Alabama vs Kansas
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alabama vs. Kansas
Brief overview
Both Alabama and Kansas are Mid‑Southern states, but they differ markedly in how property taxes affect homeowners. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Alabama’s effective property‑tax rate is less than one‑third of Kansas’s rate. Consequently, the annual tax bill on a typical home is substantially lower in Alabama, even though median home values and household incomes are comparable.
Side‑by‑side key metrics
| Metric | Alabama | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.38 % | 1.30 % |
| Median home value | $195,100 | $203,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $738 | $2,643 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $946 | $3,249 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $1,892 | $6,497 |
| Median household income | $62,027 | $72,639 |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state “wins” on property tax?
Alabama has the lower effective property‑tax rate. The difference between the two states is 0.92 percentage points, which represents a 70.89 % lower rate compared with Kansas (0.92 % ÷ 1.30 %).
- Annual tax on a $250,000 home: Alabama’s $946 vs. Kansas’s $3,249 → $2,303 less in Alabama.
- Annual tax on a $500,000 home: Alabama’s $1,892 vs. Kansas’s $6,497 → $4,605 less in Alabama.
Based on the lower rate and the resulting smaller tax bills, Alabama is the “winner” in this comparison.
Who is likely to benefit most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Lower ongoing tax liability in Alabama can reduce annual housing costs. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The tax differential may influence the total cost of ownership, especially for higher‑priced properties. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income households often prioritize lower property taxes; Alabama’s lower rate may be more favorable. |
| Investors in rental property | Lower property taxes can improve cash‑flow calculations, making Alabama‑based properties relatively cheaper to hold. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | The side‑by‑side metrics provide a clear illustration of how state tax structures vary. |
The comparison is factual and does not favor one state beyond the objective measure of tax rate.
Sources and further reading
- Data source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
- Additional state‑specific information:
All numbers reflect the most recent ACS estimates available at the time of writing.
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Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.