Property Tax in Dukes County
via TaxByCounty
Dukes County offers rare low-tax luxury living
Dukes County's effective tax rate of 0.498% is among the lowest in America, far below the national median of 1.1% and among the most affordable in the country. The median property—worth a remarkable $1,104,100—carries a median tax of $5,503 annually, reflecting Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket's ultrawealthy demographics. Despite high absolute taxes, the rate places wealthy Dukes homeowners in the most tax-favored quartile nationwide.
Dukes' rate is Massachusetts' lowest by far
At 0.498%, Dukes County has the single lowest effective tax rate in Massachusetts, nearly half the state average of 1.065%. The median tax of $5,503 exceeds the state median of $5,149, but only because homes average $1,104,100—nearly double the state median. Dukes represents an exclusive enclave where America's wealthy minimize property tax burden while owning some of the nation's most valuable residential real estate.
Dukes dramatically outpaces every nearby county
Dukes' 0.498% rate is less than half that of Barnstable (0.710%), the second-lowest in Massachusetts, and a fraction of inland rates like Franklin (1.514%) and Hampden (1.568%). The island counties benefit from unique tax structures that favor high-value properties and limit municipal services' scope compared to mainland regions. No other Massachusetts county comes close to Dukes' combination of ultra-low rates and ultra-high property values.
A $1.1M home costs roughly $5,503 yearly
The median Dukes property—valued at an extraordinary $1,104,100—triggers a median annual tax of $5,503, though this varies sharply between mortgaged ($4,369) and outright ownership ($6,538). Over 30 years, that amounts to roughly $165,090 in total property taxes on a property that likely appreciated many millions. Despite the high absolute tax, Dukes' ultra-low rate means homeowners pay far less tax per dollar of value than anywhere else in Massachusetts.
Even here, assessments deserve scrutiny
Even in Dukes County's exclusive real estate markets, assessment errors can occur, particularly when comparing island properties to mainland comps or overvaluing during downturns. A formal assessment appeal costs nothing and is your right, regardless of property value. Given Dukes' ultra-high home values, even a 1% assessment reduction could save thousands annually.