Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts Property Taxes
Median Amherst, MA effective property tax rate: 2.01%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%.
Median Amherst, MA home value: $380,800
Median annual Amherst, MA tax bill: $7,652, $5,252 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Hampshire County calculated?
Property taxes in Amherst, 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 Amherst’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Amherst, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
2.01%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$7,654
$7,103
Property Tax Rates Across Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.
In Amherst, located in Hampshire County, the effective property tax rate stands at 2.01%. This is significantly higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Compared to other cities in Massachusetts, Amherst's rate is among the highest, reflecting the county's budgetary needs and the total value of taxable property. This rate can influence homeowners' decisions, as a higher tax rate might impact overall affordability. However, the services funded by these taxes, such as schools and public safety, contribute to the community's quality of life. Understanding these dynamics can help property owners make informed decisions about their investments and potential tax appeals.
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 Amherst Tax Rate
2.01%
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 Hampshire County Tax Rate
1.63%
Median Effective Massachusetts Tax Rate
1.23%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01002 | 2.01% | 2.01% | 2.01% | 2.01% | 2.01% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts
When examining property taxes in Amherst, 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 Hampshire 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 Hampshire 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 Amherst. For example, the median home price in Amherst is $380,800, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 01002 has the highest median home price at $380,800.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell

$189,450
$293,425
$397,400
Median Amherst Market Value
$380,800
Median Hampshire County Market Value
$310,200
Median Massachusetts Market Value
$492,600
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01002 | $204,900 | $299,900 | $380,800 | $487,500 | $614,660 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts
Median Amherst Tax Bill
$7,652
Median Hampshire County Tax Bill
$5,000
Median Massachusetts Tax Bill
$5,844
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Amherst, Hampshire County, Massachusetts
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01002 | $4,107 | $6,016 | $7,652 | $9,791 | $12,347 |
Source: Ownwell