Alaska vs Montana
Alaska vs. Montana Property Tax Comparison (2023 ACS)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Alaska and Montana have similar median home values but different property‑tax structures. Montana’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Alaska’s, resulting in smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Alaska | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.75 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $338,100 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $2,535 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $1,875 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $3,749 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $69,922 |
Data source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who wins on property tax?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Montana
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.39 percentage points (Montana’s rate is 33.97 % lower).
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $964 less in Montana.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $1,929 less in Montana.
Based on the lower effective property‑tax rate, Montana imposes a smaller yearly property‑tax burden for the same assessed home value. The difference arises from the state‑level tax structures and local assessment practices rather than from home‑value disparities.
Which audiences benefit most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the relative cost of owning a home in each state helps with budgeting and long‑term financial planning. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Buyers can weigh the impact of property taxes against other cost‑of‑living factors when choosing a location. |
| Retirees | Since many retirees rely on fixed incomes, a lower property‑tax rate (as in Montana) may preserve more of their household income. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors can factor the tax differential into cash‑flow projections for rental or resale properties. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state tax policies affect household expenses across similar housing markets. |
Further reading
- Detailed information on Alaska’s property‑tax system: Alaska property tax
- Detailed information on Montana’s property‑tax system: Montana property tax
Summary: Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Montana’s effective property‑tax rate (0.75 %) is lower than Alaska’s (1.14 %). This translates into lower median annual taxes and smaller tax bills for homes valued at $250 k and $500 k. The comparison is most useful for homeowners, prospective buyers, retirees, and investors who need to assess the tax component of total housing costs.
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.