 | $313,050 | $327,240 |
| Williamsport | $105,400 | $153,700 | $221,400 | $307,100 | $396,860 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Washington County, Maryland
In Washington County, MD, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by local assessors. The assessed value typically reflects a percentage of the home's market value. The local tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to calculate the annual tax bill. Several factors influence the final tax bill, including the property's location, size, and any applicable exemptions or deductions. For example, homeowners in Middletown face the highest median tax bill in the county at $3,055, while those in Chewsville experience the lowest at $954. Homeowners in Washington County can expect their tax bills to fall between $1,393 at the 25th percentile and $3,590 at the 90th percentile, with a median home price of $219,600. Given that the national median property tax rate is 0.99%, these figures highlight the varying financial impact on residents, influencing their cost of living and long-term financial planning.
Average Washington County Tax Bill
$1,934
Average Maryland Tax Bill
$3,419
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Washington County, Maryland
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Pool | $1,114 | $1,323 | $1,825 | $2,403 | $3,308 |
| Boonsboro | $1,472 | $1,878 | $2,472 | $3,319 | $4,333 |
| Brownsville | $1,219 | $1,523 | $1,722 | $2,512 | $3,930 |
| Cascade | $1,107 | $1,407 | $1,730 | $2,155 | $2,792 |
| Cavetown | $1,179 | $1,476 | $1,645 | $2,163 | $2,873 |
| Chewsville | $645 | $706 | $954 | $1,439 | $1,541 |
| Clear Spring | $1,090 | $1,592 | $2,121 | $2,791 | $3,530 |
| Fairplay | $1,473 | $1,931 | $2,596 | $3,521 | $4,560 |
| Funkstown | $968 | $1,117 | $1,323 | $1,565 | $2,037 |
| Hagerstown | $908 | $1,312 | $1,811 | $2,592 | $3,429 |
| Hancock | $651 | $877 | $1,236 | $1,746 | $2,288 |
| Keedysville | $1,413 | $1,951 | $2,658 | $3,362 | $4,352 |
| Knoxville | $1,147 | $1,680 | $2,397 | $3,399 | $4,237 |
| Maugansville | $1,368 | $1,535 | $1,781 | $2,021 | $2,302 |
| Middletown | $1,576 | $2,290 | $3,055 | $3,755 | $4,115 |
| Rohrersville | $1,493 | $2,004 | $2,815 | $3,808 | $4,717 |
| Sabillasville | $1,320 | $1,739 | $2,412 | $2,952 | $3,680 |
| Sharpsburg | $1,013 | $1,406 | $2,036 | $2,756 | $3,508 |
| Smithsburg | $1,354 | $1,747 | $2,180 | $2,770 | $3,701 |
| St James | $1,503 | $1,607 | $1,815 | $3,129 | $3,389 |
| Williamsport | $1,032 | $1,475 | $2,070 | $2,789 | $3,737 |
Source: Ownwell