Arizona vs West Virginia
Arizona vs. West Virginia Property Taxes
Introduction
Both Arizona and West Virginia levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states have similar effective tax rates, but the absolute tax amounts differ because of variations in median home values and household incomes. The following comparison presents the key metrics side by side and identifies which state has the lower effective property tax rate.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Arizona | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.52 % | 0.54 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $155,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $835 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $1,341 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $2,683 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $57,917 |
| Reference link | Arizona property tax | West Virginia 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 Rate?
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arizona has the lower effective property tax rate (0.52 % versus 0.54 %).
- Rate difference: 0.02 % (approximately a 3.5 % relative difference).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $47 lower in Arizona.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $94 lower in Arizona.
Although the absolute tax amounts are modest, Arizona’s lower rate means that, for a given property value, owners pay slightly less in property taxes than they would in West Virginia.
Who Might Benefit From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how their property tax burden compares to that of a neighboring state can inform decisions about refinancing, relocating, or budgeting for local taxes. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The effective tax rate and median tax amounts help estimate the ongoing cost of home ownership in each state, especially when evaluating properties at common price points ($250 k and $500 k). |
| Retirees | Since property taxes are a recurring expense, retirees can use the rates to assess affordability in relation to median household income and typical retirement budgets. |
| Real‑estate investors | The combination of tax rates, home values, and income levels provides a snapshot of the tax environment that may affect investment returns. |
The comparison is factual and does not incorporate opinions or marketing language; it simply presents the available data so readers can draw conclusions relevant to their personal circumstances.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 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.