Alabama vs Maine
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alabama vs. Maine
Both Alabama and Maine levy property taxes at the local level, but the overall burden differs markedly. Using the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states can be compared across effective tax rates, median home values, and typical tax payments.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Alabama | Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.38 % | 1.10 % |
| Median home value | $195,100 | $266,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $738 | $2,926 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $946 | $2,746 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $1,892 | $5,492 |
| Median household income | $62,027 | $71,773 |
| Link to state‑specific page | Alabama property tax | Maine property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS (5‑year) estimates.
Which state has the lower property‑tax burden?
Alabama wins on the basis of a lower effective property‑tax rate.
- Rate difference: 1.10 % – 0.38 % = 0.72 % points, which is a 65.6 % lower rate than Maine’s.
- Annual tax on a $250k home: $2,746 (ME) – $946 (AL) = $1,800 less in Alabama.
- Annual tax on a $500k home: $5,492 (ME) – $1,892 (AL) = $3,600 less in Alabama.
Because the effective rate is the primary driver of tax liability, the lower rate in Alabama translates into consistently smaller yearly payments across home‑price tiers.
Who is likely to benefit most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Knowing the effective rate helps estimate future tax bills, especially if considering a move or refinancing. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The data clarifies the ongoing cost of owning a home in each state relative to home value. |
| Retirees | Lower property taxes can reduce fixed‑income expenses; Alabama’s lower rate may be advantageous for retirees on limited budgets. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax‑rate differences affect cash‑flow calculations for rental properties or portfolio diversification. |
| Policy analysts | The side‑by‑side figures illustrate how tax structures vary across states, useful for comparative fiscal studies. |
The comparison is factual and does not prescribe a choice; it simply presents the quantitative differences that each group can weigh against other considerations such as climate, services, or overall cost of living.
References
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the effective property‑tax rates and related figures are as shown above.
Explore More Comparisons
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.