Worcester County, MA Property Tax: $5,207/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Worcester County is 1.33% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $390,700, that works out to about $5,196 per year, or $433 per month. Worcester County is located in central Massachusetts, and is home to approximately 861,664 residents.
About Worcester County
Worcester County covers approximately 1,510.7 square miles in Massachusetts. The county is home to about 861,664 residents living in roughly 353,405 housing units, of which 61.9% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $93,561, and the median home was built in 1966.
Worcester County borders Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire 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 Worcester County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Worcester County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester County, MA | 1.33% | $390,700 | $5,196 |
| Massachusetts state average | 1.07% | — | $4,180* |
| Franklin County | 1.51% | $303,400 | $4,595 |
| Hampden County | 1.57% | $276,300 | $4,332 |
| Hampshire County | 1.47% | $363,400 | $5,326 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Worcester County's median home value of $390,700. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Worcester County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Massachusetts?
At 1.33%, Worcester County is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 1.07%. On a home at the county median of $390,700, that means about $5,196 per year — versus $4,180 at the state average rate, a difference of $1,016 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Worcester County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Worcester County?
For a home at the county median value of $390,700, the annual property tax in Worcester County is approximately $5,196 — or about $433 per month. For a home worth $586,050, expect around $7,794 per year. For a $781,400 home, approximately $10,393 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Worcester County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Worcester County are handled by the Worcester 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 Worcester 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 1.33% shown here. Contact the Worcester 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