Alaska vs Maine
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. Maine
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Alaska and Maine have similar overall property‑tax burdens, but Maine’s effective tax rate is slightly lower. The following sections present the key metrics side by side, identify which state has the lower rate, and outline the groups for whom this information is most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Alaska | Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 1.10 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $266,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $2,926 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $2,746 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $5,492 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $71,773 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which State Wins on Property Tax?
Maine has the lower effective property‑tax rate (1.10 % vs. 1.14 % in Alaska).
- Rate difference: 0.04 percentage points, which is a 3.28 % lower rate relative to Alaska.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $93 (Alaska $2,839 – Maine $2,746).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $186 (Alaska $5,678 – Maine $5,492).
Because the effective rate is the primary determinant of a property‑tax burden, Maine is the “winner” in this comparison.
Who Might Benefit from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how their property‑tax bill compares to a neighboring state can inform budgeting and decisions about refinancing or relocating. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The effective rate, median tax amounts, and median home values help estimate ongoing costs when evaluating a purchase in either state. |
| Retirees | Property‑tax levels directly affect fixed‑income budgets; the lower rate in Maine may be a factor in retirement‑location decisions. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax differentials influence cash‑flow projections for rental properties or portfolio diversification across states. |
| Policy analysts | The side‑by‑side figures provide a concise reference for comparing tax policy outcomes relative to income levels. |
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on Alaska’s property‑tax structure: Alaska property tax
- Detailed information on Maine’s property‑tax structure: Maine property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the data above reflect statewide medians and rates and do not capture 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.