Arkansas vs West Virginia
West Virginia
Property Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. West Virginia
Overview
Both Arkansas and West Virginia have relatively low effective property tax rates compared with the national average. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Arkansas’s effective rate is 0.57 %, while West Virginia’s is 0.54 %. The modest difference translates into slightly lower annual property‑tax bills for comparable homes in West Virginia.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | Arkansas | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.57 % | 0.54 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $155,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $835 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $1,341 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $2,683 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $57,917 |
| Internal link | Arkansas property tax | West Virginia property tax |
All figures are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Tax?
Winner (lower rate): West Virginia
- Effective tax‑rate advantage: West Virginia’s rate of 0.54 % is 0.04 % lower than Arkansas’s 0.57 %—a relative difference of about 6.22 %.
- Dollar‑value impact: For a home valued at $250,000, the annual tax in West Virginia is $1,341 versus $1,431 in Arkansas, a $90 savings. For a $500,000 home, the difference widens to $178 per year ($2,683 vs. $2,861).
The lower rate is the primary factor in determining the “winner.” Median household incomes are similar in the two states, so the tax burden relative to earnings is also slightly lighter in West Virginia.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change in residence could affect annual property‑tax expenses. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Estimating ongoing housing costs when budgeting for a purchase in either state. |
| Retirees | Evaluating states with lower tax burdens to stretch fixed incomes. |
| Real‑estate investors | Comparing tax liabilities for rental or investment properties across the two markets. |
| Policy analysts | Using the effective‑rate figures to assess state‑level tax structures. |
The comparison is purely fiscal; it does not address other cost‑of‑living elements (e.g., sales tax, income tax, or utilities) that may influence a decision.
Bottom Line
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, West Virginia imposes a marginally lower property‑tax rate than Arkansas, resulting in modest annual savings for owners of $250 k‑ and $500 k‑valued homes. Stakeholders who prioritize lower property‑tax obligations—such as homeowners, retirees, and real‑estate investors—may find West Virginia slightly more advantageous in this specific fiscal dimension.
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.