Alaska vs Washington
Washington
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. Washington
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Alaska and Washington differ notably in effective property‑tax rates, home values, and median household incomes. The data show that Washington’s property‑tax rate is lower than Alaska’s, which translates into lower annual taxes for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Alaska | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.84 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $519,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $4,361 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $2,098 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $4,195 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $94,952 |
Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Tax?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Washington – its effective property‑tax rate of 0.84 % is 0.30 % points lower than Alaska’s 1.14 %.
- Rate difference: 0.30 % points, which is a 26.12 % lower rate relative to Alaska’s rate (0.30 ÷ 1.14 ≈ 0.2612).
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $741 less in Washington ($2,839 – $2,098).
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $1,483 less in Washington ($5,678 – $4,195).
The lower effective rate makes Washington the more favorable state for property‑tax purposes when the sole criterion is the tax burden on real estate.
Who Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how their existing property‑tax liability might change if they relocate to either state. |
| Prospective home buyers | Evaluating the long‑term cost of owning a home, especially when budgeting for taxes alongside mortgage payments. |
| Retirees | Assessing tax burden in relation to fixed or retirement incomes; Washington’s lower rate may reduce annual expenses. |
| Real‑estate investors | Comparing tax efficiency across markets; a lower effective rate can improve net cash flow on rental properties. |
The comparison does not address other tax categories (e.g., income or sales tax), nor does it consider differences in public services, climate, or lifestyle, which may also influence relocation decisions.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Alaska’s property‑tax system: Alaska property tax
- Detailed information on Washington’s property‑tax system: Washington property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures presented reflect statewide averages and median values. Local variations (e.g., municipal tax rates, assessment practices) may cause actual tax bills to differ from the amounts shown here.
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.