Howard County, Maryland Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Howard County, Maryland
Median Howard County effective property tax rate: 1.40%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Howard County home value: $507,600
Median annual Howard County tax bill: $7,069, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Howard County calculated?
Property taxes in Howard County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding Howard County’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Ellicott City or another part of Howard County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Howard County’s effective property tax rate is also higher than the Maryland median of 1.21%, and the median annual tax bill is $4,669 higher than the state median.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Howard County, Maryland Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.4%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$7,106
$6,595
How Does the Howard County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Howard County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Howard County's median effective tax rate of 1.40% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the assessment office assigns for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.
Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property. Howard County’s median effective tax rate is higher than the national median property tax rate of 1.02% and higher than the state median tax rate of 1.21%. The county’s median property tax bill is $7,069, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Howard County.
Property Tax Rates Across Howard County, Maryland
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Howard County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Howard County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.
Below, compare Howard County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Maryland or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Howard County's median effective rate stands at 1.40%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Howard County, the highest rate is found in Woodstock at 1.53%, while Brookeville has the lowest at 1.20%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, special taxing districts assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Howard County Tax Rate
1.40%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Maryland Tax Rate
1.21%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Howard County, Maryland
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookeville | 1.07% | 1.14% | 1.20% | 1.30% | 1.36% |
| Clarksville | 1.23% | 1.31% | 1.38% | 1.49% | 1.53% |
| Columbia | 1.24% | 1.32% | 1.42% | 1.51% | 1.56% |
| Cooksville | 1.13% | 1.20% | 1.30% | 1.35% | 1.40% |
| Dayton | 1.07% | 1.19% | 1.29% | 1.35% | 1.41% |
| Elkridge | 1.17% | 1.24% | 1.31% | 1.36% | 1.40% |
| Ellicott City | 1.25% | 1.32% | 1.43% | 1.53% | 1.56% |
| Fulton | 1.23% | 1.28% | 1.36% | 1.42% | 1.44% |
| Glenelg | 1.16% | 1.22% | 1.30% | 1.40% | 1.44% |
| Glenwood | 1.07% | 1.16% | 1.24% | 1.33% | 1.38% |
| Hanover | 1.21% | 1.25% | 1.28% | 1.32% | 1.43% |
| Highland | 1.18% | 1.27% | 1.33% | 1.37% | 1.41% |
| Jessup | 1.32% | 1.39% | 1.45% | 1.50% | 1.54% |
| Laurel | 1.31% | 1.40% | 1.45% | 1.49% | 1.52% |
| Lisbon | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.34% | 1.37% | 1.39% |
| Marriottsville | 1.39% | 1.44% | 1.45% | 1.51% | 1.57% |
| Mount Airy | 1.16% | 1.27% | 1.35% | 1.43% | 1.48% |
| Savage | 1.35% | 1.44% | 1.49% | 1.51% | 1.53% |
| Sykesville | 1.25% | 1.36% | 1.44% | 1.48% | 1.51% |
| West Friendship | 1.17% | 1.39% | 1.43% | 1.45% | 1.47% |
| Woodbine | 1.02% | 1.17% | 1.24% | 1.33% | 1.37% |
| Woodstock | 1.43% | 1.44% | 1.53% | 1.54% | 1.57% |
| Annapolis Junction | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Simpsonville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Howard County, Maryland
When examining property taxes in Howard County, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.
The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Howard County assessment office estimates the market value for tax purposes.
The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices:
In Howard County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of May.
Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Howard County.
