Methodology
Understanding how we collect, calculate, and present property tax data to help you make informed decisions about where to buy property.
Data Source
All property tax data presented on this website is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The ACS is a nationwide survey conducted annually by the Census Bureau that collects detailed information about housing, economic, and social characteristics of the U.S. population.
Current Dataset: 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates)
The 5‑year estimates provide the most reliable data for smaller geographic areas and are ideal for state‑level comparisons. These estimates combine data from five years of ACS surveys to ensure statistical reliability and reduce sampling error.
Calculation Method
We calculate the effective property tax rate using the following methodology:
1Effective Property Tax Rate
The effective property tax rate is calculated by dividing the median annual property tax paid by the median home value, then multiplying by 100 to express as a percentage.
Effective Rate = (Median Annual Property Tax ÷ Median Home Value) × 100
2Estimated Annual Tax
For comparison purposes, we calculate estimated annual property taxes on homes valued at $250,000 and $500,000 using each state's effective tax rate.
Estimated Tax = Home Value × (Effective Rate ÷ 100)
3Data Points Used
- Median Home Value: The median value of owner‑occupied housing units in each state
- Median Annual Property Tax: The median amount paid annually in property taxes by owner‑occupied housing units
- Median Household Income: Used for context in state comparisons
Important Note: Property tax rates can vary significantly by county and municipality within each state. The figures presented represent statewide averages and medians. Actual property tax bills may differ based on local tax rates, assessment ratios, exemptions, and other factors specific to your property location.
Update Frequency
We update our property tax data annually to reflect the most recent information available from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Annual Updates
The U.S. Census Bureau releases new ACS 5‑year estimates annually, typically in December. We update our website shortly after the new data becomes available, usually within 30‑60 days of publication.
Current Data Period
The current dataset reflects property tax information from the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates, which combines survey data collected between 2019 and 2023. This provides a stable, reliable baseline for comparing property tax rates across states.
Data Verification
All data is verified against the official U.S. Census Bureau ACS data tables before publication. We maintain transparency by clearly indicating the data source and collection period on all pages.
Additional Information
For more information about the American Community Survey and how the data is collected, visit the U.S. Census Bureau ACS website.
If you have questions about our methodology or would like to report an issue with the data, please contact us through our website.