Arizona vs Virginia
Property Tax Comparison: Arizona vs. Virginia
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the effective property tax rates and related housing metrics differ between Arizona and Virginia. The data below summarizes the key figures for each state and highlights the relative tax burden for typical home values.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Metric | Arizona | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.52 % | 0.74 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $360,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $2,686 |
| Annual tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $1,862 |
| Annual tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $3,724 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $90,974 |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which state has the lower property tax burden?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Arizona
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.23 percentage points, which is a 30.48 % lower rate than Virginia’s (0.52 % vs. 0.74 %).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $568 (Arizona $1,294 vs. Virginia $1,862).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $1,135 (Arizona $2,589 vs. Virginia $3,724).
The lower effective property tax rate in Arizona results in a consistently smaller annual tax liability across the examined home values. Consequently, based solely on property‑tax cost, Arizona provides a less expensive tax environment than Virginia.
Who might find this comparison most useful?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the annual tax expense associated with buying a home at common price points ($250 k and $500 k). |
| Retirees | Property taxes often represent a fixed expense; a lower rate can affect retirement budgeting, especially in states with similar median home values. |
| Real‑estate investors | The tax differential influences cash‑flow projections and overall return on investment for rental properties. |
| Policy analysts / local government officials | The data provide a baseline for assessing how state‑level tax structures compare when evaluating fiscal policy. |
All groups can use the figures to estimate the fiscal impact of home ownership in each state, keeping in mind that other factors (such as local assessments, exemptions, and state‑level tax credits) may further affect individual tax bills.
Further reading
- Detailed information on Arizona’s property‑tax system: Arizona property tax
- Detailed information on Virginia’s property‑tax system: Virginia property tax
Reference
U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 5‑year estimates. Data accessed for effective property tax rates, median home values, and median household incomes.
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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.