Arizona vs South Carolina
South Carolina
Property Tax Comparison: Arizona vs. South Carolina
Short introduction
Both Arizona and South Carolina have property‑tax systems that are lower than the national average, but there are measurable differences in rates, home values, and the resulting tax bills. The following comparison uses the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) to illustrate how the two states stack up against each other.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Metric | Arizona | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.52 % | 0.51 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $236,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $1,199 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $1,266 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $2,532 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $66,818 |
| Reference links | Arizona property tax | South Carolina property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state “wins” on property tax?
Winner (lower tax rate): South Carolina
- Effective tax rate: South Carolina’s 0.51 % is 0.01 percentage point lower than Arizona’s 0.52 %.
- Relative difference: The 0.01 % gap translates to a 2.16 % lower rate in South Carolina.
- Impact on specific home values:
- On a $250,000 home, the annual property tax is $28 lower in South Carolina ($1,266 vs. $1,294).
- On a $500,000 home, the annual tax is $57 lower in South Carolina ($2,532 vs. $2,589).
Because the effective rate is the primary determinant of the tax burden, South Carolina is the lower‑tax jurisdiction for property owners.
Who is this comparison most relevant for?
| Audience | Why the comparison matters |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the relative tax burden helps owners estimate future expenses if they consider relocating. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The effective tax rate and median tax amounts affect total cost of ownership, especially when budgeting for a mortgage. |
| Retirees | Property taxes are a fixed cost that can influence decisions about where to settle after retirement, particularly when income sources are fixed. |
| Real‑estate investors | Lower tax rates can improve cash‑flow projections for rental properties or flip projects. |
| Policy analysts / planners | The data illustrate how tax structures differ across states, useful for comparative policy studies. |
All of the above groups can rely on the figures presented here to make data‑driven decisions about housing costs in Arizona and South Carolina.
References
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the effective property tax rates, median home values, and associated tax amounts are as listed above. The analysis is based solely on these publicly available statistics and does not incorporate state‑level exemptions, local millage variations, or other ancillary fees that may affect individual tax bills.
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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.