What is the property tax rate in Hancock County?

The combined effective property tax rate in Hancock County, Maine is approximately 1.05%.

Hancock County Property Tax Calculator (2026)

Property Tax in Hancock County, 2026

A calculator and field guide for Ellsworth-area homeowners — and for anyone considering a move to Hancock County — including Maine's 100% assessment ratio ("just value" = full market value, Title 36), the $25,000 Homestead Exemption (Title 36 §683 — must own ME home 12 months as of April 1), the $6,000 standard Veteran Exemption (Title 36 §653 — wartime + age 62+ OR 100% disability OR became 100% disabled in service; STACKS with Homestead), the $50,000 paraplegic/SAH Veteran Exemption (VA-funded specially adapted housing), and the structurally rare Property Tax Fairness Credit (PTFC) — a refundable Maine state income tax credit up to $2,000 for 65+ ($1,500 standard) for property tax burden exceeding income threshold. Town-driven assessment (~488 municipal entities including Maine's unique "plantation" governance form). Property Tax Stabilization Program was a 2023-only senior freeze that was REPEALED — replaced by expanded PTFC + Property Tax Deferral Program (Title 36 §6266).

Hancock County is part of Maine's town-driven property tax system. Maine assesses real property at 100% of "just value" (full market value, Title 36) statewide. Tax = AV × town mill rate / 1,000. Maine has approximately 488 municipal entities total (towns, cities, plantations, and unorganized territory), each setting its own mill rate. Maine's distinctive "plantation" governance form — between township and town — is primarily found in Aroostook and Somerset counties. Hancock County contains Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert, and other towns — each with its own town mill rate, but sharing the same county mill rate component. Hancock County's representative effective rate is ~1.05%. Maine effective rates run ~1.10% statewide median (moderate by US standards), with substantial town-by-town variation (coastal/affluent towns lower; inland former-mill cities higher).

How the bill is built

Each town's assessor determines "just value" (FMV) as of April 1 (Title 36 §502). Maine assesses at 100% AR. Maine requires reassessment when a town's certified ratio falls below 70% of just value, but many towns delay for years or decades. Tax = FMV × town mill rate / 1,000. Hancock's representative town mill rate is ~11 mills (~1.05% effective). Bills typically issue in 2 halves; due dates vary by town.

Maine's Property Tax Fairness Credit is structurally distinctive. The PTFC is a REFUNDABLE Maine state income tax credit for property tax (or rent equivalent) exceeding a percentage of household income. For 2025: max $1,500 standard / $2,000 if 65+, with income limits ~$46-54K single / $60-80K married. Paid as state refund regardless of whether income tax is owed. Post-bill — doesn't affect this calculator but factors into your total annual burden. Claim on Maine Schedule PTFC/STFC.

The 2023-only senior valuation freeze was REPEALED. Maine's brief LD 290 senior freeze applied only to tax year April 1, 2023, and cannot be reapplied. Replaced by expanded PTFC ($2,000 cap for 65+) and the Property Tax Deferral Program (Title 36 §6266 — defer tax with state lien for income ≤ $80K, repaid at sale). Maine's $6,000 Veteran Exemption (Title 36 §653) stacks with the $25K Homestead Exemption but is NOT full exemption — Maine doesn't join the categorical full-vet-exemption states.

2026 Hancock County rate breakdown (town mill rate per $1,000 of AV (100% FMV; towns assess), Ellsworth district)

Taxing entity	Rate
Combined municipal + county + local school (Bar Harbor ~10.16 mills, Mount Desert ~7.50 mills among lowest in ME, Ellsworth ~17.50 mills, Bucksport ~22 mills, Blue Hill ~12 mills × 100% AR; county avg ~1.05%)	10.5000
Combined total	10.5000

As of April 27, 2026 · From Hancock County + Town Assessors (towns assess; Acadia National Park + Mt. Desert Island).

Note: Hancock County is **home to Acadia National Park** — the **47,000-acre national park on Mount Desert Island + Schoodic Peninsula + Isle au Haut** that draws **3.96 million annual visitors** (7th-most-visited US national park) — as **the only US national park in New England**. Anchored by **Ellsworth** (~9K, the commercial center + Acadia gateway), **Bar Harbor** (~6K — Acadia National Park gateway + 1869-founded summer resort + College of the Atlantic ~400 students), **Mount Desert** (~2K — Mount Desert Island town including Northeast Harbor + Seal Harbor + Pretty Marsh), **Bucksport** (~5K — Penobscot River paper mill town), **Blue Hill** (~3K — downeast coastal arts community), **Castine** (~1K — 1613-founded historic town + home of the **Maine Maritime Academy** ~1,000 students), and **Southwest Harbor** (~2K — Mount Desert Island fishing village). Major employment includes substantial Acadia National Park tourism (~$285 million annual visitor spending), the **Jackson Laboratory** in Bar Harbor (the 1929-founded American genetics-and-genomics research institution — for mouse genetics research, ~2,500 employees, 14,000+ genetic strains of laboratory mice), the **Maine Maritime Academy** (~1,000 students), and substantial seasonal lodging/restaurant employment.

