Alaska vs West Virginia
West Virginia
Property‑Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. West Virginia
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Alaska and West Virginia differ markedly in effective property‑tax rates, median home values, and household incomes. These differences affect the amount of annual property tax that owners of typical homes would pay in each state.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Alaska | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.54 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $155,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $835 |
| Property tax on a $250k home | $2,839 | $1,341 |
| Property tax on a $500k home | $5,678 | $2,683 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $57,917 |
| Internal link | Alaska property tax | West Virginia property tax |
All figures are taken from the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which state has the lower tax burden?
Winner (lower effective tax rate): West Virginia
- Rate difference: 0.60 percentage points, which is a 52.75 % lower effective rate than Alaska’s.
- Annual tax on a $250k home: West Virginia residents pay $1,341 versus Alaska’s $2,839 – a difference of $1,498.
- Annual tax on a $500k home: West Virginia residents pay $2,683 versus Alaska’s $5,678 – a difference of $2,995.
Based on the lower effective property‑tax rate, West Virginia imposes a smaller property‑tax burden on homeowners at comparable home values.
Who is this comparison most relevant for?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the annual tax cost of owning a home at different price points helps with budgeting and location decisions. |
| Retirees | Property‑tax expenses directly affect fixed‑income budgets; a lower rate can make a state more financially sustainable in retirement. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates influence net‑operating income and return‑on‑investment calculations. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | The data illustrate how state‑level tax structures vary relative to median home values and incomes. |
The analysis is strictly factual; it does not endorse any state as “better” beyond the objective measure of a lower property‑tax rate.
References
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
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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.