Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Salem, MA is 1.25%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%. With the median home value in Salem at $466,600, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $5,837, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Salem are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Salem's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Salem or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.25%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$5,833
$5,412
Ownwell’s Salem Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Salem with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Salem to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts
Property taxes in Salem, Massachusetts, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Salem is 1.25%, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Salem set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Salem estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Salem's effective property tax rate to other counties in Massachusetts and the national median. For comparison, the 01970 zip code has both the highest and the lowest median property tax rate of 1.25%. Understanding how these cities compare with Salem provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Essex County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Salem Tax Rate
1.25%
Average Essex County Tax Rate
1.12%
Average Massachusetts Tax Rate
1.23%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
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
In Salem, Massachusetts, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Essex County Appraisal District for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value 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 are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Salem helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The zip code with the highest and lowest median tax bill is 01970, both at $5,837.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell
$258,000
$568,450
$878,900
Average Salem Assessed Value
$466,600
Average Essex County Assessed Value
$545,500
Average Massachusetts Assessed Value
$492,600
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
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
In Salem, Essex County, MA, property tax bills are determined by multiplying the assessed value of a home by the local tax rate. The assessed value is an estimate of the property's market value, which is periodically updated to reflect changes in the real estate market. Various factors such as property size, location, and condition are considered in this assessment. For homeowners in Salem, the median home price stands at $466,600. The tax bills can vary significantly, with the 25th percentile tax bill around $4,854, and the 75th percentile reaching up to $6,941. The 90th percentile tax bill can be as high as $8,240, reflecting the higher end of the market. Notably, the highest and lowest median tax bills in the area are both $5,837, centered in the 01970 zip code. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Salem's tax rates can lead to substantial annual payments, impacting homeowners' budgets and potentially influencing decisions on property investments and homeownership.
Average Salem Tax Bill
$5,837
Average Essex County Tax Bill
$6,145
Average Massachusetts Tax Bill
$5,844
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
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