Arizona vs Michigan
Property Tax Comparison: Arizona vs. Michigan
Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates)
Introduction
Both Arizona and Michigan levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. According to the most recent ACS estimates, the two states differ substantially in effective property‑tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax liabilities. The data below provides a side‑by‑side view of the key metrics used to assess property‑tax burdens in each state.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | Arizona | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.52 % | 1.28 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $217,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $2,795 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $3,211 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $6,423 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $71,149 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower effective tax rate): Arizona
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.77 percentage points, which is a 59.70 % lower rate in Arizona relative to Michigan.
- Annual tax difference for a $250,000 home: $1,917 (Arizona: $1,294 vs. Michigan: $3,211)
- Annual tax difference for a $500,000 home: $3,834 (Arizona: $2,589 vs. Michigan: $6,423)
The lower effective rate in Arizona results from a combination of higher median home values and a comparatively modest tax levy, whereas Michigan applies a higher rate to a lower median home price, producing a higher overall tax bill for comparable property values.
Who May Find This Comparison Most Relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change of residence could affect annual property‑tax payments. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating total cost of ownership when comparing homes of similar value in the two states. |
| Retirees | Assessing the impact of property taxes on fixed‑income budgets, especially where housing costs are a significant expense. |
| Real‑estate investors | Estimating tax liabilities across different markets to inform investment decisions. |
| Policy analysts | Analyzing the relationship between tax rates, home values, and household income for fiscal studies. |
The data presented is purely descriptive; it does not constitute financial advice. Individuals should consider additional factors—such as state income taxes, sales taxes, and local cost‑of‑living differences—when evaluating overall tax burden.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Arizona’s property‑tax system: Arizona property tax
- Detailed information on Michigan’s property‑tax system: Michigan property tax
All figures reflect the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates and are subject to change with subsequent data releases.
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.