Worcester, Massachusetts Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Worcester, MA is 1.43%, significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Massachusetts state median of 1.23%. With the median home value in Worcester at $331,100, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,748, surpassing the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Worcester are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which often falls below the market value due to exemptions like primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Worcester'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 Worcester 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
Worcester, Massachusetts Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.43%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$4,735
$4,394
Ownwell’s Worcester Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Worcester with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Worcester 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 Worcester, Massachusetts
Property taxes in Worcester, Massachusetts, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Worcester is 1.43%, significantly higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Worcester set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Worcester 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 Worcester's effective property tax rate to other counties in Massachusetts and the national median. For comparison, the 01608 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.43%, while the 01613 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 1.43%. Understanding how these cities compare with Worcester provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Worcester County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Worcester Tax Rate
1.43%
Average Worcester County Tax Rate
1.43%
Average Massachusetts Tax Rate
1.23%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Worcester, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01602 | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
| 01603 | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
| 01604 | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
| 01605 | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
| 01606 | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
| 01607 | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
| 01608 | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
| 01609 | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
| 01610 | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
| 01613 | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% | 1.43% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Worcester, Massachusetts
In Worcester, 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 Worcester County Assessor 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. Worcester's median home price is $331,100, with the 25th percentile tax bill at $3,999 and the 75th percentile at $5,841. The highest median tax bill is $5,882 in zip code 01609, while the lowest is $1,685 in zip code 01608. Being aware of these valuation processes helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Worcester, Massachusetts
Source: Ownwell
$117,500
$415,400
$713,300
Average Worcester Assessed Value
$331,100
Average Worcester County Assessed Value
$360,000
Average Massachusetts Assessed Value
$492,600
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Worcester, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01602 | $258,190 | $294,500 | $338,200 | $397,575 | $474,300 |
| 01603 | $206,880 | $255,000 | $298,000 | $362,300 | $456,240 |
| 01604 | $206,500 | $273,875 | $330,450 | $408,225 | $497,270 |
| 01605 | $218,060 | $282,000 | $337,550 | $413,825 | $487,070 |
| 01606 | $259,890 | $291,900 | $325,000 | $371,300 | $436,600 |
| 01607 | $145,060 | $255,300 | $316,300 | $378,400 | $452,940 |
| 01608 | $83,900 | $111,500 | $117,500 | $145,900 | $329,300 |
| 01609 | $187,700 | $311,500 | $410,100 | $498,300 | $586,400 |
| 01610 | $139,100 | $256,000 | $355,900 | $471,800 | $544,700 |
| 01613 | $260,040 | $310,050 | $393,400 | $478,550 | $529,640 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Worcester, Massachusetts
In Worcester, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local tax assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to calculate the annual property tax bill. For homeowners in Worcester, the median home price stands at $331,100, and property tax bills can vary significantly. The tax bill at the 25th percentile is approximately $3,999, while at the 75th percentile, it rises to $5,841. At the 90th percentile, homeowners can expect to pay around $7,088. The highest median tax bill in Worcester is found in the 01609 zip code, with homeowners paying an average of $5,882 annually. On the other hand, the lowest median tax bill is in the 01608 zip code, where the average is $1,685. These variations are influenced by factors such as property location, size, and improvements. For Worcester homeowners, understanding these factors is crucial, as property taxes can significantly impact yearly expenses.
Average Worcester Tax Bill
$4,748
Average Worcester County Tax Bill
$5,153
Average Massachusetts Tax Bill
$5,844
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Worcester, Massachusetts
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01602 | $3,703 | $4,223 | $4,850 | $5,702 | $6,801 |
| 01603 | $2,967 | $3,659 | $4,276 | $5,200 | $6,543 |
| 01604 | $2,961 | $3,928 | $4,738 | $5,854 | $7,129 |
| 01605 | $3,130 | $4,044 | $4,841 | $5,934 | $6,984 |
| 01606 | $3,727 | $4,186 | $4,661 | $5,324 | $6,261 |
| 01607 | $2,080 | $3,661 | $4,543 | $5,442 | $6,511 |
| 01608 | $1,203 | $1,599 | $1,685 | $2,092 | $4,722 |
| 01609 | $2,692 | $4,470 | $5,882 | $7,146 | $8,408 |
| 01610 | $1,995 | $3,671 | $5,104 | $6,766 | $7,805 |
| 01613 | $3,729 | $4,446 | $5,641 | $6,862 | $7,595 |
Source: Ownwell