Arkansas vs California
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. California
Introduction
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Arkansas and California have markedly different property‑tax environments. Arkansas’s effective property‑tax rate is 0.57 %, while California’s is 0.71 %. The two states also differ in median home values, median household incomes, and the amount of tax paid on typical home price points. The data below summarizes the key metrics and highlights which state has the lower property‑tax burden.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Arkansas | California |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.57 % | 0.71 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $695,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $4,926 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $1,771 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $3,542 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $96,334 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Wins on Property Taxes?
- Winner (lower tax rate): Arkansas
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.14 % points (a 19.23 % lower rate than California)
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $340 (Arkansas $1,431 vs. California $1,771)
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $681 (Arkansas $2,861 vs. California $3,542)
Based on the lower effective property‑tax rate, Arkansas imposes a smaller tax burden on comparable property values. The absolute tax amounts also reflect this gap, with Arkansas homeowners paying roughly $340‑$681 less per year on the sample home price points.
Who Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how their annual property‑tax expense compares across states can inform decisions about relocating or refinancing. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The effective tax rate and median tax amounts illustrate the recurring cost of owning a home in each state, complementing price‑affordability analysis. |
| Retirees | Lower property taxes can reduce fixed‑income expenses; Arkansas’s lower rate may be advantageous for retirees on modest incomes. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax differentials affect cash‑flow projections; a 0.14 % lower rate in Arkansas may improve net returns on comparable properties. |
The comparison does not address other tax categories (e.g., income or sales taxes) or non‑tax considerations such as climate, employment opportunities, or public services. Users should evaluate the full cost of living and personal priorities alongside property‑tax data.
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on Arkansas property taxes: Arkansas property tax
- Detailed information on California property taxes: California property tax
All figures are drawn from the most recent ACS estimates and reflect statewide medians; local variations may exist.
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.