Dukes County, MA Property Records
Property records in Dukes, Massachusetts provide documented information about real estate ownership, transfers, mortgages, liens, easements, plans, and related land records for properties within Dukes County, including Martha’s Vineyard communities. These records are useful for confirming legal ownership, researching sales history, reviewing encumbrances, supporting title searches, evaluating property boundaries, and gathering information for real estate transactions, estate matters, or local research.
Official Dukes property records are maintained primarily by the Dukes County Registry of Deeds, while town assessors may provide property tax, valuation, and parcel information. Users can search recorded land documents online or obtain assistance through the registry office by visiting the county’s official Dukes property records resource.
Dukes County, MA Property Records & Statistics
Dukes County, which covers Martha's Vineyard, has a median rent of $1,736, well above the Massachusetts median of $1,498.50 and more than double the national $840.25. The median home value of $1,056,000 is roughly twice the state's $521,600 and many times the national $173,750. Renter-occupied housing makes up 25.05% of homes, higher than 22.52% statewide and 21.81% nationally, reflecting the island's seasonal and year-round rental demand.
Property taxes are comparatively gentle. The county's median property tax rate of 0.53% is less than half the state rate of 1.18% and below the national 0.74%. Even so, the very high home values mean the dollar amount of tax owed can still be substantial.
The median household income is $92,022, slightly under the state's $94,414 but well above the national $65,108. Incomes that trail home prices by a wide margin help explain the affordability pressures common on the island. The unemployment rate is 5.52%, higher than 3.11% in Massachusetts and 2.87% nationally, which is consistent with a resort economy where work can be seasonal.
Overall, the figures show a high-cost housing market with a larger rental share, low tax rates, and elevated unemployment.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
Unemployment Rate
Renter Occupied Housing
Property Records, Assessments, and Valuations in Dukes
Dukes County property records include assessor parcels, recorded deeds and mortgages, valuation data, and foreclosure filings. The county has 21,749 total parcels, including 16,423 residential and 1,653 commercial parcels, with tax records covering 93.45% of the population for the 2025 assessment year. Recorded documents include 42,212 deeds and 52,969 mortgages, and valuation data is available for 12,794 properties.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Parcels | 21,749 |
| Residential Parcels | 16,423 |
| Commercial Parcels | 1,653 |
| Tax Record Coverage | 93.45% |
| Assessment Year | 2025 |
| Deed Records | 42,212 |
| Mortgage Records | 52,969 |
| Properties with Valuation Data | 12,794 |
| Latest Valuation Update | August 19, 2025 |
| Notice of Sale Records | 422 |
Assignment and Release Records
Assignment and release records show how a mortgage changes after recording. An assignment documents a mortgage being transferred from one lender or holder to another, and a release documents that the loan was paid off and the lien discharged.
Dukes County has 40,737 assignment and release records, including 4,118 assignment documents and 36,619 release documents, recorded from January 3, 2005, through August 15, 2025.
Researchers use these records to identify who holds a mortgage on a property, follow a loan through its transfers, and confirm earlier loans were cleared. That is helpful before a purchase, sale, or refinance. The Dukes County Registry of Deeds maintains these documents and provides access through its Dukes County records search.
How to Search Dukes County, MA Property Records
Property records in Dukes County are split between two sources. The Dukes County Registry of Deeds records deeds, mortgages, assignments, releases, and liens, while the assessor in each island town maintains assessed values and parcel details. Together they cover the county's 21,749 parcels.
For recorded documents, use the Dukes County Registry of Deeds records search. You can search by name, book and page, or recording date and view the recorded instruments. The Dukes County Registry of Deeds website provides general information, and its e-filing page explains how to submit documents electronically.
The Registry is at 81 Main Street, Edgartown, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You can reach staff at 508-627-4025.
Begin with an owner name or known book and page, review the results, and open the matching document. For assessed values and tax bills, contact the assessor or collector in the town where the property sits.
Dukes Registrar of Deeds
The Dukes County Probate Office is located at 81 Main Street, Edgartown, MA, 02539 and can be reached at 508-627-4025. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Records can be accessed through masslandrecords.com or the official website massrods.com.
Dukes County Registry of Deeds
Dukes County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Dukes County property records by address?
Registry records are indexed mainly by name and book and page, so use the Dukes County records search with an owner name if you have one. For address lookups, check the online database of the island town where the property is located, or call the registry at 508-627-4025.
How can I find property owners in Dukes County?
Search a name in the Dukes County records search to find deeds showing ownership transfers. Current owners of record are also listed by the assessor in each town, which keeps the valuation list for its properties.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Dukes County?
Assessed values are set by town assessors, not the county. The county's tax records reflect the 2025 assessment year. Contact the assessing office in the town where the property is located, or use that town's online database, to see its current assessed value.
Where can I find Dukes County property tax bills and payment records?
Property tax bills are issued and collected by each town in Massachusetts. Contact the local tax collector or treasurer for bills, payment history, and online payment. The Registry of Deeds records liens but does not collect taxes.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Dukes County?
Deeds and other recorded documents are held by the Dukes County Registry of Deeds at 81 Main Street, Edgartown. Search online through the records search, visit Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, or call 508-627-4025.
Where can I access Dukes County parcel maps and GIS information?
Parcel maps are kept locally. Island towns commonly publish parcel viewers through the assessor or planning office. Check the website of the town where the property sits. The county's 21,749 parcels are mapped at the town level rather than by the Registry of Deeds.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Dukes County?
Permits and zoning are handled by each town. Contact the local building inspector or zoning office to learn about permit requirements, zoning districts, and permitted uses. Island properties may also face additional local review. The Registry of Deeds does not issue permits.
How can I create a list of property owners in Dukes County?
The registry search is designed for individual lookups rather than bulk lists. For owner or abutter lists, ask the assessor in the relevant town. For questions about recorded documents, call the Registry of Deeds at 508-627-4025.