21157 Property Tax Rate

Property owners in ZIP code 21157 (Westminster, Maryland) pay a median of $3,590/year in property taxes on homes valued at $394,100. This translates to an effective tax rate of 0.91%, which is 5% below the Maryland state average of 0.96%.

The monthly property tax burden for a median-valued home in 21157 is approximately $299, which factors into escrow payments on mortgages. This ZIP code is located within Carroll County. This is $384 less than the Maryland average of $3,974/year.

Compared to similar ZIP codes in Maryland, 21157 has lower property taxes. ZIP codes with similar effective rates include 21040 (0.91%) and 20653 (0.91%).

In Westminster, property taxes represent approximately 3.5% of the median household income of $102,835, providing context for the relative tax burden on homeowners in this area.

Maryland's Homestead Tax Credit caps annual assessment increases at 10% for your primary residence, though your initial purchase-year assessment is unrestricted — file for the credit with Carroll County's tax office. The credit applies automatically to qualifying primary residences but requires proper registration; contact the Carroll County Assessor to ensure your homestead classification is recorded within 45 days of purchase. Request a copy of your Notice of Assessment and confirm your assessment ratio is correct (owner-occupied property should be assessed on market value).