Arkansas vs Montana
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. Montana
Both Arkansas and Montana 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 noticeably in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. The table below places the key metrics side‑by‑side for quick reference.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Arkansas | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.57 % | 0.75 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $338,100 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $2,535 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $1,875 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $3,749 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $69,922 |
| Reference links | Arkansas property tax | Montana property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State “Wins” on Property Tax?
Arkansas has the lower effective property‑tax rate at 0.57 %, compared with 0.75 % in Montana. The absolute difference is 0.18 %, which represents a 23.69 % lower rate relative to Montana’s rate.
Applying the rates to typical home values yields the following annual tax differentials:
| Home value | Arkansas tax | Montana tax | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,431 | $1,875 | $444 less in Arkansas |
| $500,000 | $2,861 | $3,749 | $888 less in Arkansas |
Because the lower rate translates directly into a smaller annual tax bill for comparable property values, Arkansas is the “winner” in a pure property‑tax‑rate comparison.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the ongoing tax burden can inform budgeting and decisions about refinancing or relocating. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The effective tax rate, combined with median home values, helps estimate total housing costs in each state. |
| Retirees | Since property taxes are a fixed expense, a lower rate (as in Arkansas) may be advantageous for those on a fixed income. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax differentials affect cash‑flow projections; lower rates improve net operating income for rental properties. |
| Policy analysts | The comparison highlights how tax structures vary across states, which can be a factor in broader fiscal studies. |
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arkansas imposes a lower effective property‑tax rate than Montana (0.57 % vs. 0.75 %). For homeowners of comparable property values, this translates into $444–$888 less in annual taxes. The data are particularly useful for individuals and professionals assessing the total cost of home ownership or investment in either 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.