Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Property Taxes
Median Waltham, MA effective property tax rate: 1.03%, slightly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%.
Median Waltham, MA home value: $641,700
Median annual Waltham, MA tax bill: $6,622, $4,222 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Middlesex County calculated?
Property taxes in Waltham, 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 Waltham’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Waltham, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.03%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$6,610
$6,133
Property Tax Rates Across Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. Each county estimates its required budget to provide essential 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 Waltham, located in Middlesex County, the property tax rate is closely aligned with the Massachusetts median of 1.03%, which is slightly above the national median of 1.02%. This means property owners in Waltham may find their tax rates comparable to other areas in the state but slightly higher than the national average. Both the highest and lowest median tax rates in Waltham are consistent at 1.03%, indicating a level of uniformity within the city’s tax assessments.
Understanding these rates can help property owners anticipate their tax obligations. Comparing Waltham’s effective property tax rate to other cities in Massachusetts and the national median can provide valuable insights for property owners considering an appeal or exploring exemption opportunities.
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 Waltham Tax Rate
1.03%
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 Middlesex County Tax Rate
1.22%
Median Effective Massachusetts Tax Rate
1.23%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
02451 | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% |
02452 | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% |
02453 | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% | 1.03% |
02454 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
When examining property taxes in Waltham, 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 Middlesex 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 Middlesex County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March. 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 Waltham. For example, the median home price in Waltham is $641,700, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 02452 has the highest median home price at $658,000.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell

$320,300
$928,425
$1,536,550
Median Waltham Market Value
$641,700
Median Middlesex County Market Value
$633,600
Median Massachusetts Market Value
$492,600
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
02451 | $456,000 | $527,900 | $618,400 | $730,400 | $864,150 |
02452 | $358,600 | $568,600 | $658,000 | $770,500 | $974,940 |
02453 | $414,700 | $555,900 | $650,700 | $745,050 | $843,480 |
02454 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Property Tax Bills Across Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell

$4,294
$11,232
$18,170
Median Waltham Tax Bill
$6,622
Median Middlesex County Tax Bill
$7,427
Median Massachusetts Tax Bill
$5,844
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
02451 | $4,706 | $5,448 | $6,382 | $7,538 | $8,923 |
02452 | $3,701 | $5,868 | $6,792 | $7,956 | $10,061 |
02453 | $4,280 | $5,734 | $6,718 | $7,694 | $8,708 |
02454 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell