Dorchester County, MD Property Taxes (2026)

Dorchester County owners pay a median of $2,399 a year on a median home value of $252,300, an effective rate of 0.95%. That's the 10th-highest rate of 24 Maryland counties with Census data, above the Maryland county median of 0.94%.

Updated October 2026 · Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019–2023)

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Effective tax rate

0.95%

10th highest of 24 in MD

Median annual bill

$2,399

~$200/month

Median home value

$252,300

Maryland county median

0.94%

Effective rate

What a protest could save you in Dorchester County

Enter the market value from your appraisal notice. We apply Dorchester County's 0.95% effective rate and a 10–15% reduction, the typical range for successful protests.

$
Est. annual tax
$2,397
Savings at 10–15% off
$240–$360
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Dorchester County vs. Maryland vs. U.S. property tax rates

Dorchester County0.95%
Maryland county median0.94%
U.S. county median0.84%

Key stat: Dorchester County's effective property tax rate is 0.95%, vs. 0.94% for the median Maryland county and 0.84% for the median U.S. county. It ranks 10th of 24 in Maryland. Effective rate = median tax bill ÷ median home value, so it already reflects typical exemptions. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019–2023))

How to appeal your property taxes in Dorchester County

  1. 1

    Review your assessment notice

    Check the assessed value from the Dorchester Department of Assessments and Taxation. Compare it to recent sales of similar homes nearby.

  2. 2

    File your appeal before the deadline

    The Dorchester County deadline is 45 days after notice. Missing it means waiting until the next assessment year.

  3. 3

    Gather evidence

    Recent comparable sales, photos of condition issues, repair estimates or an independent appraisal.

  4. 4

    Present your case

    Submit evidence or attend a hearing with the Department of Assessments and Taxation.

  5. 5

    Get your decision

    If you win, your assessed value and bill go down. On a $2,399 bill, 10–15% off is $240–$360 a year.

Want help with it?

TaxDrop builds your case from comparable sales data. See pricing →

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Property tax exemptions in Maryland

Maryland homeowners may qualify for exemptions that reduce taxable value. Check with the Dorchester Department of Assessments and Taxation for amounts.

Homestead exemption

For your primary residence. Reduces the value used to calculate your bill.

Senior / over-65

Many states add an exemption or freeze for owners 65 and older.

Disability

For homeowners with qualifying disabilities, often similar to the over-65 benefit.

Veterans

Disabled veterans may get partial or full exemptions depending on rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Dorchester County, Maryland?
The median effective property tax rate in Dorchester County is 0.95%: a median annual bill of $2,399 on a median home value of $252,300. That's the 10th-highest rate of 24 Maryland counties with Census data. Your own rate depends on which city, school district and special districts you're in. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2019–2023).
How much are property taxes in Dorchester County?
The median Dorchester County property tax bill is $2,399 a year, about $200 a month, compared with a Maryland county median of $3,314.
What is the deadline to appeal property taxes in Dorchester County?
The deadline to appeal in Dorchester County is 45 days after notice. Missing it means waiting until the next assessment cycle.
Is Dorchester County a high property tax area?
Dorchester County's 0.95% effective rate is above the Maryland county median of 0.94% and above the U.S. county median of 0.84%. That's the 10th-highest rate of 24 Maryland counties with Census data.
Can TaxDrop help lower my Dorchester County property taxes?
TaxDrop analyzes your property against local comparable sales and helps you appeal your assessment. See www.taxdrop.com/property-tax-appeal-pricing for current pricing.

Property taxes in nearby counties

Wicomico County

Rate: 0.89%

Median bill: $2,120

Talbot County

Rate: 0.66%

Median bill: $2,623

Somerset County

Rate: 0.98%

Median bill: $1,603

Calvert County

Rate: 0.88%

Median bill: $3,858

St. Mary's County

Rate: 0.87%

Median bill: $3,392

Caroline County

Rate: 0.92%

Median bill: $2,513

Queen Anne's County

Rate: 0.79%

Median bill: $3,503

Worcester County

Rate: 0.76%

Median bill: $2,629

← All 24 Maryland counties

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