Caroline County, MD Property Tax: $2,513/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Caroline County is 0.92% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $272,400, that works out to about $2,506 per year, or $209 per month. Caroline County is located in eastern Maryland, and is home to approximately 33,406 residents.
About Caroline County
Caroline County covers approximately 319.4 square miles in Maryland. The county is home to about 33,406 residents living in roughly 13,516 housing units, of which 64.8% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $66,368, and the median home was built in 1981.
Caroline County borders Kent County, Sussex County, Dorchester County, Queen Anne's County, Talbot County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Maryland
Property taxes in Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Caroline County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Caroline County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caroline County, MD | 0.92% | $272,400 | $2,506 |
| Maryland state average | 0.96% | — | $2,615* |
| Kent County | 0.46% | $290,600 | $1,331 |
| Sussex County | 0.33% | $353,300 | $1,171 |
| Dorchester County | 0.95% | $252,300 | $2,399 |
| Queen Anne's County | 0.79% | $441,800 | $3,503 |
| Talbot County | 0.66% | $398,300 | $2,623 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Caroline County's median home value of $272,400. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Caroline County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Maryland?
At 0.92%, Caroline County is lower than the Maryland state average of 0.96%. On a home at the county median of $272,400, that means about $2,506 per year — versus $2,615 at the state average rate, a difference of $109 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Caroline County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Caroline County?
For a home at the county median value of $272,400, the annual property tax in Caroline County is approximately $2,506 — or about $209 per month. For a home worth $408,600, expect around $3,759 per year. For a $544,800 home, approximately $5,012 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Caroline County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Caroline County are handled by the Caroline 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 Caroline County?
Maryland 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 0.92% shown here. Contact the Caroline 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