Arizona vs Iowa
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arizona vs. Iowa
Intro
Both Arizona and Iowa levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ substantially in effective tax rates, median home values, and the amount of tax paid on typical residences.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Arizona | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.52 % | 1.43 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $195,900 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $2,795 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $3,567 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $7,134 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $73,147 |
| Internal link | Arizona property tax | Iowa property tax |
All figures are derived from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Tax Burden?
Winner (lower effective rate): Arizona
- Rate difference: 0.91 percentage points, representing a 63.71 % lower rate than Iowa.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $2,273 less in Arizona.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $4,545 less in Arizona.
Why Arizona wins
The lower effective tax rate (0.52 % vs. 1.43 %) means that, for any given property value, the tax liability in Arizona is proportionally smaller. Even though Arizona’s median home value is higher than Iowa’s, the absolute tax amounts remain lower because the rate applied is less than half of Iowa’s rate.
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the ongoing cost of ownership; lower property taxes can reduce total housing expenses. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income retirees often prioritize lower recurring expenses; a lower tax rate may affect relocation decisions. |
| Real‑estate investors | Property‑tax burden influences cash‑flow projections and return‑on‑investment calculations. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax structures vary and can inform fiscal policy studies. |
The comparison is factual and does not include subjective judgments about overall cost of living, quality of life, or other tax categories (e.g., income or sales tax).
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Data were accessed directly from the Census Bureau’s published tables for property taxes and median home values.
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate is substantially lower than Iowa’s, resulting in lower annual taxes for comparable home values.
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.