Arkansas vs Idaho
Property Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. Idaho
Intro
Both Arkansas and Idaho levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ in effective tax rates, median home values, and median household incomes. This article presents the key figures side‑by‑side, identifies which state has the lower property‑tax rate, and notes the groups for whom the comparison is most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | Arkansas | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.57 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $376,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $2,006 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $1,334 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $2,667 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $74,636 |
| Link to state‑specific page | Arkansas property tax | Idaho property tax |
All figures are derived from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Wins on Property‑Tax Rate?
- Winner (lower rate): Idaho – Idaho’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.53 % is lower than Arkansas’s 0.57 %.
- Rate difference: 0.04 percentage points, representing a 6.76 % relative reduction.
Impact on Specific Home Prices
| Home value | Arkansas tax | Idaho tax | Difference (Idaho – Arkansas) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,431 | $1,334 | ‑$97 |
| $500,000 | $2,861 | $2,667 | ‑$194 |
Although Idaho’s tax amounts are lower for the same property values because of the lower rate, the state’s higher median home price results in a higher median annual property tax ($2,006 vs. $1,003).
Who Is This Comparison Most Useful For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change in residence could affect the tax burden relative to home value. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Assessing the tax component of total housing costs when evaluating properties in either state. |
| Retirees | Comparing tax rates alongside median household income to gauge overall affordability. |
| Financial planners / tax advisors | Using the rate differential (0.04 %) to model client scenarios across state lines. |
| Policy analysts | Examining how tax rates interact with median home values and incomes in the two states. |
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Idaho has the lower effective property‑tax rate (0.53 % vs. 0.57 %). The rate difference translates to modest annual savings of $97 on a $250 k home and $194 on a $500 k home. However, Idaho’s median home value is more than double that of Arkansas, leading to a higher median annual tax payment. Stakeholders such as homeowners, buyers, retirees, and financial professionals can use these data points to evaluate the relative cost of property ownership in each state.
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.