Arizona vs Louisiana
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arizona vs. Louisiana
Introduction
Both Arizona and Louisiana levy property taxes that are based on the assessed value of real‑estate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states have similar effective property‑tax rates, but differences in home values and household incomes affect the amount homeowners actually pay. The following tables and analysis present the key metrics side‑by‑side and identify which state has the lower effective tax rate.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison of Key Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Arizona | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.52 % | 0.55 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $208,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $1,146 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $1,373 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $2,746 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $60,023 |
| Internal link – Arizona | Arizona property tax | |
| Internal link – Louisiana | Louisiana property tax |
All figures are drawn 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: 0.03 % (approximately a 5.72 % relative difference)
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.52 % is marginally lower than Louisiana’s 0.55 %. The rate gap translates to modest absolute differences for typical home values:
- $250,000 home: Arizona tax is $1,294 vs. Louisiana tax $1,373 → $79 lower in Arizona.
- $500,000 home: Arizona tax is $2,589 vs. Louisiana tax $2,746 → $157 lower in Arizona.
Because the effective rate is the primary determinant of the tax burden, Arizona is identified as the “winner” in this comparison.
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Provides a direct view of how much property tax would change if a homeowner moved between the two states, using median home values and tax amounts. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Helps assess the ongoing cost of ownership relative to income levels in each state (median household income is higher in Arizona). |
| Retirees | Since retirees often consider total housing costs, the lower effective tax rate in Arizona may be a factor, though overall affordability also depends on home prices and income. |
| Real‑estate investors | The tax‑rate differential of 0.03 % yields small per‑property savings; investors may prioritize other market factors such as rental demand and appreciation potential. |
| Policy analysts | Offers a concise, data‑driven snapshot of property‑tax structures that can be used in broader fiscal‑policy evaluations. |
The comparison is factual and does not incorporate subjective assessments of quality of life, services, or other tax categories. Readers should consider the presented numbers alongside other financial and personal factors when evaluating a move or investment.
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.