Alaska vs Idaho
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. Idaho
Intro
Both Alaska and Idaho have relatively low property‑tax burdens compared with the national average, but they differ in effective tax rates, home values, and household incomes. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Idaho’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Alaska’s, which translates into lower annual taxes for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Alaska | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $376,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $2,006 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $1,334 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $2,667 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $74,636 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which state “wins” on property tax?
- Winner (lower rate): Idaho
- Rate difference: 0.60 percentage points (Idaho’s rate is 53.0 % lower than Alaska’s).
- Annual tax difference for a $250 k home: $1,505 less in Idaho.
- Annual tax difference for a $500 k home: $3,011 less in Idaho.
Why Idaho scores lower: The effective property‑tax rate in Idaho (0.53 %) is roughly half of Alaska’s 1.14 %. Because the rate is applied to the assessed value of the property, the lower rate yields smaller tax bills even though Idaho’s median home value is higher than Alaska’s.
Who might benefit most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change in residence could affect annual property‑tax payments. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating the long‑term cost of ownership in each state, especially for homes around $250 k–$500 k. |
| Retirees | Lower property taxes can reduce fixed‑income expenses; Idaho’s lower rate may be attractive, though median household income is higher in Alaska. |
| Real‑estate investors | The tax rate directly impacts cash flow calculations; Idaho offers a lower tax burden per dollar of property value. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax structures differ while controlling for comparable home values. |
The comparison is most useful for anyone whose primary concern is the property‑tax cost of owning a home, rather than other factors such as climate, employment opportunities, or overall cost of living.
Further reading
- Detailed information on Alaska’s property‑tax system: Alaska property tax
- Detailed information on Idaho’s property‑tax system: Idaho property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures above reflect median values and rates at the state level and do not account for local variations within 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.