Arkansas vs Puerto Rico
Property Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. Puerto Rico
Introduction
Both Arkansas and Puerto Rico 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 jurisdictions differ in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. This article presents a side‑by‑side comparison of the key metrics and identifies which jurisdiction has the lower property tax burden.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison Table
| Metric | Arkansas | Puerto Rico |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.57 % | 0.50 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $124,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $627 |
| Annual tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $1,258 |
| Annual tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $2,516 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $25,096 |
| Internal link | Arkansas property tax | Puerto Rico property tax |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which Jurisdiction Has the Lower Tax Burden?
Winner (lower effective tax rate): Puerto Rico
- Rate difference: 0.07 percentage points, which is a 12.06 % lower rate than Arkansas.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $173 less in Puerto Rico.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $345 less in Puerto Rico.
The lower effective tax rate in Puerto Rico translates into smaller annual property tax payments for comparable home values, despite its lower median home price.
Who Benefits Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the relative tax burden helps in budgeting for home ownership costs in each jurisdiction. |
| Retirees | Property tax levels directly affect fixed‑income budgeting; the lower rate in Puerto Rico may be advantageous for retirees on limited incomes. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors can assess tax expense implications when comparing potential acquisition costs across the two markets. |
| Policy analysts | The data provide a baseline for evaluating fiscal policy and its impact on household finances. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals or entities evaluating the cost of owning residential real property, especially where property tax expense is a significant component of total housing costs.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Puerto Rico’s effective property tax rate of 0.50 % is lower than Arkansas’s 0.57 %. This results in lower annual taxes for comparable home values, with differences of $173 and $345 for $250 k and $500 k properties, respectively. Homeowners, retirees, and investors seeking lower property‑tax obligations may find Puerto Rico’s tax structure comparatively favorable, while Arkansas’s higher median household income may offset its higher tax rate for some residents. All figures are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
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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.