Adams County, PA Property Tax: $3,569/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Adams County is 1.39% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $256,100, that works out to about $3,560 per year, or $297 per month. Adams County is located in southern Pennsylvania, and is home to approximately 105,183 residents.
About Adams County
Adams County covers approximately 518.6 square miles in Pennsylvania. The county is home to about 105,183 residents living in roughly 43,377 housing units, of which 73.7% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $81,071, and the median home was built in 1980.
Adams County borders Carroll County, Frederick County, Cumberland County, Franklin County, York County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Pennsylvania are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Pennsylvania offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Adams County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Adams County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams County, PA | 1.39% | $256,100 | $3,560 |
| Pennsylvania state average | 1.32% | — | $3,381* |
| Carroll County | 0.94% | $406,400 | $3,837 |
| Frederick County | 1.02% | $437,700 | $4,463 |
| Cumberland County | 1.21% | $261,900 | $3,180 |
| Franklin County | 1.11% | $236,300 | $2,634 |
| York County | 1.68% | $235,000 | $3,947 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Adams County's median home value of $256,100. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Adams County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Pennsylvania?
At 1.39%, Adams County is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 1.32%. On a home at the county median of $256,100, that means about $3,560 per year — versus $3,381 at the state average rate, a difference of $179 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Adams County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Adams County?
For a home at the county median value of $256,100, the annual property tax in Adams County is approximately $3,560 — or about $297 per month. For a home worth $384,150, expect around $5,340 per year. For a $512,200 home, approximately $7,120 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Adams County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Adams County are handled by the Adams County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Adams County?
Pennsylvania counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.39% shown here. Contact the Adams County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File