Back to Massachusetts Overview
FIPS: 25017•Rank #89 National•Rank #1 in MA
Middlesex County, MA
Forward-Looking Municipal Debt, Assessment Lag & Carrying Cost Audit
Moderate Tax Drift Risk
96% Conf.
Tax Drift Index
49.9/ 100
Moderate Drift Risk
Middlesex County Executive Risk Briefing
MSRB EMMA Disclosures & US Census BureauAugust 2026
Middlesex County carries a Moderate Tax Drift Score (49.9/100) based on $7,400 in overlapping municipal debt per capita and a +19.8% CAD assessment lag spread. Projected 3-year millage escalation of +0.12% (+12 bps) indicates an estimated +$2,127/yr escrow adjustment on median-priced properties.
Median Home: $740,000Median Income: $118,000Effective Tax: 1.1%
Municipal Debt Per Capita
$7,400
6.3% of Median Income
CAD Valuation Lag
+19.8%
Assessed Value trailing Market HPI
3-Yr Millage Escalation
+12 bps
Effective Rate: 1.1% → 1.3%
Projected Annual Escrow Shock
+$2,127/yr
Estimated on median assessed home
Overlapping Taxing Jurisdictions & Debt Obligations
Breakdown of autonomous debt issuers assessing ad valorem property taxes on parcels within Middlesex County.
| Entity Name | Entity Type | Outstanding Bond Debt | Debt / Student or Cap | Adopted Millage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Public Schools | ISD | $240.0M | $34,000 | 58.000% |
5-Year Historical Drift Score & Effective Rate Trajectory
2022
44
1.1% eff.
2023
46
1.1% eff.
2024
47
1.1% eff.
2025
49
1.1% eff.
2026
49.9
1.1% eff.
Statutory Constraint & Legislative Policy
Proposition 2 1/2 limits total property tax levy growth to 2.5% plus new growth, with municipal overrides frequently approved.
Data Provenance & Audit Citations