For example, the median tax bill in Howard County is $7,069, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, with Glenelg posting the highest median home price at $914,300.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Howard County, Maryland
Source: Ownwell
$378,400
$646,350
$914,300
Median Howard County Market Value
$507,600
Median Maryland Market Value
$338,400
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Howard County, Maryland
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookeville | $533,330 | $600,600 | $819,800 | $900,825 | $1,046,740 |
| Clarksville | $457,480 | $628,100 | $815,800 | $988,100 | $1,333,000 |
| Columbia | $201,000 | $316,800 | $410,800 | $537,200 | $650,100 |
| Cooksville | $398,410 | $507,250 | $729,850 | $963,900 | $1,175,720 |
| Dayton | $494,620 | $606,650 | $800,000 | $1,091,850 | $1,294,860 |
| Elkridge | $267,900 | $350,000 | $428,900 | $532,625 | $728,600 |
| Ellicott City | $332,100 | $441,600 | $575,400 | $713,650 | $873,720 |
| Fulton | $469,900 | $634,000 | $789,500 | $1,127,500 | $1,300,700 |
| Glenelg | $466,800 | $617,000 | $914,300 | $1,199,200 | $1,417,880 |
| Glenwood | $500,640 | $600,750 | $801,400 | $1,018,550 | $1,235,380 |
| Hanover | $328,860 | $450,550 | $501,400 | $560,950 | $696,860 |
| Highland | $512,310 | $597,200 | $753,350 | $1,007,925 | $1,363,030 |
| Jessup | $282,560 | $311,800 | $378,400 | $472,100 | $569,300 |
| Laurel | $223,900 | $336,400 | $470,400 | $616,700 | $746,060 |
| Lisbon | $468,220 | $507,300 | $557,100 | $666,000 | $791,980 |
| Marriottsville | $310,800 | $472,775 | $598,900 | $736,750 | $839,700 |
| Mount Airy | $380,580 | $456,700 | $579,500 | $729,100 | $904,960 |
| Savage | $305,220 | $328,900 | $389,400 | $459,300 | $528,660 |
| Sykesville | $411,980 | $481,950 | $600,200 | $764,450 | $968,660 |
| West Friendship | $464,720 | $614,500 | $739,100 | $922,400 | $1,096,400 |
| Woodbine | $455,370 | $562,550 | $701,400 | $917,375 | $1,154,910 |
| Woodstock | $293,100 | $342,100 | $513,200 | $611,400 | $782,360 |
| Annapolis Junction | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Simpsonville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Howard County, Maryland
Property tax bills in Howard County are based on the assessed value of a home and the local tax rate set by taxing authorities. When a property’s market value changes, the assessed value can change as well, which can raise or lower the bill. For homeowners, that means the amount owed is tied not just to the home itself, but also to how local budgets are funded.
In Howard County, the median home price is $507,600, and property tax bills vary widely across the county. The 25th percentile tax bill is $5,305, while the 75th percentile is $9,369 and the 90th percentile reaches $11,966. That spread shows how differently similar homes can be taxed depending on location and assessment. Glenelg has the highest median tax bill at $12,266, while Jessup has the lowest at $5,469. For homeowners, these differences can have a major impact on annual housing costs.
Median Howard County Tax Bill
$7,069
Median Maryland Tax Bill
$4,092
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Howard County, Maryland
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookeville | $6,501 | $7,549 | $9,704 | $10,603 | $12,702 |
| Clarksville | $6,998 | $8,702 | $11,652 | $13,629 | $17,406 |
| Columbia | $3,453 | $4,642 | $5,714 | $7,358 | $8,981 |
| Cooksville | $5,459 | $6,711 | $9,203 | $12,176 | $14,542 |
| Dayton | $6,734 | $7,965 | $9,923 | $12,856 | $15,989 |
| Elkridge | $3,663 | $4,552 | $5,591 | $6,757 | $9,358 |
| Ellicott City | $4,925 | $6,358 | $8,170 | $10,157 | $12,169 |
| Fulton | $7,163 | $9,004 | $11,026 | $14,657 | $16,741 |
| Glenelg | $7,148 | $8,727 | $12,266 | $15,276 | $17,521 |
| Glenwood | $6,563 | $7,520 | $9,779 | $12,449 | $15,605 |
| Hanover | $4,622 | $5,986 | $6,605 | $7,462 | $8,684 |
| Highland | $6,778 | $8,026 | $9,974 | $13,290 | $17,486 |
| Jessup | $4,292 | $4,674 | $5,469 | $6,610 | $8,041 |
| Laurel | $3,558 | $5,024 | $6,826 | $8,662 | $10,382 |
| Lisbon | $5,329 | $6,314 | $7,501 | $8,752 | $10,526 |
| Marriottsville | $5,183 | $7,286 | $8,971 | $10,812 | $12,447 |
| Mount Airy | $5,148 | $6,161 | $7,662 | $9,305 | $11,287 |
| Savage | $4,507 | $4,891 | $5,679 | $6,563 | $7,488 |
| Sykesville | $5,861 | $6,904 | $8,464 | $10,610 | $13,494 |
| West Friendship | $6,837 | $8,727 | $10,515 | $12,916 | $15,065 |
| Woodbine | $5,557 | $6,805 | $8,741 | $11,424 | $14,054 |
| Woodstock | $4,676 | $6,267 | $7,826 | $9,273 | $12,013 |
| Annapolis Junction | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Simpsonville | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | February 13 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Howard Tax Assessor | |
| Website | sdat.dat.maryland.gov |