Alaska vs Wyoming
Alaska vs. Wyoming Property Tax Comparison
Overview
Both Alaska and Wyoming levy property taxes at the local level, but the overall burden on homeowners differs markedly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Wyoming’s effective property tax rate is roughly half of Alaska’s. The following sections present the key figures, a side‑by‑side table, and an analysis of which state imposes the lower tax burden.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Alaska | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 1.14 % | 0.58 % |
| Median home value | $333,300 | $285,100 |
| Median annual property tax | $3,785 | $1,659 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $2,839 | $1,455 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $5,678 | $2,909 |
| Median household income | $89,336 | $74,815 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Wins?
Wyoming records the lower effective property tax rate (0.58 % vs. 1.14 % in Alaska). The rate difference of 0.55 percentage points represents a 48.76 % lower rate in Wyoming. Consequently:
- For a median‑priced home ($250 k), Wyoming homeowners pay $1,384 less in annual property tax than their Alaskan counterparts.
- For a $500 k home, the annual tax advantage widens to $2,769.
Because the comparison is based solely on the effective tax rate, Wyoming is the winner in terms of lower property‑tax burden.
Who Benefits From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Findings |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the annual tax cost can affect affordability calculations when choosing a state. |
| Retirees | Property tax expense directly influences fixed‑income budgeting; a lower rate may make Wyoming more attractive. |
| Real‑estate investors | Lower taxes can improve net operating income and cash‑on‑cash returns on rental properties. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax structures differ despite similar geographic characteristics (low population density, abundant natural resources). |
The comparison is factual and does not account for other fiscal considerations such as sales taxes, income taxes, or public service levels, which may also influence decision‑making.
References
- Alaska property tax – detailed state‑specific information: /alaska-property-tax
- Wyoming property tax – detailed state‑specific information: /wyoming-property-tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures reflect median values and average effective rates; individual tax bills may vary depending on local assessment practices and exemptions.
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.