Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median Watertown, MA effective property tax rate: 1.36%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%.
Median Watertown, MA home value: $721,300
Median annual Watertown, MA tax bill: $9,787, $7,387 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Middlesex County calculated?

Property taxes in Watertown, 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 Watertown’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Watertown, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.36%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$9,810

$9,103

Ownwell’s Watertown Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in Watertown with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies Watertown’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Middlesex County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This is because each county estimates its required budget annually to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. While votes and laws are involved in setting tax rates and budgets, this is the annual process in a nutshell.

Watertown in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, has an effective property tax rate of 1.36%, which aligns with the highest and lowest median tax rates in the area. This rate is significantly higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. The median property tax bill in Watertown reflects this difference, with homeowners paying more compared to the national median bill of $2,400. This comparison highlights the variability in property tax rates and bills across different regions, emphasizing the importance of understanding local tax environments.

For homeowners in Watertown, navigating these rates can be challenging, making it crucial to stay informed and consider professional assistance for property tax appeals and exemptions.

Property Tax Rates Across Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

0.59%

1.24%

1.90%

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 Watertown Tax Rate

1.36%

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 Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
02472	1.36%	1.36%	1.36%	1.36%	1.36%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

When examining property taxes in Watertown, 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 Watertown. For example, the median home price in Watertown is $721,300, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. The zip code 02472 has the highest median home price at $721,300.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

$320,300

$928,425

$1,536,550

Median Watertown Market Value

$721,300

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 Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
02472	$435,000	$554,500	$721,300	$871,000	$985,800

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

In Watertown, Middlesex County, MA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local assessor. The assessed value is a percentage of the home's market value and is used to calculate the property tax bill by applying the local tax rate. Factors such as property improvements, neighborhood changes, and market trends can influence the assessed value. Watertown's property tax bills are notably higher than the national median, with a median tax bill of $9,787, significantly surpassing the national median of $2,400. For homeowners, high property tax bills can be a financial burden, impacting their budget and overall financial planning. Ownwell assists homeowners by providing property tax appeal and exemption services, helping them reduce their tax bills. By analyzing property assessments and identifying discrepancies, Ownwell can potentially lower the assessed value, resulting in significant savings. This service can be particularly beneficial in areas like Watertown, where property taxes are considerably above the national average.

Property Tax Bills Across Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Source: Ownwell

$4,294

$11,232

$18,170

Median Watertown Tax Bill

$9,787

Median Middlesex County Tax Bill

$7,427

Median Massachusetts Tax Bill

$5,844

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Zip	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
02472	$5,907	$7,522	$9,787	$11,824	$13,380

Source: Ownwell