Alaska vs Oregon
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. Oregon
Intro
Both Alaska and Oregon 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 in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax amounts. The data show that Oregon’s property‑tax burden is lower on a percentage‑of‑value basis, while Alaska’s median home values are lower and household incomes are higher.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Alaska | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.83 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $454,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $3,767 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $2,074 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $4,147 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $80,426 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which state “wins” on property tax?
- Winner (lower effective rate): Oregon (0.83 % vs. 1.14 % in Alaska)
- Rate difference: 0.31 percentage points, which is a 26.96 % lower rate in Oregon.
- Annual tax difference for a $250,000 home: $765 less in Oregon ($2,839 – $2,074).
- Annual tax difference for a $500,000 home: $1,531 less in Oregon ($5,678 – $4,147).
Why Oregon wins – The lower effective property‑tax rate means that, for any given home value, Oregon’s tax liability is smaller. Even though Oregon’s median home price is higher, the percentage‑based calculation still produces a lower tax bill compared with Alaska.
Who benefits most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Can estimate how their property‑tax bill would change if they moved between the two states, using the per‑$250k and per‑$500k figures. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The effective tax rate and median tax amounts help gauge long‑term affordability alongside home‑price differences. |
| Retirees | Property‑tax burden often influences retirement‑location decisions; lower rates (Oregon) may reduce fixed‑income expenses. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | Provides a concise, data‑driven snapshot for comparative studies of state tax structures. |
Additional resources
- Detailed information on Alaska’s property‑tax system: Alaska property tax
- Detailed information on Oregon’s property‑tax system: Oregon property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, these figures represent statewide medians and effective rates; actual tax bills can vary by municipality, assessed value, exemptions, and other local factors.
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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.