Alaska vs Kansas
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. Kansas
Intro
Both Alaska and Kansas 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 slightly lower than Kansas’s, resulting in modest differences in annual taxes for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Alaska | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 1.30 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $203,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $2,643 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $3,249 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $6,497 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $72,639 |
Sources: Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Tax?
Winner (lower tax rate): Alaska
- Rate difference: 0.16 percentage points, which is a 12.61 % lower effective rate than Kansas.
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $410 less in Alaska ($2,839 vs. $3,249).
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $819 less in Alaska ($5,678 vs. $6,497).
The lower effective tax rate in Alaska translates into lower yearly property‑tax bills for homeowners at the same assessed value, even though Alaska’s median home price is higher.
Who Might Benefit From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the relative tax burden helps in budgeting for home ownership costs. |
| Retirees | Property‑tax levels affect fixed‑income budgeting; a lower rate may be advantageous. |
| Real‑estate investors | Knowing the effective tax rates assists in evaluating total cost of ownership across states. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax structures differ while controlling for home value. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals who consider property‑tax expense a material factor in choosing a residence or investment location.
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on Alaska’s property‑tax system: Alaska property tax
- Detailed information on Kansas’s property‑tax system: Kansas property tax
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). Data on effective property‑tax rates, median home values, median household incomes, and calculated tax amounts.
All figures reflect the most recent ACS estimates available at the time of writing.
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.