Dorchester, MA Property Tax Rates
Compare property tax rates across 3 ZIP codes in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
Avg Tax Rate
0.53%
Avg Annual Tax
$3,269
Avg Home Value
$616,633
ZIP Codes
3
Property Tax Overview: Dorchester, MA
Dorchester has 3 ZIP codes with property tax data. The average effective tax rate across these ZIPs is 0.53%, which is 53% below the Massachusetts average of 1.13%. Annual property taxes range from $3,141 (ZIP 02125) to $3,757 (ZIP 02122).
For a home at Dorchester's median value of $616,633, property taxes add approximately $272/month to housing costs. Dorchester home values are close to the Massachusetts median of $562,482.
Property tax rates within Dorchester 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.
Dorchester vs Massachusetts Average
Effective Tax Rate
53% below state average
Annual Property Tax
Median Home Value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average property tax rate in Dorchester, MA?
The average effective property tax rate in Dorchester, Massachusetts is 0.53%, based on 3 ZIP codes.
How much is property tax in Dorchester, MA?
The average median annual property tax in Dorchester is $3,269 per year, with a median home value of $616,633.
Which ZIP code in Dorchester has the lowest property tax rate?
ZIP code 02125 has the lowest effective tax rate in Dorchester at 0.49%, with a median annual tax of $3,141.
How many ZIP codes are in Dorchester, MA?
Dorchester, Massachusetts has 3 ZIP codes with property tax data available.
Which ZIP code in Dorchester has the highest property tax rate?
ZIP code 02122 has the highest effective tax rate in Dorchester at 0.57%, with a median annual tax of $3,757.
How do Dorchester property taxes compare to the Massachusetts average?
Dorchester's average effective rate of 0.53% is 53% below the Massachusetts state average of 1.13%.
What factors affect property tax rates between ZIP codes in Dorchester?
Property tax rate differences within Dorchester 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 Dorchester 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: Massachusetts 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 Dorchester, 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.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Looking for county-level property tax data? View Suffolk 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.