Arkansas vs Pennsylvania
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. Pennsylvania
Intro
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Arkansas and Pennsylvania have markedly different property‑tax environments. Arkansas’s effective property‑tax rate is 0.57 %, while Pennsylvania’s is 1.35 %. The disparity influences the amount of annual tax paid on homes of various values and may affect decisions for prospective homeowners, retirees, and investors.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Arkansas | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.57 % | 1.35 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $240,500 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $3,241 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $3,369 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $6,738 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $76,081 |
Sources: According to U.S. Census Bureau data (2023 ACS 5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property Tax?
Winner (lower tax rate): Arkansas
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.78 % (Arkansas is 57.54 % lower than Pennsylvania).
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $1,938 less in Arkansas.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $3,877 less in Arkansas.
The lower effective rate in Arkansas results in smaller tax bills across all home‑price tiers. For the same property value, owners in Arkansas pay less than half the amount required in Pennsylvania.
Which Audience Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The table shows how much property tax would be due on typical home prices in each state. |
| Retirees | Property‑tax burden directly impacts fixed‑income budgets; a lower rate can mean greater affordability. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax liability affects cash‑flow calculations and return on investment for rental properties. |
| Relocators evaluating cost of living | Combined with median household income data, the figures help assess overall affordability. |
These groups can use the data to compare the fiscal impact of owning a home in Arkansas versus Pennsylvania without relying on promotional language.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Arkansas’s property‑tax structure: Arkansas property tax
- Detailed information on Pennsylvania’s property‑tax structure: Pennsylvania property tax
Conclusion
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Arkansas offers a substantially lower effective property‑tax rate than Pennsylvania. The difference translates into lower annual taxes for homeowners and other property owners in Arkansas, making it the more tax‑advantageous option for those prioritizing property‑tax costs.
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.