Arizona vs Utah
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arizona vs. Utah
Intro
Both Arizona and Utah have relatively low effective property‑tax rates compared with the national average. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Arizona’s effective rate is 0.52 percent, while Utah’s is 0.53 percent. The two states also differ in median home values, median household incomes, and the resulting annual property‑tax amounts for typical home prices.
Side‑by‑side Metrics
| Metric | Arizona | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.52 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $455,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $2,412 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $1,325 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $2,651 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $91,750 |
| Internal link | Arizona property tax | Utah 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 Rate?
Winner (lower property‑tax rate): Arizona
- Rate difference: 0.01 percentage point, which represents a 2.34 % relative difference (0.01 % ÷ 0.43 % ≈ 2.34 %).
- Annual tax difference for a $250,000 home: $31 less in Arizona ($1,294 vs. $1,325).
- Annual tax difference for a $500,000 home: $62 less in Arizona ($2,589 vs. $2,651).
Because the effective tax rate is the primary factor used to calculate property taxes, Arizona’s slightly lower rate translates into modest but consistent savings across home price ranges.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change of residence could affect annual tax costs, especially if the home value is near the median. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating total cost of ownership when comparing homes of similar price in the two states. |
| Retirees | Property taxes are a fixed expense; a lower rate can help preserve fixed‑income budgets. |
| Real‑estate investors | Small rate differences can accumulate across multiple properties, influencing investment returns. |
| Policy analysts | Provides a data‑driven snapshot of how state‑level tax structures compare under the same federal data source. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals or entities that factor property‑tax obligations into overall housing affordability or cash‑flow calculations. It is less relevant for those whose primary concern is income‑tax rates, sales taxes, or other non‑property‑related fiscal policies.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.52 % is marginally lower than Utah’s 0.53 %. This results in annual tax savings of roughly $31 on a $250,000 home and $62 on a $500,000 home. While the difference is modest, it may be meaningful for homeowners, retirees, and investors who prioritize lower recurring tax expenses. All figures are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
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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.