California vs Illinois
California
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. Illinois
Introduction
Both California and Illinois 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, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. This article presents a side‑by‑side comparison of the key metrics, identifies which state has the lower property‑tax burden, and outlines the groups for whom the information is most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | California | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 2.07 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $250,500 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $5,189 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $5,179 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $10,357 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $81,702 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): California
- Tax‑rate difference: 1.36 percentage points, which represents a 65.80 % lower effective rate in California relative to Illinois.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $3,408 less in California ($1,771 vs. $5,179).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $6,815 less in California ($3,542 vs. $10,357).
Because the effective property‑tax rate is the primary driver of the annual tax bill, California’s lower rate translates into lower taxes for comparable property values, despite its higher median home price.
Who Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change in residence between the two states would affect annual property‑tax expenses. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Assessing the total cost of ownership, especially when comparing homes of similar price points. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Evaluating tax burden relative to household income; California’s lower rate may be advantageous, but higher home values could offset savings. |
| Real‑estate investors | Estimating operating costs for rental properties in each market. |
| Policy analysts | Using the effective rate and median tax figures to compare fiscal policy outcomes across states. |
The comparison is factual and does not account for other taxes (e.g., income, sales) or cost‑of‑living factors that may influence a household’s overall financial picture.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on California’s property‑tax structure: California property tax
- Detailed information on Illinois’s property‑tax structure: Illinois property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures above reflect statewide medians and effective rates; local variations (city, county, school district) can cause actual tax bills to differ from these averages.
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.