Alaska vs Arkansas
Alaska vs. Arkansas Property Taxes
Introduction
Both Alaska and Arkansas levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Alaska’s effective property tax rate is roughly double that of Arkansas. The two states also differ markedly in median home values, median household incomes, and the resulting annual property‑tax payments for typical homes.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | Alaska | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.57 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $175,300 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $1,003 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $1,431 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $2,861 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $58,773 |
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 effective tax rate): Arkansas
- Rate difference: 0.56 percentage points, which is a 49.61 % lower rate than Alaska’s.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $2,839 – $1,431 = $1,408
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $5,678 – $2,861 = $2,817
Based on the lower effective property tax rate, Arkansas imposes a smaller property‑tax burden for comparable home values. The absolute tax amounts also reflect this advantage, with Arkansas homeowners paying roughly half the amount that Alaskan homeowners would pay on homes of the same price.
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the ongoing cost of owning a home is essential for budgeting. Arkansas’s lower rates may reduce yearly expenses, especially for higher‑priced properties. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income retirees often seek jurisdictions with lower recurring taxes. The lower property tax in Arkansas, combined with a lower median home price, can make homeownership more affordable. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investment returns are affected by tax outlays. Arkansas’s lower rates may improve cash‑flow projections for rental or resale properties. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | The data illustrate how tax policy varies across states, providing a baseline for comparative fiscal studies. |
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on Alaska’s property tax system: Alaska property tax
- Detailed information on Arkansas’s property tax system: Arkansas property tax
All figures are drawn from the 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year) and reflect median values and effective tax rates as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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.