Ellicott City, MD Property Tax Rates
Compare property tax rates across 2 ZIP codes in Ellicott City, Maryland.
Avg Tax Rate
1.20%
Avg Annual Tax
$7,738
Avg Home Value
$641,000
ZIP Codes
2
Property Tax Overview: Ellicott City, MD
Ellicott City has 2 ZIP codes with property tax data. The average effective tax rate across these ZIPs is 1.20%, which is 25% above the Maryland average of 0.96%. Annual property taxes range from $7,036 (ZIP 21043) to $8,439 (ZIP 21042).
For a home at Ellicott City's median value of $641,000, property taxes add approximately $644/month to housing costs. Ellicott City home values are above the Maryland median of $428,085, meaning the monthly tax impact is correspondingly higher.
Property tax rates within Ellicott City vary by 0.09 percentage points across its ZIP codes. This variation typically reflects different school district boundaries, special assessment zones, and municipal service areas within the city.
Ellicott City vs Maryland Average
Effective Tax Rate
25% above state average
Annual Property Tax
Median Home Value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in Ellicott City, MD?
The average effective property tax rate in Ellicott City, Maryland is 1.20%, based on 2 ZIP codes.
How much is property tax in Ellicott City, MD?
The average median annual property tax in Ellicott City is $7,738 per year, with a median home value of $641,000.
Which ZIP code in Ellicott City has the lowest property tax rate?
ZIP code 21043 has the lowest effective tax rate in Ellicott City at 1.16%, with a median annual tax of $7,036.
How many ZIP codes are in Ellicott City, MD?
Ellicott City, Maryland has 2 ZIP codes with property tax data available.
Which ZIP code in Ellicott City has the highest property tax rate?
ZIP code 21042 has the highest effective tax rate in Ellicott City at 1.25%, with a median annual tax of $8,439.
How do Ellicott City property taxes compare to the Maryland average?
Ellicott City's average effective rate of 1.20% is 25% above the Maryland state average of 0.96%.
What factors affect property tax rates between ZIP codes in Ellicott City?
Property tax rate differences within Ellicott City are typically driven by school district boundaries (which can account for 40–60% of a tax bill), special assessment zones for fire, water, or transit services, and whether a ZIP falls within city limits or an unincorporated area. Each taxing jurisdiction sets its own rate, which is why adjacent ZIP codes can have noticeably different effective rates.
Tips for Ellicott City Homeowners
- •Appeal your assessment: If your home is assessed higher than its market value, you can file a property tax appeal. Studies suggest 30–60% of properties are over-assessed. Most counties offer a free informal review process.
- •Check your exemptions: Homestead exemptions can reduce your taxable value and are available to primary residents in most states. Senior, veteran, and disability exemptions may also apply. Exemptions must typically be applied for — they are not automatic.
- •Know your assessment cycle: Maryland reassesses properties periodically. After buying a home, your next tax bill may reflect a new assessment based on your purchase price. Budget accordingly, especially if you bought above prior assessed values.
- •Compare ZIP codes before buying: Even within Ellicott City, effective tax rates can vary significantly across ZIP codes due to different school district overlays. Use PropertyTaxByZip to compare specific ZIPs before choosing a neighborhood.
Looking for county-level property tax data? View Howard County on TaxByCounty.com
Data from U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates (ZCTA level). ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) are Census approximations of USPS ZIP codes.
Estimates are informational only and should not be used as financial or legal advice.