Alaska vs Utah
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. Utah
Overview
Both Alaska and Utah 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), Utah’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Alaska’s, resulting in lower annual payments for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Alaska | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $455,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $2,412 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $1,325 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $2,651 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $91,750 |
| Relevant internal link | Alaska property tax | Utah property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State “Wins” on Property Tax?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Utah
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.61 percentage points (Utah’s rate is 53.3 % lower than Alaska’s).
- Annual tax difference for a $250,000 home: $1,514 in favor of Utah.
- Annual tax difference for a $500,000 home: $3,027 in favor of Utah.
Why Utah ranks lower: The effective tax rate of 0.53 % translates into smaller tax bills across home‑value tiers, even though Utah’s median home value is higher. By contrast, Alaska’s rate of 1.14 % produces higher absolute taxes despite a lower median home price.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the ongoing cost of property ownership in each state. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Estimating future tax liabilities when evaluating relocation options. |
| Retirees | Assessing the impact of property taxes on fixed‑income budgets. |
| Real‑estate investors | Comparing tax burdens as part of total cost of ownership analyses. |
| Policy analysts | Using the effective‑rate figures to study fiscal policy differences across states. |
The comparison is factual and does not include subjective assessments of quality of life, climate, or other tax categories. Users should consider the full tax environment (income, sales, and other taxes) and local cost‑of‑living factors when making relocation or investment decisions.
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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.