Updated · Property tax data: Census ACS 2024 5-year estimates · Transfer tax verified April 2026 · Methodology · Editorial policy
Frederick County's 0.99% effective property tax rate falls in the middle 50% of US counties, close to the national median of 0.81%. Within Maryland's 24 counties, it's the 7th highest. On the county's median home value of $464,600, the typical homeowner pays $4,584 annually in property tax, $2,955 more than the national median of $1,629. At closing, Maryland's 0.50% combined real estate transfer tax adds roughly $2,323 on a median-priced home, split between buyer and seller. About 12.4% of the county lies within a FEMA flood hazard zone, worth checking msc.fema.gov for any specific address before buying.
Enter any purchase price to see the full cost breakdown for Frederick County.
Moderate flood risk. Some neighborhoods require flood insurance. Check your property at msc.fema.gov.
All figures are estimates for planning purposes only. Mortgage payment assumes a 30-year fixed rate of 7.28%, the Freddie Mac PMMS average for the week ending October 1, 2026. Your lender will confirm the actual rate. Closing costs vary by lender and transaction. Consult a licensed real estate attorney and lender before making any financial decisions.
Ways buyers in Frederick County may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Caps annual taxable assessment increase on the principal residence at 10% statewide. Counties may set lower caps (e.g., Anne Arundel 2%, Prince George's 3%, Talbot 0%). One-time application required.
View official source →Income-based state credit limiting property tax on primary residence to a fixed percentage of gross income. Senior Tax Credit supplements vary by county.
View official source →Complete exemption from real property tax on the dwelling and surrounding yard for veterans with 100% service-connected permanent and total disability (and unremarried surviving spouses).
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
Answers to common questions about buying a home in Frederick County.
The effective property tax rate in Frederick County is 0.99%, calculated as the median annual property tax paid ($4,584) divided by the median home value ($464,600), using 2024 US Census ACS 5-year estimates. Your actual bill depends on your purchase price, homestead or senior exemptions, and any special assessments applied in your taxing district.
Maryland's combined real estate transfer tax is approximately 0.50% of the purchase price. On the median Frederick County home value of $464,600, this adds roughly $2,323 at closing. State Transfer Tax 0.5% of price, customarily split 50/50 buyer/seller. Additional County Recordation Tax varies by jurisdiction ($2.50–$6.00 per $500 = 0.5%–1.2%), also customarily split. First-time MD buyers have the 0.25% buyer-side state portion waived (seller pays full 0.5%). As of July 1, 2025, state transfer tax rises from 0.5% to 1.5% on sales to 'real estate enterprises' (entities with >120 properties or >$12M statewide).
Only in parts. About 12.4% of Frederick County's land area is within a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area. Most homes are outside these zones, but worth verifying the specific address at msc.fema.gov.
Closing costs for a buyer in Frederick County typically run $9,292–$23,230 (2–5% of purchase price) on a median-priced home, including title insurance ($800–$2,000), appraisal ($400–$700), home inspection ($350–$600), recording fees ($100–$300), and loan origination (0.5–1.0% of the loan amount). Use the calculator above for a specific estimate at your purchase price.
Every county-specific figure on this page links to the exact public dataset it comes from. Verify the numbers yourself against the original source.
Source for the $4,584/yr median taxes paid (ACS 2024 5-year estimates, variable B25103_001E).
Source for the $464,600 median home value (variable B25077_001E). The 0.99% effective rate is median taxes paid divided by median home value.
Source for the transfer tax used in the calculator (buyer 0.25%, seller 0.25%). Verified April 2026.
Source for the county's flood hazard exposure (coastal and inland flood exposure area as a share of county area).
The national dataset behind the county report, including its technical documentation and release notes.
Look up a specific property's flood zone and insurance rate map before making an offer on a home in Frederick County.
Closing cost line items are national ranges, not county data. The methodology lists each range's source and the calculator's assumptions (mortgage rate, insurance, PMI).
Maryland property tax exemptions: official sources
Verified April 2026.
What every buyer should read before making an offer.
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Read the guide →HOA special assessment not on the disclosure? One buyer got a $15,000 bill the day after closing. How to catch it before, and what to do after.
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