Arkansas vs Rhode Island
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. Rhode Island
Brief overview
Both Arkansas and Rhode Island levy property taxes based on the assessed value of real‑estate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Arkansas’s effective property‑tax rate is less than half of Rhode Island’s. The difference in rates translates into lower annual property‑tax payments for comparable home values in Arkansas.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Arkansas | Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.57 % | 1.32 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $368,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $4,854 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $3,291 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $6,581 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $86,372 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which state has the lower tax burden?
- Winner (lower effective rate): Arkansas
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.74 percentage points, which is a 56.53 % lower rate than Rhode Island’s.
- Annual tax difference for a $250k home: $1,860 less in Arkansas ($3,291 − $1,431).
- Annual tax difference for a $500k home: $3,720 less in Arkansas ($6,581 − $2,861).
The lower effective rate in Arkansas means that, for the same home value, property‑tax liability is consistently lower than in Rhode Island. This outcome is driven primarily by the differing assessment practices and tax‑rate structures of the two states.
Who is likely to benefit most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The lower tax rate in Arkansas reduces the ongoing cost of homeownership, which can affect affordability calculations. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | Lower property taxes may make Arkansas a more financially sustainable location for retirees who rely on limited retirement income. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax‑rate differentials influence cash‑flow projections; Arkansas’s lower rates can improve net operating income for rental properties. |
| Policy analysts / researchers | The data illustrate how state‑level tax policies can generate sizable differences in household expenses. |
The comparison does not address other cost‑of‑living factors (e.g., sales taxes, income taxes, housing prices) or qualitative considerations such as climate, services, or lifestyle.
Further reading
- Detailed information on Arkansas property taxation: Arkansas property tax
- Detailed information on Rhode Island property taxation: Rhode Island property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures presented here reflect statewide averages and median values. Local variations (e.g., county‑level rates, exemptions) may cause actual tax bills to differ from the state‑wide benchmarks.
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.