2026 Property Tax Changes in Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester Counties

Homeowners and buyers across southeastern Pennsylvania should be aware of county property tax changes taking effect in 2026. Several counties have approved tax increases as part of their new budgets, while one county will hold rates steady. Understanding these changes is important when budgeting for homeownership or evaluating a potential move.

Property taxes are calculated using millage rates, where one mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.

Bucks County Property Taxes in 2026

Bucks County commissioners approved a 2026 budget of approximately $517 million, which includes an increase in the county property tax rate.

• Millage rate increases from 27.45 to 29.65 mills
• Represents an 8% increase
• Intended to close a county operational deficit of more than $16 million
• The average homeowner will see an increase of about $72 per year

Chester County Property Taxes in 2026

Chester County homeowners will see some stability in the coming year.

• Commissioners approved a $778.6 million budget
• The county real estate tax rate remains unchanged
• The 2026 millage rate stays at 5.164 mills

This makes Chester County the only county in the region not implementing a property tax increase for 2026.

Delaware County Property Taxes in 2026

Delaware County approved one of the more significant increases in the region.

• Total 2026 budget: $418.5 million
• Property taxes increase by 19%
• Combined millage rate of 4.609 mills, made up of:
  • 4.008 mills (general tax levy)
  • 0.601 mills (debt service levy)
• A homeowner with an average assessed value of $255,472 can expect an increase of approximately $188 annually

Montgomery County Property Taxes in 2026

Montgomery County commissioners also approved a modest tax increase.

• Property taxes increase by 4%
• Expected to generate about $12 million in additional county revenue
• The average single-family homeowner will see an increase of roughly $36 per year
• Total millage rate for 2026 is 5.952 mills, which includes:
  • 5.462 mills for county operations
  • 0.49 mills for Montgomery County Community College
  Source: Information summarized and adapted from county budget approvals and regional reporting on 2026 property tax changes.