Note: Hancock County effective property tax rates run approximately **1.05%** — **among the lowest in Maine**. The reason: substantial Mt. Desert Island summer/seasonal-resident commercial and waterfront tax base. Combined town mill rates: Bar Harbor 10.16 mills (~1.02% effective), **Mount Desert at 7.50 mills** is **among the lowest in Maine** (substantial Northeast Harbor / Seal Harbor / Pretty Marsh affluent summer-resident waterfront tax base), Ellsworth 17.50 mills, Bucksport 22 mills, Blue Hill 12 mills. Median home values around $465K (substantially elevated by Mount Desert Island premium + Acadia gateway premium) combined with the lower effective rate produce median annual bills around $4,883.

Note: For relocation buyers: Hancock County offers **the premier Acadia National Park + Downeast Maine coast + Mount Desert Island summer-resort** option — substantial seasonal recreation economy, the **Acadia National Park** (the 47,000-acre national park, only US national park in New England), exceptional cultural amenities (the **Bar Harbor + Mount Desert Island summer cottage culture** — since 1869, when American "Rusticators" began annual summer pilgrimages; subsequent Gilded Age rich-and-famous summer cottages including Vanderbilt + Rockefeller + Pulitzer + Astor families; 1947 Bar Harbor Fire that destroyed 67 Gilded Age summer cottages), the **Jackson Laboratory** genetics research institution, the Maine Maritime Academy + Castine maritime heritage, and reasonable Bangor commute (Ellsworth to Bangor ~30 min via Route 1A). The trade-off: aggressive housing prices on Mt. Desert Island (Mount Desert median home $1M+, Bar Harbor median $700K+, Northeast Harbor $5M+ summer cottages), substantial seasonal population variation (Mt. Desert Island population swells from ~10K year-round to ~50K+ in summer), aggressive Memorial Day-Labor Day-Columbus Day traffic on Route 3 + Route 1A.

Deductions and exemptions for 2026

Maine homeowner property tax relief operates through several mechanisms — primarily through statewide AV reductions applied at the town level, plus the structurally rare Property Tax Fairness Credit (PTFC) on the state income tax return. Maine's primary relief mechanisms: (1) the $25,000 Homestead Exemption (Title 36 §683), (2) the $6,000 Standard Veteran Exemption (Title 36 §653), (3) the $50,000 Paraplegic/SAH Veteran Exemption, (4) the $4,000 Blind Exemption, (5) the Property Tax Fairness Credit (refundable state income tax credit), and (6) the Property Tax Deferral Program (Title 36 §6266 — for income-tested 65+ filers).

Homestead Exemption (Title 36 §683)

The $25,000 AV reduction for primary residences. Eligibility: must own a Maine home for at least 12 months as of April 1 of the tax year and make it your permanent residence. Apply once with town assessor (annual renewal automatic once approved — no need to reapply each year). On a home in a town with a $13/$1,000 mill rate, the Homestead Exemption saves approximately $325/year. Towns adjust the exemption amount by their certified assessment ratio if the town is below 100% AR (some towns delay reassessment for years; a town with 70% certified ratio applies $17,500 effective AV reduction rather than $25,000).

Standard Veteran Exemption (Title 36 §653)

The $6,000 AV reduction for vets who served during a recognized war period AND meet ONE of: (a) age 62+, (b) receiving 100% disability compensation, OR (c) became 100% disabled in service. The $6,000 STACKS with the $25,000 Homestead Exemption (combined $31,000 AV reduction for qualifying vet homesteaders). On a home in a town with a $13/$1,000 mill rate, the standard exemption saves approximately $78/year. Surviving unremarried spouses of deceased qualifying vets receive the same $6,000 exemption. Apply with town assessor (DD-214 + VA disability rating decision) by April 1.

Paraplegic / Specially Adapted Housing Veteran Exemption (Title 36 §653)

$50,000 AV reduction for vets who received a federal grant for a specially adapted housing unit (Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation grants from the VA). Narrow applicability — only qualifying severely disabled vets with VA-adapted homes. On a home in a town with a $13/$1,000 mill rate, the paraplegic exemption saves approximately $650/year. Stacks with the $25,000 Homestead Exemption.

