Essex County Property Tax Rate
Massachusetts
Essex County, Massachusetts has an effective property tax rate of 1.04%, which is 13% higher than the national average of 0.92%. On a home valued at $619,100, homeowners pay approximately $6,430 per year in property taxes. Essex County ranks #9 out of 14 counties in Massachusetts for property tax rates. Since 2020, the median bill has risen 20.2% while home values gained 41.8%. The county's largest city with its own tax profile is Lynn, where the median annual bill is $5,188.
$6,430
Per year
$619,100
2024 estimate
6.31%
Median income: $101,883
#9
of 14 counties in MA
Tax Breakdown
With Mortgage
$6,371
median annual tax
Without Mortgage
$6,577
median annual tax
Homeowners with a mortgage in Essex County pay on average -$206 more per year than those without. This difference often reflects how property tax escrow accounts in mortgaged homes capture the full tax obligation.
How Essex County Compares
Top Counties in Massachusetts
Historical Property Tax Trends
Between 2020 and 2024, the median property tax bill in Essex County rose 20.2% (from $5,348 to $6,430), while the median home value climbed 41.8%. The effective tax rate fell from 1.22% to 1.04% over the same period.
| Year | Median Tax | Median Home Value | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $5,348 | $436,600 | 1.22% |
| 2021 | $5,645 | $462,900 | 1.22% |
| 2022 | $6,099 | $535,300 | 1.14% |
| 2023 | $6,267 | $584,000 | 1.07% |
| 2024 | $6,430 | $619,100 | 1.04% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Massachusetts Property Tax Exemptions
Available to Essex County homeowners
Residential Exemption
Up to 35% of average residential assessed value (e.g., Boston offers significant exemption)
Owner-occupied primary residence in participating municipalities
Over 65 (Clause 41C)
$1,000 off property tax bill (or local adopted amount up to $2,000)
Homeowners age 65+ who have owned and occupied for 10+ years; income and asset limits apply
Disabled Veteran (Clause 22)
$400 to full exemption depending on disability rating and type
Veterans with service-connected disability of 10% or more
Senior Tax Deferral (Clause 41A)
Deferral of taxes exceeding 10% of income; accrues interest at 4%
Homeowners age 65+ with income under set limits
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 Essex County
Estimated Annual Property Tax
$3,120
$260/month · Rate: 1.04%
Compare other counties with the Massachusetts Property Tax Calculator.
Pay Your Essex County Property Tax
Due: Varies by municipality
Pay online or view your bill through the official Essex 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 Essex County
Explore property tax data for 9 cities in Essex County, Massachusetts.
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.