Arizona vs Maine
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arizona vs. Maine
Both Arizona and Maine levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, police, and road maintenance. The two states differ markedly in tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. The figures below come from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Arizona | Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.52 % | 1.10 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $266,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $2,926 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $2,746 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $5,492 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $71,773 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who wins on property taxes?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Arizona
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.58 percentage points, which is a 52.86 % lower effective rate than Maine’s (0.52 % vs. 1.10 %).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $1,452 lower in Arizona ($1,294 vs. $2,746).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $2,903 lower in Arizona ($2,589 vs. $5,492).
Why Arizona scores lower: The effective property‑tax rate in Arizona (0.52 %) is roughly half that of Maine. Even though Arizona’s median home value is higher, the lower rate results in a smaller median annual tax bill ($1,858) compared with Maine’s $2,926.
Which audiences benefit from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The lower tax rate in Arizona reduces the ongoing cost of home ownership, especially for buyers of higher‑priced homes. |
| First‑time buyers | Understanding the tax burden relative to median home values helps assess affordability in each market. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | A lower property‑tax rate can make Arizona more financially sustainable for retirees whose budgets are sensitive to recurring expenses. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors can use the tax differentials to model cash‑flow scenarios for rental or resale properties. |
| Policy analysts | The stark contrast in effective rates offers a case study of how state‑level tax structures affect local revenue and household costs. |
Further reading
- Detailed information about Arizona’s property‑tax system: Arizona property tax
- Detailed information about Maine’s property‑tax system: Maine property tax
Summary – Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.52 % is substantially lower than Maine’s 1.10 %. This translates into lower annual tax bills for comparable home values, making Arizona the more tax‑advantageous state for homeowners and others sensitive to property‑tax costs.
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.