Property Tax Calculator for Suffolk County

Property Tax Landscape in Suffolk County

Suffolk County stands out within Massachusetts with a 0.666% effective rate — well below the state average of 1.13%. The gap saves roughly $3,158 per year on a median-priced home, a substantial amount when compounded over the life of a mortgage. Counties in this tier often fund services through alternative revenue: sales tax, state transfers, tourism, or commercial tax base. For buyers who plan to hold long-term, the cumulative savings versus higher-tax counties in Massachusetts can run into the tens of thousands. Escrow will still adjust with assessments, but the baseline rate offers a structurally lower carrying cost. Within Massachusetts, Suffolk County ranks as the 3th lowest of 14 counties by effective property tax rate.

Suffolk County sits above the Massachusetts state median, placing it in the premium tier for the region. A median home value of $680,700 reflects demand for the area's access to jobs, schools, or lifestyle. Buyers here face a market where list prices move quickly and competition can push offers above asking. Financing still works within conventional loan limits in most cases, but buyers should model the full monthly cost — principal, interest, tax, insurance, and any HOA — before committing. The premium pricing means less room for surprises in the budget. Long-term ownership here tends to reward buyers who plan conservatively and hold through market cycles. Median household income in Suffolk County runs below the Massachusetts state average at $92,859. Buyers here often rely on FHA, USDA, or state down-payment assistance programs to make the numbers work. The price-to-income ratio of 7.3x signals a market where buyers stretch to enter — households at the median allocate a larger share of take-home pay toward housing than in most US markets. Median gross rent runs $2,069 per month, giving renters a baseline to compare against ownership costs in the same market.