2013 Tax Rates: How Does Wayland Compare?

As 2013 begins, property tax rates are generally increasing for residents across Massachusetts, but not in Wayland. Wayland's rate is decreasing by $1.12, but how does that compare to surrounding communities?

Even with that fairly signficant decrease, out of 19 communities in the area, Wayland's 2013 residential tax rate lands it near the top of the list, with only Sudbury having a higher rate, according to rates compiled by Patch through the state Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services.

The Wayland Board of Selectmen voted on the 2013 rate at a tax classification hearing last month, .

Wayland may have one of the highest residential tax rates in the area, but its average home assessment has decreased since the 2012 tax rates were set. The average single-family assessment decreased from $593,050 to $588,500, which also contributed to the decrease in the average tax bill.

Sudbury's 2013 residential tax rate of $17.99 is the highest of the nearby communities. Cambridge continues to levy the lowest residential taxes, with a 2013 rate of $8.66 (Cambridge also adopted a residential exemption).

Boston's commercial tax rate of $31.96 is the highest commercial rate of the communities surveyed, while Wellesley is the lowest with $11.70.

According to a recent report from Coldwell Banker, . 

Check the chart below to see comparisons of tax rates between communities.

2013 Tax Rates By Municipality

Information taken from the state Division of Local Services. In order from lowest residential rate in 2013 to highest. See the attached PDF for more 2013 tax rates as approved by the state.