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Living in Athol, Massachusetts
Athol is a town in northern Worcester County, in the North Quabbin region, originally called Pequoiag before it was settled by five families in September 1735 and incorporated in 1762. The Millers River runs through downtown from northeast to west, joined in town by the Tully River, and elevations range from about 500 feet near the river to 1,282 feet at Pratt Hill. Known as "Tool Town" for the L.S. Starrett Company, a precision-tool manufacturer founded in 1881 and still the town's largest employer, Athol also hosts the River Rat Race canoe race each April.
Athol at a glance
- $12.67Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $3,924Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 45-55 minDrive to Worcester
- WorcesterCounty
Athol's zip code
Athol center uses ZIP code 01331; the Athol-Royalston Regional School District also serves the neighboring town of Royalston (01368).
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Athol center | 01331 | Along Main Street, where Town Hall and downtown businesses are located. |
Things to do in Athol, MA
Start with River Rat Race and Bearsden Forest, then 2 more below.
River Rat Race
An annual canoe race held the second week of April, covering about six miles of the Millers River from Cass Meadow in Athol to Hachey's Landing in Orange, with a morning parade and carnival that draws thousands of spectators.
Millers River, Athol to Orange, MA
Bearsden Forest
The largest conservation area in northeastern Athol, with hiking trails, camping, bridges and ponds.
Athol, MA
L.S. Starrett Tool Museum
A museum at the L.S. Starrett Company office displaying historical precision machine tools; admission is by appointment only.
Athol, MA
Athol Historical Society
Occupies the old town hall in uptown Athol, with museum exhibits and historic site tours.
Uptown Athol, MA
More worth a visit
- Athol Public LibraryThe town's public library, established in 1882 and rebuilt in 1918 with private donations.
Around the calendar
- AprilRiver Rat RaceAn annual canoe race on the Millers River from Cass Meadow in Athol to Hachey's Landing in Orange, with a parade and carnival.
A little history
Originally called Pequoiag, the area was settled by five families in September 1735 and incorporated as Athol in 1762.
The L.S. Starrett Company, a precision tool manufacturer, was established in Athol in 1881 and remains the town's largest employer, giving Athol the nickname "Tool Town."
The Athol Public Library was established in 1882 and rebuilt in 1918 with private donations; it was the first building in Athol with air conditioning, added in 1969.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Athol
Athol's outdoor recreation centers on the Millers and Tully rivers and on Bearsden Forest, the largest conservation area in the northeastern part of town.
- Bearsden ForestHiking trails, camping, bridges and ponds in the town's largest conservation area.
- Millers River Wildlife Management AreaA wildlife management area with a large portion situated within Athol.
Walkability and getting around Athol
Downtown Athol along Main Street has sidewalks connecting Town Hall, the library and storefronts, and recent revitalization has reduced vacancies, but most of the town outside the center is built around driving.
Drive times
- Worcester, about 33 miles45-55 min
- Worcester Regional Airport, about 38 miles50-60 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART), based in Fitchburg, provides eastbound bus service to Athol; the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) provides westbound routes, and Community Transit Service offers dial-a-ride options.
Athol property taxes
Athol's most recent certified residential tax rate is $12.67 per $1,000 of assessed value, for FY2026 (July 2025 to June 2026). Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $1,267 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $3,924, on an average assessed value of $309,717.
Athol's FY2026 tax rates
$12.67per $1,000, residential
- Residential$12.67 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$309,717
- Average single-family tax bill$3,924
- Motor vehicle excise (statewide)$25 per $1,000 of value
Source: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
How the residential rate has changed
| Fiscal year | Residential rate |
|---|---|
| FY2022 | $16.05 |
| FY2023 | $14.04 |
| FY2024 | $12.83 |
| FY2025 | $12.71 |
| FY2026 | $12.67 |
Look up a Athol property
- Property record cardsAssessed value, lot size and building details
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- Town ClerkVital records and town records
- Assessors' officeQuestions about a value: 978-721-8500
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Athol
Things to look into on a Athol purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate, septic & wells, river flood zones.
