Arizona vs Idaho
Property Tax Comparison: Arizona vs. Idaho
Both Arizona and Idaho are frequently cited as relatively affordable states for home ownership. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states have very similar effective property‑tax rates, median home values, and median household incomes. The data below allows a direct, side‑by‑side assessment of the key property‑tax metrics.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | Arizona | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.52 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $376,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $2,006 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $1,334 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $2,667 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $74,636 |
Sources: Arizona property tax, Idaho property tax. All figures are from the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Arizona
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.02 % (approximately a 2.96 % relative difference)
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $40 in favor of Arizona
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $78 in favor of Arizona
Why Arizona wins: The effective property‑tax rate of 0.52 % is slightly lower than Idaho’s 0.53 %. Because the rate is applied to the assessed value of a home, the lower rate translates into modestly lower annual taxes across the price points shown.
Who Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change of residence between the two states could affect yearly tax outlays. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Assessing the total cost of ownership, especially when budgeting for homes near the median price range. |
| Retirees | Evaluating fixed‑income affordability; a lower tax rate can reduce the required income to cover housing costs. |
| Real‑estate investors | Comparing the tax component of cash‑flow calculations for rental properties or portfolio diversification. |
The comparison is purely quantitative; it does not address other tax categories (e.g., income or sales tax), local exemptions, or variations in assessment practices that may influence an individual’s overall tax liability.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.52 % is marginally lower than Idaho’s 0.53 %, resulting in a small but measurable reduction in annual property taxes for typical home values. For households where property‑tax costs are a significant budgeting factor—such as retirees on fixed incomes or prospective buyers seeking the lowest overall housing expense—Arizona offers a slight fiscal advantage in this specific metric.
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.