Maryland Property Tax Calculator

Maryland Property Taxes

Taxes on real estate in Maryland account for a significant portion of both of city and county budgets, funding local services like public education and fire protection. 

However, because property values in Maryland are also high, homeowners here pay more in annual property taxes than in most other states. Median annual property tax payments in the state is $3,880, while the median tax bill in some counties exceeds $4,000.

A financial advisor can help you understand how homeownership fits into your overall financial goals. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Maryland Property Tax Assessment

Unlike most states, where local officials are responsible for property assessment, the state government oversees all property assessment in Maryland. State officials reassess properties once every three years. The goal of an assessment is to determine the fair market value of each property. The fair market value is the price the property would sell for if listed on the market.

After a reassessment, the state will notify a property owner about any change in assessed value. Property owners who believe their assessed value is incorrect have 45 days from the date of that notice to file an appeal.

For homeowners with a principal residence in Maryland, the Homestead Tax Credit limits increases in assessed property value. The state limits increases to 10%.

Another important tax credit is the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit. The credit caps property taxes based on income level. Only households with a total gross income of less than $60,000 are eligible for this credit. As an example, a household with a gross income of $30,000 will receive a credit for any property tax exceeding $1,680 annually.

Maryland Property Tax Rates

While the state government handles property assessments in Maryland, local governments still set their own tax rates. The rates they set will depend on local revenue needs. Any time a local government increases the tax rate, it must hold a public hearing to discuss the new rate.

Tax rates in Maryland vary depending on where you live. The table below shows the average effective tax rate for each of Maryland’s 23 counties, as well as the city of Baltimore (which is independent of any county). Average effective tax rates are calculated by determining the median annual property tax payment as a percentage of the median home value.

If you are looking to refinance a home loan or purchase a home in Maryland, check out our Maryland mortgage rates guide.

Montgomery County

The median home value in Montgomery County, which is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, is $588,900. That is one of the highest rankings among all of America’s counties and county-equivalents. So, while average effective property tax rate in Montgomery County is 0.87%, the median annual payment is quite high at $5,149.

Prince George’s County

Like Montgomery County, Prince George’s County is located just outside of Washington, D.C. However, property tax rates in Prince George’s County are much higher than those in Montgomery County. The average effective property tax rate in Prince George’s County is 1.19%.

At that rate, a typical homeowner whose home is worth $380,500 would pay $4,510 annually in Prince George’s County. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that rates will vary depending on where in each county you live.

Baltimore County

Baltimore County surrounds the city of Baltimore, but does not include the metropolis itself. The average effective tax rate in the county is roughly equal to the state average, but significantly lower than that of city of Baltimore. The average effective tax rate in Baltimore County is 1.15%.

Baltimore City

At 1.51%, the city of Baltimore has the highest effective property tax rate in the state. However, homeowners who do not receive any tax credits may pay even higher rates than that.

For the 2025 fiscal year, the total listed tax rate in Baltimore is $2.248 per $100 of assessed value. In certain districts there may be additional taxes.

If you have questions about how property taxes can affect your overall financial plans, a financial advisor in Baltimore can help you out.

Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County is located on the Chesapeake Bay south of Baltimore and east of Washington D.C. The county’s effective property tax rate is 0.86%. However, home values in the county are very high, which means annual property tax payments for many homeowners are too. The median property tax payment in Anne Arundel County is $3,719 per year, nearly $700 higher than the U.S. median.

Howard County

The typical homeowner in Howard County pays $6,373 annually in property taxes, which is the most expensive amount in the state. Unsurprisingly, tax rates in Howard County also rank as some of the highest in the state, with an average effective rate of 1.37%.

Harford County

Located in northern Maryland, Harford County has property tax rates higher than the state average at 1.21%. The typical Hartford County homeowner pays $3,880 per year in property taxes. 

Frederick County

Frederick County's effective tax rate of 1.03% is approximately the same as the statewide average (1.02%). In some cities, the total rate will be much higher than that. 

Carroll County

Carroll County is a largely rural area located in northern Maryland northeast of Baltimore. The effective property tax rate in Carroll County is 0.96%. The tax bill on a home of median value ($390,200) would be about $3,751.

Charles County

Charles County has property tax rates slightly above the state average. The county’s 1.06% average effective rate ranks as the sixth highest among Maryland’s 23 counties (plus the city of Baltimore).