Utah Property Tax Overview

Keywords: Utah property tax, property tax in Utah, Utah property tax rate

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1. Key Statistics (2026)

*All figures are based on the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) (5‑year estimates, 2023).

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2. How Utah Property Tax is Calculated

The effective property tax rate represents the average amount of tax paid per dollar of assessed property value. In Utah, the 2023 effective rate of 0.53 % means that, on average, a homeowner pays 0.53 cents for each dollar of home value.

Example Tax Bills

These examples use the statewide effective rate and are intended as illustrative approximations. Actual tax bills can differ because:

• Local jurisdictions (county, city, school district) set their own millage rates.
• Assessment practices and exemptions (e.g., homestead, senior, disabled) may reduce taxable value.

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3. Comparison to the National Average

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the national average effective property tax rate in 2023 was 0.97 %. Utah’s rate of 0.53 % is 45.22 % lower than the national average, placing the state in the lower‑tax tier among the 52 states and territories surveyed. This relative difference influences overall housing costs but does not alone determine affordability.

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4. Variation by County

Property tax rates in Utah are not uniform across the state. Each of the 29 counties (and the independent city of Salt Lake City) adopts its own millage rates to fund county services, schools, and other local obligations. Consequently:

• Higher‑rate counties (e.g., Davis, Salt Lake) may produce tax bills above the statewide average.
• Lower‑rate counties (e.g., Uintah, Tooele) often generate bills below the average.

Homeowners should consult the specific county assessor’s office or the Utah State Tax Commission for precise millage information.

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5. Considerations for Retirees and Landlords

Retirees

• A lower effective property tax rate can reduce the overall cost of home ownership for retirees who rely on fixed incomes.
• Retirees should also evaluate other state taxes (e.g., income tax, sales tax) and available exemptions, such as the senior citizen exemption offered by many Utah counties.

Landlords

• For rental property owners, property tax is a recurring expense that directly affects net operating income.
• Utah’s comparatively low effective rate may improve cash flow relative to states with higher rates, but landlords must still account for county‑specific millage variations and potential local assessments.

Both groups benefit from reviewing the actual millage rates in the county where the property is located, as well as any applicable exemptions or deductions.

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6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the average effective property tax rate in Utah?
A: Based on the most recent ACS estimates (2026), Utah’s average effective property tax rate is 0.53 % of assessed home value.

Q2: How does Utah’s property tax rate compare to the national average?
A: Utah’s rate of 0.53 % is 45.22 % lower than the national average effective rate of 0.97 %, ranking the state 9th out of 52 states and territories in terms of low property tax burden.

Q3: Do property tax rates vary by county within Utah?
A: Yes. Each county (and some cities) sets its own millage rates, resulting in variations in the amount of tax owed on comparable property values across the state.

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7. Sources

• U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates, 2023 – median home value, effective property tax rate, median annual property tax, national average rate, and state ranking.

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This article presents factual data on property taxes in Utah without promotional language.