Property Tax Fairness Credit / PTFC (refundable state income tax credit)

Maine's structurally rare relief mechanism — a REFUNDABLE Maine individual income tax credit for property tax (or rent equivalent) paid that exceeds a percentage of household income. The credit is paid as a state income tax refund REGARDLESS of whether income tax is owed. For 2025 tax year (claimed on 2026 Maine income tax return): maximum credit $1,500 standard ($2,000 if 65+). Income limits vary by filing status — typical $46,000-$54,000 single, $60,000-$80,000 married. Claimed on Maine Schedule PTFC/STFC with the state income tax return. The PTFC is administered by Maine Revenue Services, not by the towns.

Property Tax Deferral Program (Title 36 §6266)

For seniors 65+ with income at or below ~$80,000, the state pays the property tax to the town (lien attached to the property), repaid at sale or estate settlement. Asset limits apply (~$50,000 in non-home assets). Apply with town assessor by April 1. This program REPLACED the 2023-only Property Tax Stabilization Program that was repealed by the legislature in 2023.

Appealing your assessment

Maine property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: Town Board of Assessment Review (BAR) OR Local Assessor. File written abatement application within 185 days of commitment of taxes (typically the bill mailing date). Present comparable sales, recent appraisals, or condition documentation. Level 2: County Commissioners (most counties) OR State Board of Property Tax Review (BPTR) for non-residential property valued >$1M. Appeal within 60 days of BAR decision. Level 3: Maine Superior Court. Most appeals are resolved at Level 1 or 2. Tax cycle: assessment date is April 1; bills typically issued in 2 halves (most towns: due September/March, but exact dates vary by town).

Cities and towns in Hancock County

Hancock County contains 7 incorporated municipalities, ranging from Ellsworth to the smallest village. Search volume for property tax is often city-specific, so here is the complete list — with population from the 2020 US Census, rounded to the nearest 100.

Data: US Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census. Populations rounded. Cities marked as "split" straddle a county border — the portion inside Hancock County is subject to Hancock County's tax rolls, while the portion outside is subject to the adjacent county's.

City or town	Type	Population (2020)
Ellsworth County seat	city	9,000
Bar Harbor	town	6,000
Bucksport	town	5,000
Blue Hill	town	3,000
Mount Desert	town	2,000
Southwest Harbor	town	2,000
Castine	town	1,000

About city-level property tax rates: The rate breakdown and calculator on this page reflect the Ellsworth tax district. Other cities in Hancock County may pay into different school districts, city rates, and special districts — so their combined rates can differ, sometimes substantially. Always verify the specific rates for your address with the Hancock County + Town Assessors (towns assess; Acadia National Park + Mt. Desert Island) before relying on any estimate.

Frequently asked questions

When are Maine property taxes due?

Maine property tax assessment date is April 1 (Title 36 §502 — the date that determines ownership and property characteristics for the tax year). Bills are typically issued in 2 halves; due dates vary by town (most ME towns: due September/March, but some towns use single annual bill or different splits). Late payments accrue 7% interest. Most homeowners pay through escrow via mortgage servicer.

What's the difference between Maine's Homestead Exemption and the Property Tax Fairness Credit?

Maine homeowners can claim BOTH. The Homestead Exemption (Title 36 §683) is a $25,000 AV reduction applied at the town level — saves ~$325/year on a typical home. Eligibility: owned ME home for 12 months as of April 1, primary residence. Apply once with town assessor (annual renewal automatic). The Property Tax Fairness Credit (PTFC) is a refundable Maine state income tax credit, claimed on the state income tax return (Maine Schedule PTFC/STFC). Maximum $1,500 standard ($2,000 if 65+). Income-tested. Paid as state refund regardless of whether income tax is owed. Most homeowners qualify for the Homestead Exemption; the PTFC has income limits (~$46K-$54K single, $60K-$80K married).

What happened to the Property Tax Stabilization Program for seniors?

The 2022 Property Tax Stabilization Program (LD 290) was a senior valuation freeze for owners 65+ that ONLY applied to tax year April 1, 2023 — the Maine Legislature REPEALED the program in 2023 due to substantial unanticipated cost. It cannot be reapplied for 2024 or later years. The Legislature replaced it with: (1) Expanded Property Tax Fairness Credit (raised maximum from $1,200 to $2,000 for 65+) and (2) Expanded Property Tax Deferral Program (Title 36 §6266 — income limit raised from $40K to ~$80K, asset limits raised). Apply for Deferral Program with town assessor by April 1.

How does Maine's Veteran Exemption work?

Maine veteran exemptions are AV reductions, not direct tax credits. The Standard Veteran Exemption (Title 36 §653) provides a $6,000 AV reduction for vets who served during a recognized war period AND meet ONE of: (a) age 62+, (b) receiving 100% disability, OR (c) became 100% disabled in service. The $6,000 STACKS with the $25,000 Homestead Exemption (combined $31,000 AV reduction). Paraplegic/SAH Veterans with VA-funded specially adapted housing receive $50,000 AV reduction. For ALL 100% disabled vets: Maine does NOT provide a categorical full property tax exemption — only the $6,000 standard or $50,000 paraplegic/SAH AV reduction. Maine does NOT join the categorical full-exemption states. Apply with town assessor (DD-214 + VA disability rating decision) by April 1.

