Bristol County, MA Property Tax: $4,685/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Bristol County is 1.11% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $421,800, that works out to about $4,682 per year, or $390 per month. Bristol County is located in southern Massachusetts, and is home to approximately 578,436 residents.
About Bristol County
Bristol County covers approximately 553.1 square miles in Massachusetts. The county is home to about 578,436 residents living in roughly 244,166 housing units, of which 59.2% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $84,198, and the median home was built in 1963.
Bristol County borders Barnstable County, Dukes County, Norfolk County, Plymouth County, Bristol County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Massachusetts
Property taxes in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Bristol County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Bristol County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol County, MA | 1.11% | $421,800 | $4,682 |
| Massachusetts state average | 1.07% | — | $4,513* |
| Barnstable County | 0.71% | $575,900 | $4,090 |
| Dukes County | 0.50% | $1,104,100 | $5,503 |
| Norfolk County | 1.09% | $649,400 | $7,081 |
| Plymouth County | 1.24% | $513,000 | $6,345 |
| Bristol County | 1.39% | $468,000 | $6,483 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Bristol County's median home value of $421,800. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bristol County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Massachusetts?
At 1.11%, Bristol County is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 1.07%. On a home at the county median of $421,800, that means about $4,682 per year — versus $4,513 at the state average rate, a difference of $169 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Bristol County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Bristol County?
For a home at the county median value of $421,800, the annual property tax in Bristol County is approximately $4,682 — or about $390 per month. For a home worth $632,700, expect around $7,023 per year. For a $843,600 home, approximately $9,364 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Bristol County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Bristol County are handled by the Bristol 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 Bristol County?
Massachusetts 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 1.11% shown here. Contact the Bristol 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