Arkansas vs South Carolina
South Carolina
Property Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. South Carolina
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), both Arkansas and South Carolina have property‑tax rates that are below the national average. South Carolina’s effective rate is slightly lower than Arkansas’s, while the median home values and household incomes differ between the two states. The following sections present the key metrics side‑by‑side, identify which state has the lower tax burden, and outline the homeowner profiles that may benefit most from each tax environment.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Arkansas | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.57 % | 0.51 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $236,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $1,199 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $1,266 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $2,532 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $66,818 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Wins on Property Taxes?
South Carolina has the lower effective property tax rate (0.51 % vs. 0.57 % in Arkansas).
- Rate difference: 0.07 percentage points, representing an 11.48 % lower rate in South Carolina.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $165 less in South Carolina.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $329 less in South Carolina.
Because the tax rate is the primary determinant of yearly liability, South Carolina wins the comparison for having the lower property‑tax burden.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Arkansas Data | Relevance of South Carolina Data |
|---|---|---|
| First‑time homebuyers | Lower median home price may make entry more affordable despite a slightly higher tax rate. | Higher median home price, but lower tax rate could reduce ongoing costs once a home is purchased. |
| Retirees | Lower home values may translate to lower overall wealth tied up in real estate; however, the higher tax rate could affect fixed incomes. | Lower tax rate lessens the annual expense on a fixed‑income budget, though higher home values may require a larger upfront investment. |
| Investors / Second‑home owners | Slightly higher tax on high‑value properties ($500k) could affect cash‑flow calculations. | Lower tax on high‑value properties improves net operating income for rental or vacation homes. |
| Low‑to‑moderate‑income households | Median household income is lower, so the relative tax burden (tax as a share of income) may be higher despite cheaper homes. | Higher median income and lower tax rate combine to produce a smaller proportion of income devoted to property tax. |
The comparison is most useful for prospective homeowners, retirees, and real‑estate investors who are evaluating long‑term tax costs alongside home prices and income levels.
References
- Data source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
- For more detailed state‑specific information, see the internal pages: Arkansas property tax and South Carolina property tax.
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, South Carolina offers a marginally lower property‑tax rate, while Arkansas provides lower median home values. The optimal choice depends on the buyer’s financial situation, housing budget, and long‑term tax considerations.
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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.