Check the flood zone first
The Millers River runs through downtown Athol, and the Tully River joins it within town, putting low-lying parcels along both rivers in FEMA-mapped flood zones. We take an early look at FEMA's map before you offer. That's not a flood determination: the official determination ordered with your loan decides whether flood insurance is required.
FEMA's flood map for Athol (opens in a new tab)Smoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Athol Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 978-249-8275 to schedule.
Athol Fire Department page (opens in a new tab)Health Department handles septic and well permitting
Athol's Health Department, part of Town Hall at 584 Main Street, issues septic and well-related permits and inspections. Buyers should confirm septic and well status before making an offer on a property outside town water and sewer service.
Athol Health Department (opens in a new tab)Check FEMA flood maps near the Millers and Tully rivers
Parts of Athol along the Millers River, which runs through downtown, and near the Tully River fall within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check the flood map before you make an offer near either river.
All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, and property and program requirements. MassHousing limits and eligibility are set by MassHousing and change from time to time.
Thinking about buying in Athol?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Athol address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Athol: utilities, trash and town hall
Who to call in Athol: National Grid for power.
- ElectricNational Grid
- WaterAthol Water Division
- Sewer or septicAthol operates a sewer treatment plant (STP/Sewer Division) as part of its Public Works Department.
- Registry of Motor VehiclesUpdate your address with the RMV within 30 days. Excise tax goes to the city or town where the car is garaged.Mass. RMV
Town Hall offices and contacts
Athol Town Hall is at 584 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331. Main line: 978-721-8500.
- Town HallMain line and website978-721-8500
- Town ClerkLand records, vital records, and elections.978-721-8500
- AssessorProperty values and assessments.978-721-8500
- Treasurer/CollectorProperty tax billing and payment.978-721-8500
- Building DepartmentBuilding permits and inspections.978-721-8500
- Planning & DevelopmentZoning, land use, and planning applications.978-721-8500
- Open Space & Recreation CommitteeTown parks and recreation planning.978-721-8500
- Public WorksRoads, water, sewer, and trash/recycling.978-721-8448
- Health DepartmentSeptic, wells, and food establishment permits.978-721-8450
- Athol Public LibraryThe town's public library, established in 1882.
- Athol-Royalston Regional School DistrictThe town's Pre-K-12 public school district, shared with Royalston.
Athol, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Athol, MA?
Athol's most recent certified residential tax rate is $12.67 per $1,000 of assessed value, for FY2026 (July 2025 to June 2026). Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Athol?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $5,068 a year at $12.67 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Athol have a split tax rate?
No. Athol uses a single rate of $12.67 per $1,000 for all property classes.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Athol?
The average single-family tax bill in Athol was $3,924 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $309,717.
What ZIP code does Athol use?
Athol center uses ZIP code 01331.
Who supplies electricity in Athol?
National Grid provides electric service in Athol.
Is there public transit in Athol?
The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) provides eastbound bus service, the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) provides westbound routes, and Community Transit Service offers dial-a-ride options.
Which towns border Athol?
Athol borders Royalston, Phillipston, Petersham, New Salem, and Orange.
What is Athol known for?
Athol is nicknamed "Tool Town" for the L.S. Starrett Company, a precision-tool manufacturer founded there in 1881 and still the town's largest employer. The town also hosts the annual River Rat Race canoe race each April.
How far is Athol from Worcester?
Athol is about 33 miles from Worcester, roughly a 45-55 minute drive.
Towns near Athol
Neighbors of Athol, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Athol, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Town of Athol official website: athol-ma.gov
- Fire Department - Athol, MA: athol-ma.gov
- Health Department directory - Athol, MA: athol-ma.gov
- Public Works - Athol, MA: athol-ma.gov
- MassDOT Utility Contacts by District/Municipality - Athol: hwy.massdot.state.ma.us
- Millers River in Athol, Massachusetts photo, Wikimedia Commons: commons.wikimedia.org
- Tax rates and average single-family value and tax bill: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
- Motor vehicle excise: M.G.L. c. 60A, $25 per $1,000 of value statewide.
- Walkability: Walk Score® ratings, provided live by Walk Score. Addresses are located with the U.S. Census Bureau geocoder.
- Photo: "MillersRiverMA" by Richard B. Johnson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; resized.
- Checked September 25, 2026.