Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts Property Taxes
Median Salem, MA effective property tax rate: 1.25%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%.
Median Salem, MA home value: $466,600
Median annual Salem, MA tax bill: $5,837, $3,437 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Essex County calculated?
Property taxes in Salem, MA 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 Salem’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Salem, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.25%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,833
$5,412
Property Tax Rates Across Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts
Local government entities are responsible for setting property tax rates, which can vary significantly within Massachusetts. This variation occurs because each year, counties like Essex estimate their budgetary needs to fund public services and then divide this by the total value of taxable properties within their borders. This process determines the property tax rate. While the setting of tax rates and budgets involves voting and legislation, this is the core of the annual procedure.
In Salem, located in Essex County, the effective property tax rate is a crucial figure for homeowners to consider. When comparing Salem’s tax rate to other cities in Massachusetts, as well as the median property tax rates statewide and nationally, homeowners can gain a clearer understanding of their property tax obligations. Massachusetts has a median property tax rate of 1.25%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. This comparison highlights the importance of understanding local property tax rates, as they can significantly impact a homeowner’s financial planning and obligations. By staying informed, property owners in Salem can better navigate the complexities of property taxes.
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 Salem Tax Rate
1.25%
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 Essex County Tax Rate
1.12%
Median Effective Massachusetts Tax Rate
1.23%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01970 | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% | 1.25% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts
When examining property taxes in Salem, MA, 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 Essex 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 Essex 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 Salem. For example, the median home price in Salem is $466,600, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 01970 has the highest median home price at $466,600.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell
$258,000
$568,450
$878,900
Median Salem Market Value
$466,600
Median Essex County Market Value
$545,500
Median Massachusetts Market Value
$492,600
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01970 | $313,000 | $388,000 | $466,600 | $554,900 | $658,700 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts
Median Salem Tax Bill
$5,837
Median Essex County Tax Bill
$6,145
Median Massachusetts Tax Bill
$5,844
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01970 | $3,916 | $4,854 | $5,837 | $6,941 | $8,240 |
Source: Ownwell