Alaska vs Arizona
Alaska vs. Arizona Property Taxes
Summary – Both Alaska and Arizona have relatively low property‑tax burdens compared with many other U.S. states, but the rates differ markedly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate is roughly half that of Alaska.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Alaska | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.52 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $358,900 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $1,858 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $1,294 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $2,589 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $76,872 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Arizona
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.62 percentage points, which is a 54.41 % lower rate than Alaska’s.
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $1,545 less in Arizona.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $3,089 less in Arizona.
Because Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate (0.52 %) is substantially lower than Alaska’s (1.14 %), the state imposes a lighter property‑tax burden on homeowners at comparable home values.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Lower Property Tax |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Reduced annual tax payments can increase disposable income or lower the cost of owning a similar‑priced home. |
| Prospective homebuyers | A lower tax rate can affect affordability calculations, especially for buyers on fixed budgets. |
| Retirees | Many retirees rely on fixed income; a lower property tax can help stretch retirement savings. |
| Investors | Lower recurring tax expenses improve cash‑flow projections for rental or investment properties. |
The comparison is most pertinent for individuals or families evaluating the total cost of home ownership in either state. It is less directly relevant for those whose primary concern is income tax, sales tax, or other fiscal considerations.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Alaska’s property‑tax system: Alaska property tax
- Detailed information on Arizona’s property‑tax system: Arizona property tax
Note: All figures reflect the most recent ACS estimates (2023 5‑year data) and are presented without adjustment for local variations, exemptions, or special assessments that may apply within each state.
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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.