Arizona vs Wisconsin
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arizona vs. Wisconsin
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ markedly in how much homeowners pay in property taxes. Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate is less than one‑third of Wisconsin’s, which translates into lower annual tax bills for comparable home values. The following sections present the key figures side‑by‑side, identify which state has the lower rate, and note the homeowner groups for whom the comparison is most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Arizona | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.52 % | 1.51 % |
| Median home value | $358,900 | $247,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,858 | $3,746 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,294 | $3,785 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,589 | $7,571 |
| Median household income | $76,872 | $75,670 |
Sources: Arizona property tax and Wisconsin property tax; data from the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State “Wins” on Property Taxes?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Arizona – its effective rate of 0.52 % is 1.00 percentage point lower than Wisconsin’s 1.51 %.
- Relative difference: Arizona’s rate is about 65.81 % lower than Wisconsin’s when expressed as a percentage reduction from Wisconsin’s rate.
- Annual tax impact:
- On a $250,000 home, an Arizona homeowner pays $2,491 less per year than a Wisconsin homeowner.
- On a $500,000 home, the annual difference widens to $4,982.
Why Arizona wins: The lower effective rate means that, irrespective of home value, the tax burden as a share of property value is smaller. Consequently, both median‑value homes and higher‑priced homes generate lower tax bills in Arizona than in Wisconsin.
Who Is This Comparison Most Useful For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the ongoing cost of ownership; lower tax bills can affect affordability calculations. |
| Retirees or fixed‑income households | Property‑tax savings may be significant for budgeting on a limited income. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax burden influences net‑operating income and return on investment for rental properties. |
| Relocation planners | State‑level tax differences are a factor in choosing a new residence, especially when other cost‑of‑living elements are comparable. |
The data are purely descriptive; they do not account for other fiscal variables such as state income taxes, sales taxes, or local service fees, which may also affect overall cost of living.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arizona’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.52 % is substantially lower than Wisconsin’s 1.51 %. This translates into lower median annual taxes and smaller tax bills for homes valued at $250 k and $500 k. Homeowners, retirees, and investors evaluating the tax component of housing costs will find Arizona’s property‑tax environment more favorable according to the available census data.
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.