Howard County Property Tax Rate
Maryland
Howard County, Maryland has an effective property tax rate of 1.17%, which is 27% higher than the national average of 0.92%. On a home valued at $597,900, homeowners pay approximately $6,987 per year in property taxes. Howard County ranks #2 out of 24 counties in Maryland for property tax rates. Since 2020, the median bill has risen 17.8% while home values gained 28.7%. The county's largest city with its own tax profile is Columbia, where the median annual bill is $5,969.
$6,987
Per year
$597,900
2024 estimate
4.67%
Median income: $149,763
#2
of 24 counties in MD
Tax Breakdown
With Mortgage
$6,967
median annual tax
Without Mortgage
$7,039
median annual tax
Homeowners with a mortgage in Howard County pay on average -$72 more per year than those without. This difference often reflects how property tax escrow accounts in mortgaged homes capture the full tax obligation.
How Howard County Compares
Top Counties in Maryland
Historical Property Tax Trends
Between 2020 and 2024, the median property tax bill in Howard County rose 17.8% (from $5,932 to $6,987), while the median home value climbed 28.7%. The effective tax rate fell from 1.28% to 1.17% over the same period.
| Year | Median Tax | Median Home Value | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $5,932 | $464,500 | 1.28% |
| 2021 | $6,230 | $483,200 | 1.29% |
| 2022 | $6,650 | $551,300 | 1.21% |
| 2023 | $6,814 | $576,700 | 1.18% |
| 2024 | $6,987 | $597,900 | 1.17% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Maryland Property Tax Exemptions
Available to Howard County homeowners
Homestead Tax Credit
Assessment increases capped at 10% per year (lower in some counties)
Primary residence owners; applies automatically
Homeowner's Tax Credit
Credit varies based on income; no fixed amount
Homeowners with combined household income of $60,000 or less
Disabled Veteran
Full exemption for 100% permanently disabled veterans
Veterans with 100% permanent service-connected disability
Not sure which exemption applies to you? See our full homestead exemption guide for all 50 states, including amounts and application deadlines.
Property Tax Calculator
Estimate your annual property tax in Howard County
Estimated Annual Property Tax
$3,510
$293/month · Rate: 1.17%
Compare other counties with the Maryland Property Tax Calculator.
Pay Your Howard County Property Tax
Due: Sep 30 / Dec 31 (semi-annual)
Pay online or view your bill through the official Howard County tax office.
Go to Official Payment Site →Opens the county's official website in a new tab.
Nearby Counties
Quick Facts
Think your property tax is too high?
Homeowners save an average of $1,148/year by appealing their assessment.
Learn How to Appeal →Cities in Howard County
Explore property tax data for 5 cities in Howard County, Maryland.
| City | Annual Tax | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $5,969 | 1.24% |
| Ellicott City | $7,800 | 1.21% |
| Ilchester | $6,521 | 1.31% |
| Elkridge | $5,044 | 1.15% |
| North Laurel | $5,333 | 1.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Effective tax rates are calculated by dividing median real estate taxes paid by median home value. Actual property tax rates may vary based on local taxing jurisdictions, exemptions, and assessment practices. This information is for general reference only and should not be used as a substitute for professional tax advice.