The rate in context
On a $400,000 home, 1.00% means roughly $4,000 per year in property tax, escrowed monthly, so it lands directly in your payment and your debt-to-income ratio.
Exemptions and notes
Proposition 2 1/2 caps total local levy growth at 2.5% per year plus new construction; overrides require a voter referendum.
Sources: Tax Foundation 2026 (2024 ACS); NAR/NCSL transfer tax table. County-level rates vary; your county page has local detail.
Counties in Massachusetts
FAQ
What is the average property tax rate in Massachusetts?
The average effective property tax rate in Massachusetts is about 1.00%, per Tax Foundation 2026 (2024 ACS); NAR/NCSL transfer tax table. Individual counties vary above and below that average.
How do Massachusetts property taxes affect my mortgage?
Taxes are escrowed into your monthly payment, so a higher rate directly reduces how much house you qualify for. Proposition 2 1/2 caps total local levy growth at 2.5% per year plus new construction; overrides require a voter referendum.