Arkansas vs Mississippi
Property Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. Mississippi
Introduction
Both Arkansas and Mississippi have relatively low property‑tax burdens compared with the national average. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Arkansas’s effective property‑tax rate is 0.57 % while Mississippi’s is 0.74 %. The following sections present the key metrics side by side, identify which state has the lower rate, and discuss which groups of residents may find the comparison most relevant.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Metric | Arkansas | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.57 % | 0.74 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $161,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $1,189 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $1,842 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $3,684 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $54,915 |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state “wins” on property tax?
Winner (lower tax rate): Arkansas
- Rate difference: 0.16 % points (Arkansas is 0.16 % lower than Mississippi).
- Relative difference: 22.33 % lower effective rate.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $411 less in Arkansas.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $823 less in Arkansas.
Because the effective property‑tax rate is the primary driver of the amounts shown, Arkansas results in lower property‑tax payments for identical home values. The lower median tax ($1,003 vs. $1,189) further confirms this advantage.
Who might benefit from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how their property‑tax burden compares to a neighboring state can inform decisions about relocation or refinancing. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The effective tax rate directly affects total housing costs; lower rates in Arkansas may reduce ongoing expenses. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income retirees often prioritize states with lower recurring taxes; Arkansas’s lower rate could be financially advantageous. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors evaluating multi‑state portfolios can use the rate difference to estimate operating costs and cash‑flow impacts. |
| Policy analysts | The clear numeric gap provides a basis for studying the effects of tax policy on household affordability. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals or entities for whom property‑tax expense is a significant component of overall housing costs.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
- Internal pages for further detail: Arkansas property tax and Mississippi property tax.
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arkansas currently imposes a lower effective property‑tax rate than Mississippi.
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.