Dorchester County Property Taxes

Dorchester County, Maryland

Effective Tax Rate

0.00%

27.9% below state avg

Median Annual Tax

$0

$200/mo escrow

#15 of 24 counties in Maryland

Estimate Your Tax

$
$50K$2M

Annual Tax

$0

Monthly

$0

Eff. Rate

0.95%

vs. Maryland Avg27.9% below
vs. National Avg10.8% below

At a Glance

Median Home Value

$252,300

State avg $350,738

Tax w/ Mortgage/yr

$2,490

$208/mo escrow

Tax w/o Mortgage/yr

$2,255

$188/mo

State Tax Rate Rank

#15

of 24 counties (1 = lowest)

Data Story

About Property Taxes in Dorchester County, Maryland

Dorchester taxes closely match national average

Dorchester County's effective tax rate of 0.951% sits just above the national median of 0.84%, making it a moderate-tax county by U.S. standards. The median property tax bill of $2,399 is slightly below the national median of $2,690, despite property values tracking near the national average.

Slightly below Maryland's average rate

At 0.951%, Dorchester County's effective tax rate runs just below Maryland's state average of 0.957%, placing it in the middle tier among the state's 24 counties. Its median tax bill of $2,399 is 28% lower than the state median of $3,328.

Lower taxes than most Eastern Shore peers

Dorchester County's 0.951% rate undercuts Kent County's 0.943% and Queen Anne's County's similar rates, making it one of the region's more affordable options. Homeowners here save roughly $500 annually compared to Harford County residents on comparable properties.

Expected annual tax on median home

A home valued at Dorchester County's median of $252,300 will generate approximately $2,399 in annual property taxes at the 0.951% effective rate. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $2,490; without one, it drops to $2,255.

You may be paying too much

Even in moderate-tax counties, assessment errors occur—many homeowners carry valuations disconnected from current market conditions. Dorchester County residents should request a free assessment review or appeal if they suspect their property value has been overstated.

How Dorchester County Compares

Median Annual Property Tax

Dorchester County$2,399
Maryland State Average$3,328
National Average$1,924

Dorchester County

0.95%

Effective rate

Maryland Avg

0.95%

Effective rate

National Avg

0.91%

Effective rate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Dorchester County, Maryland?
The effective property tax rate in Dorchester County, Maryland is 0.95%. This rate is calculated by dividing the median property tax payment by the median home value in the county.
How much are property taxes in Dorchester County?
The median annual property tax payment in Dorchester County is $2,399. Homeowners with a mortgage pay a median of $2,490, while those without a mortgage pay $2,255.
How does Dorchester County compare to the Maryland average?
Dorchester County's effective tax rate of 0.95% is higher than the Maryland state average of 0.95%. The median annual property tax in Dorchester County is $2,399, compared to the state average of $3,328.
What is the median home value in Dorchester County, Maryland?
The median home value in Dorchester County, Maryland is $252,300, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.
Why is Dorchester County property tax rate higher than the Maryland average?
Dorchester County's effective property tax rate of 0.95% is higher than the Maryland average of 0.95%. This difference of 0.00% can be attributed to local funding needs for schools, infrastructure, and municipal services. Higher rates often correlate with more urbanized areas or counties with greater public service demands.
How does Dorchester County rank for property taxes in Maryland?
Dorchester County ranks #15 out of 24 counties in Maryland by effective property tax rate (1 = lowest). With a rate of 0.95% and median annual tax of $2,399, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Counties with Similar Tax Rates

Nearby Counties

Other Counties in Maryland

Data updated: March 2026

Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Effective tax rate is calculated as median property tax divided by median home value.