Alaska vs Rhode Island
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. Rhode Island
Introduction
Both Alaska and Rhode Island levy taxes on real‑estate, but the burden on homeowners differs. Using the latest five‑year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (ACS), Alaska’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Rhode Island’s, which translates into smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Alaska | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 1.32 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $368,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $4,854 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $3,291 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $6,581 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $86,372 |
All figures are from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property Taxes?
Alaska has the lower effective property‑tax rate (1.14 % vs. 1.32 %).
- Rate difference: 0.18 % points, which is a 13.72 % relative reduction.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $452 less in Alaska.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $903 less in Alaska.
Because the tax rate is the primary driver of the annual levy, Alaska is the “winner” in this comparison.
Which Audiences Might Benefit Most?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Lower rates reduce the recurring cost of owning a home, influencing affordability calculations. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | A lower property‑tax burden can lessen the impact on limited cash flow, especially in states with higher median incomes. |
| Real‑estate investors | Property‑tax expense is a component of operating costs; a lower rate improves net return potential. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax structures differ for comparable median home values. |
The comparison is most useful for anyone evaluating the total cost of home ownership or the fiscal environment of the two states. It does not address other tax categories (e.g., income or sales tax) or non‑tax cost factors such as climate, services, or housing market dynamics.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) – property‑tax rates, median home values, median household incomes.
- Internal references: Alaska property tax and Rhode Island property tax.
All numbers are presented as reported in the ACS and rounded to the nearest dollar where appropriate.
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.