Alabama vs Pennsylvania
Property Tax Comparison: Alabama vs. Pennsylvania
Intro
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Alabama and Pennsylvania differ markedly in property‑tax burden. Alabama’s effective property‑tax rate is less than one‑third of Pennsylvania’s, while median home values and household incomes also vary between the two states. The following side‑by‑side table summarizes the key metrics.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Metric | Alabama | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.38 % | 1.35 % |
| Median home value | $195,100 | $240,500 |
| Median annual property tax | $738 | $3,241 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $946 | $3,369 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $1,892 | $6,738 |
| Median household income | $62,027 | $76,081 |
Sources: According to U.S. Census Bureau data (2023 ACS 5‑year estimates).
Who wins on property tax?
Based on the lower effective property‑tax rate, Alabama is the winner in this comparison.
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.97 percentage points, which is a 71.93 % lower rate than Pennsylvania’s.
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $2,423 less in Alabama.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $4,846 less in Alabama.
The lower rate translates into smaller yearly payments for homeowners of comparable‑value properties, as illustrated in the table above.
Who might find this comparison most relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how their property‑tax burden compares to another state can inform decisions about relocating or refinancing. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating total housing costs, including taxes, helps assess affordability across states. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income households often prioritize lower recurring expenses; a lower property‑tax rate may affect retirement destination choices. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rates influence cash‑flow projections for rental properties or portfolio diversification. |
The data are presented without recommendation; readers should consider additional factors such as local services, school funding, and overall cost of living when evaluating the suitability of a state for their personal circumstances.
Further information
- Detailed information on Alabama’s property‑tax system: Alabama property tax
- Detailed information on Pennsylvania’s property‑tax system: Pennsylvania property tax
All figures reflect the most recent ACS estimates available at the time of writing.
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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.