Arkansas vs Wisconsin
Property‑Tax Comparison: Arkansas vs. Wisconsin
Introduction
Both Arkansas and Wisconsin 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), Arkansas’s effective property‑tax rate is considerably lower than Wisconsin’s. The following tables and analysis present the key metrics side‑by‑side and identify which state has the lower rate.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison of Key Metrics
| Metric | Arkansas | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.57 % | 1.51 % |
| Median home value | $175,300 | $247,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $1,003 | $3,746 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,431 | $3,785 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,861 | $7,571 |
| Median household income | $58,773 | $75,670 |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Taxes?
Winner (lower tax rate): Arkansas
- Rate difference: Arkansas’s effective rate of 0.57 % is 0.94 percentage points lower than Wisconsin’s 1.51 % rate. This represents a 62.21 % lower effective rate.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $3,785 (WI) − $1,431 (AR) = $2,354.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $7,571 (WI) − $2,861 (AR) = $4,710.
Because the effective property‑tax rate directly determines the amount owed on a given property value, Arkansas results in substantially lower annual property‑tax bills for comparable homes.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the tax burden helps in budgeting for homeownership costs. Arkansas’s lower rates may reduce overall housing expenses. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income retirees often consider property taxes when choosing a residence. A lower rate can make a state more affordable for long‑term living. |
| Real‑estate investors | Property‑tax expense influences cash‑flow calculations. States with lower rates, such as Arkansas, can improve net returns on rental properties. |
| Policy analysts & local officials | The data provide a baseline for evaluating tax‑policy decisions and comparing fiscal structures across states. |
The comparison is primarily useful for individuals and entities for whom the amount of property tax is a material factor in financial planning.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
- Internal reference pages: Arkansas property tax and Wisconsin property tax.
All calculations are based on the most recent ACS estimates and reflect the effective tax rates and median values reported for each state.
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.