Arkansas vs Massachusetts
Property Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. Massachusetts
Brief Overview
Both Arkansas and Massachusetts levy local property taxes to fund schools, roads, and other public services. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Arkansas’s effective property‑tax rate is roughly half that of Massachusetts. The disparity is reflected in median home values, annual tax bills, and the amount of tax paid on typical $250 k and $500 k homes.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Arkansas | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.57 % | 1.11 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $525,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $5,813 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $2,764 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $5,528 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $101,341 |
Sources: Arkansas property tax and Massachusetts property tax. Data drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Who “Wins” on Property Tax?
Arkansas has the lower effective property‑tax rate (0.57 % vs. 1.11 %).
- Absolute rate difference: 0.53 percentage points, which is a 48.25 % lower rate than Massachusetts.
- Annual tax on a $250 k home: Arkansas tax is $1,333 less than Massachusetts ($1,431 vs. $2,764).
- Annual tax on a $500 k home: Arkansas tax is $2,667 less than Massachusetts ($2,861 vs. $5,528).
Because the tax burden is directly tied to the effective rate, Arkansas is the “winner” in terms of lower property taxes.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Lower Property Taxes |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Lower annual tax bills can reduce ongoing housing costs, especially for owners of mid‑range homes ($250 k–$500 k). |
| Prospective homebuyers | The tax differential may influence affordability calculations when comparing locations. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | Reduced property‑tax obligations can help stretch retirement budgets, particularly in states with lower median home values. |
| Investors | Lower tax rates can improve cash‑flow projections for rental properties. |
| Policy analysts | The contrast illustrates how state‑level fiscal policies affect local tax burdens relative to income and home‑value levels. |
All groups should weigh the property‑tax data alongside other cost‑of‑living factors such as income levels, housing prices, and state services.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arkansas imposes a substantially lower property‑tax rate than Massachusetts. For homeowners and prospective buyers, this translates into markedly lower annual tax payments on comparable home values. However, the overall affordability picture also depends on median home values and household incomes, which differ significantly between the two states.
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.