Arkansas vs Washington
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. Washington
Introduction
Both Arkansas and Washington levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ markedly in effective tax rates, home values, and median household incomes. This article presents the key figures side by side, identifies which state has the lower tax burden, and outlines the types of homeowners for whom the comparison is most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison (2023 ACS)
| Metric | Arkansas | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.57 % | 0.84 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $519,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $4,361 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $2,098 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $4,195 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $94,952 |
Sources: All figures are from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Wins on Property‑Tax Rate?
- Winner (lower rate): Arkansas
- Rate difference: 0.27 percentage points, which is a 31.8 % lower effective tax rate than Washington.
Annual tax difference on typical home values
| Home value | Tax in Arkansas | Tax in Washington | Difference (Washington – Arkansas) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,431 | $2,098 | $667 |
| $500,000 | $2,861 | $4,195 | $1,334 |
Based on the lower effective property‑tax rate, Arkansas imposes a smaller annual tax bill for the same assessed property value. The difference grows proportionally with higher home prices because the rate is applied uniformly across the assessed value.
Who Benefits Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Arkansas vs. Washington |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Those evaluating the cost of owning a home will see a lower property‑tax burden in Arkansas, especially for mid‑range home prices. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | Lower taxes and a lower median home price in Arkansas may make homeownership more affordable relative to Washington. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors comparing cash‑flow prospects can use the tax‑rate differential to estimate operating expenses. |
| Potential migrants | Individuals whose primary concern is property‑tax cost will find Arkansas’s 0.57 % rate advantageous, while those prioritizing higher median incomes or larger home markets may still prefer Washington. |
The comparison is purely fiscal; it does not address other factors such as state income taxes, cost of living, or public‑service quality.
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on Arkansas property taxation: Arkansas property tax
- Detailed information on Washington property taxation: Washington property tax
Summary
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Arkansas’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.57 % is lower than Washington’s 0.84 %. This translates to annual tax savings of $667 on a $250 k home and $1,334 on a $500 k home. Homeowners, retirees, and investors focused on minimizing property‑tax expenses may find Arkansas more favorable, while other personal or economic considerations may still influence the choice of state.
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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.