Alabama vs Wisconsin
Property Tax Comparison: Alabama vs. Wisconsin
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Alabama and Wisconsin have markedly different property‑tax environments. Alabama’s effective property‑tax rate is less than one‑quarter of Wisconsin’s, resulting in lower annual taxes for comparable home values. The data below summarizes the key metrics that influence property‑tax costs in each state.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Alabama | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.38 % | 1.51 % |
| Median home value | $195,100 | $247,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $738 | $3,746 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $946 | $3,785 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $1,892 | $7,571 |
| Median household income | $62,027 | $75,670 |
| Reference links | Alabama property tax | Wisconsin property tax |
All figures are drawn from the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Alabama
- Effective tax‑rate difference: 1.14 percentage points, which is a 75.01 % lower rate than Wisconsin’s.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $2,839 less in Alabama.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $5,679 less in Alabama.
Because the effective property‑tax rate is the primary driver of annual tax liability, Alabama consistently produces lower property‑tax bills across the home‑value examples provided.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Lower annual taxes in Alabama can reduce the cost of homeownership, especially for buyers of median‑priced homes. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | Reduced property‑tax payments may make Alabama a more affordable option for retirees seeking to stretch limited income. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors evaluating cash‑flow projections will see a material tax advantage in Alabama for comparable rental properties. |
| High‑value home buyers | Even at $500,000, Alabama’s tax bill is roughly 25 % of Wisconsin’s, which can affect total ownership costs for luxury‑market purchasers. |
| Policy analysts | The stark contrast in effective rates provides a clear case study of state‑level tax policy impact on household finances. |
All statements are based on the most recent ACS estimates and do not incorporate other taxes (e.g., income or sales taxes) or local variations within each state.
Summary
Based on the effective property‑tax rate, Alabama imposes a substantially lower property‑tax burden than Wisconsin. The difference is reflected in both median annual taxes and the taxes calculated for $250,000 and $500,000 homes. Stakeholders such as homeowners, retirees, and investors can use this data to assess the relative affordability of property ownership in each state.
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.