Alaska vs Wisconsin
Property Tax Comparison: Alaska vs. Wisconsin
Intro
Both Alaska and Wisconsin levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. The two states differ in effective tax rates, median home values, and household incomes. The following comparison presents the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau and highlights the quantitative differences that are relevant to homeowners, retirees, and prospective buyers.
Side‑by‑side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS 5‑year) | Alaska | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 1.14 % | 1.51 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $247,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $3,746 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $3,785 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $7,571 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $75,670 |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Property Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Alaska
- Effective tax‑rate difference: 0.38 percentage points, representing a 25 % lower rate in Alaska (1.14 % vs. 1.51 %).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $946 lower in Alaska.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $1,893 lower in Alaska.
The lower effective tax rate in Alaska translates into reduced property‑tax payments across price points, even though Alaska’s median home value is higher than Wisconsin’s.
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the tax advantage for Alaska is driven primarily by its lower effective property‑tax rate rather than differences in assessed values.
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of Findings |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | The per‑home tax figures show the amount of annual tax they would pay on homes valued at $250 k and $500 k in each state. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The effective tax rate and median home‑value data help estimate overall housing‑cost affordability. |
| Retirees | Since retirees often rely on fixed incomes, a lower tax rate (Alaska) can reduce the proportion of income spent on property taxes, though overall cost of living and climate factors also matter. |
| Real‑estate investors | The tax differential affects cash‑flow projections for rental properties at common price tiers. |
| Policy analysts | The comparison isolates the impact of tax rates from other fiscal variables, providing a baseline for assessing state tax policy. |
All groups should also consider other fiscal elements (e.g., income taxes, sales taxes, state subsidies) and local cost‑of‑living differences when evaluating overall affordability.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
- Internal pages: Alaska property tax and Wisconsin property tax.
The article presents the data without interpretation beyond the quantitative differences noted above.
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.