Property Tax in Bristol County
via TaxByCounty
Bristol taxes slightly above national average
Bristol County's effective tax rate of 1.111% sits just above the national median of 1.1%, placing it squarely in the middle of the American tax-burden spectrum. The median tax bill of $4,685 exceeds the national median of $2,690, but that reflects Bristol's higher median home value of $421,800 compared to the national $281,900. On a dollar-for-dollar basis, Bristol homeowners pay roughly average property tax rates nationwide.
Bristol's rate hovers near Massachusetts average
At 1.111%, Bristol's effective rate is virtually identical to the state average of 1.065%, placing it almost exactly in the middle of Massachusetts counties. The median tax bill is $4,685, about 9% below the state median of $5,149, reflecting Bristol's slightly lower home values. Bristol represents a typical Massachusetts property tax experience—neither particularly burdensome nor particularly favorable.
Bristol sits between wealthy Essex and rural Franklin
Bristol's 1.111% rate falls well below wealthy Essex County (1.073%, though with much higher home values) and significantly below Franklin (1.514%) and Hampden (1.568%). Compared to nearby Rhode Island and Connecticut counties, Bristol's rate is competitive and aligns with southeastern New England norms. The county's geographic position between industrial inland towns and affluent coastal areas is reflected in its middle-of-the-road tax burden.
A $421,800 home costs roughly $4,685 yearly
The median Bristol property—valued at $421,800—generates an annual tax bill of approximately $4,685, essentially identical for both mortgaged and outright owners at $4,692 and $4,673 respectively. Over 30 years, that totals roughly $140,550 in property taxes. Bristol's tax bill is moderate relative to other Massachusetts counties, reflecting both its rate and its mid-range home values.
Assessment challenges could reduce your bill
Bristol's diverse towns—ranging from working-class industrial centers to affluent suburbs—create uneven assessment practices that sometimes overvalue properties. If your home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales in your town, you have grounds for an appeal at no cost. Systematic reassessment errors are common in mixed-economy counties; reviewing your assessment could unlock unexpected savings.