Alaska vs North Carolina
North Carolina
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. North Carolina
Intro
Both Alaska and North Carolina 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), the two states differ noticeably in effective property‑tax rates, median home values, and average tax payments. The data below provides a side‑by‑side view of the key metrics that affect homeowners and other property owners.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison Table
| Metric | Alaska | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.70 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $259,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $1,815 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home* | $2,839 | $1,749 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home* | $5,678 | $3,499 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $69,904 |
*Calculated using the effective tax rate for each state (tax = rate × home value).
Sources: All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property‑Tax Burden?
Based on the effective property‑tax rate, North Carolina is the lower‑tax jurisdiction:
| Comparison | Value |
|---|---|
| Rate difference | 0.44 % (Alaska higher) |
| Percentage difference | 38.38 % lower in North Carolina |
| Annual tax difference on a $250k home | $1,090 (North Carolina lower) |
| Annual tax difference on a $500k home | $2,179 (North Carolina lower) |
Why North Carolina wins
- The effective tax rate of 0.70 % is 38.38 % lower than Alaska’s 1.14 %.
- Consequently, the estimated annual property tax on a $250,000 home is $1,749 in North Carolina versus $2,839 in Alaska, a $1,090 difference.
- For a $500,000 home, the gap widens to $2,179 per year.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The table shows the annual tax cost tied to typical home values, allowing buyers to estimate ongoing expenses in each state. |
| Retirees | Many retirees prioritize predictable, lower‑tax environments; North Carolina’s lower effective rate may reduce fixed‑income tax burdens. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investment decisions often consider property‑tax exposure; the lower rate in North Carolina can improve net rental yields or total return on ownership. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | The side‑by‑side metrics provide a concise snapshot for comparing state tax structures in broader fiscal studies. |
Note: Property‑tax rates are only one component of overall cost of living. State income taxes, sales taxes, and local cost factors also influence affordability.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Alaska’s property‑tax system: Alaska property tax
- Detailed information on North Carolina’s property‑tax system: North Carolina property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures presented here reflect median values and average rates at the state level. Individual municipalities may have rates that differ from the state averages.
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.