Why do some Maine towns have very high mill rates?

Two reasons. (1) Below-market AVs. Maine requires reassessment when a town's certified assessment ratio falls below 70% of just value, but many towns delay reassessment for years or decades. When AVs are below market value, the mill rate must be high to generate the same revenue. Cumberland Town in Cumberland County has a $25.18/$1,000 mill rate — the highest in Cumberland County — because Cumberland Town has not recently revalued. After Cumberland's 2026 scheduled revaluation, AVs will rise dramatically and the mill rate will adjust downward (typically partial offset). The actual tax burden in Cumberland is comparable to surrounding communities. (2) Declining commercial tax base. Former mill cities (Rumford in Oxford County, Lewiston in Androscoggin County) have high mill rates because the post-paper-mill commercial tax base has declined while school + municipal costs persist. By contrast, coastal towns with substantial seasonal/commercial tax base (Bar Harbor, Camden, York Town, Wells) have low mill rates.

How do I appeal my Maine assessment?

About Hancock County

Beyond the property tax — a few things you might not know about the place.

Weird fact

**Acadia National Park** is **the only US national park in New England** — as the 47,000-acre park on Mount Desert Island + Schoodic Peninsula + Isle au Haut (~95% on Mt. Desert Island + 5% outer-island parcels). The 1916-established (originally **Sieur de Monts National Monument**) park was as the first US national park east of the Mississippi River — created from land donations by American Gilded Age summer residents including: **John D. Rockefeller Jr.** (1874-1960 — the American philanthropist for the 1915-1933 carriage-road system construction in Acadia, donating 11,000 acres + 57 miles of carriage roads + 17 stone bridges); **George Bucknam Dorr** (1853-1944 — the "father of Acadia" for 40+ years of park advocacy); and dozens of other Mt. Desert Island summer residents. The **Cadillac Mountain summit** (1,530 ft, as the highest US Atlantic-coast mountain north of Brazil) is known for **being the first place in the United States to see the sunrise** — from October-March (when sunrise direction shifts north); other times of year, the first US sunrise is at Lubec, ME or other farther-east locations. The **Acadia carriage road system** (57 miles + 17 stone bridges, designed by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.) is **one of the most-extensive carriage road systems in the United States** — for horse-and-carriage tours + bicycling + walking. The **1947 Bar Harbor Fire** (October 17-November 14, 1947) destroyed 67 Gilded Age summer cottages + 17,000 acres of Acadia forest — as the end of the Mt. Desert Island Gilded Age era.

Hometown hero

Mount Desert Island summer residents + E.B. White + Martha Stewart

**Mount Desert Island** is known for its 150+ year history of American summer-resident cultural figures — including: **E.B. White** (1899-1985 — American author of *Charlotte's Web* 1952 + *Stuart Little* 1945 + *The Trumpet of the Swan* 1970 + co-author of *The Elements of Style* 1959 — lived in **Brooklin, ME** in Hancock County from 1933 until his death in 1985 at his farm overlooking Eggemoggin Reach); **Martha Stewart** (born 1941 — American businesswoman + lifestyle author + TV personality — owns Skylands estate on Mount Desert Island, 63-acre 1925-built estate purchased 1997 from Edsel Ford family for $1.5 million, as former Edsel Ford summer estate); **John D. Rockefeller Jr.** (1874-1960 — the American philanthropist for Acadia National Park land donations); and dozens of American summer-resident cultural figures. **Other notable Hancock County figures** include: **Stephen King** (the American horror novelist — has owned summer home in **Center Lovell, ME** in Oxford County, but with Mt. Desert Island summer connections, see Penobscot County); and **Andrew Wyeth** (1917-2009 — American realist painter — lived in **Cushing, ME** in Knox County, see Knox County).

Biggest annual event

Acadia National Park summer + Bar Harbor + Mt. Desert Island Gilded Age legacy

The **Acadia National Park summer season** (Memorial Day-Columbus Day, with peak July-August) draws **3.96 million annual visitors** — 7th-most-visited US national park. The peak summer attendance: **Bar Harbor population swells from ~6K year-round to ~25K+ in July-August**, Park Loop Road + Cadillac Mountain Auto Road draw heavy traffic + reservations required for Cadillac sunrise visits. The **Bar Harbor summer cottage culture** is for annual social calendar including **Bar Harbor Music Festival** + **Mount Desert Garden Tour** + annual **MDI Marathon** (the October Mt. Desert Island Marathon drawing 1,500+ runners). The **Jackson Laboratory** (Bar Harbor, genetics research) hosts annual summer Short Course in Genetics + annual public Open House.

Property Tax in Hancock County, 2026