Arkansas vs Maine
Arkansas vs. Maine Property Tax Comparison
Intro
Both Arkansas and Maine levy property taxes at the local level, but the rates and resulting tax bills differ noticeably. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Arkansas has a substantially lower effective property‑tax rate than Maine, which translates into lower annual taxes for comparable home values. The following sections present the key data side‑by‑side, identify the lower‑tax state, and outline which types of residents may find the comparison most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | Arkansas | Maine |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.57 % | 1.10 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $266,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $2,926 |
| Annual tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $2,746 |
| Annual tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $5,492 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $71,773 |
| Reference | Arkansas property tax | Maine property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property Taxes?
Winner (lower tax rate): Arkansas
- Effective tax‑rate advantage: Arkansas’s rate of 0.57 % is 0.53 percentage points lower than Maine’s 1.10 %. This represents roughly a 48 % lower rate relative to Maine’s rate.
- Annual tax savings: For a home valued at $250,000, the Arkansas property tax ($1,431) is $1,315 less than the Maine tax ($2,746). For a $500,000 home, the difference widens to $2,631 ($2,861 vs. $5,492).
The lower effective rate is the primary factor driving these differences, even though Maine’s median home values are higher.
Which Audience Is This Comparison Most Useful For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the tax burden associated with a given purchase price helps in budgeting and assessing total cost of ownership. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower property taxes can reduce monthly expenses, making Arkansas potentially more attractive for those on a fixed income. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax differentials affect cash‑flow projections; the lower Arkansas rates may improve net operating income on comparable properties. |
| Relocation planners | When weighing overall affordability, combining tax data with median household income provides a clearer picture of purchasing power in each state. |
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arkansas imposes a lower effective property‑tax rate (0.57 %) than Maine (1.10 %). This results in annual tax savings of $1,315 on a $250,000 home and $2,631 on a $500,000 home. While Maine’s median home values and household incomes are higher, the tax rate advantage remains with Arkansas. The data presented can assist homeowners, retirees, investors, and others who need a factual basis for evaluating property‑tax costs across the two states.
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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.