California vs Kentucky
California
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. Kentucky
Intro
Both California and Kentucky 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), the two states differ in median home values, effective tax rates, and the resulting annual tax payments. This article presents the key metrics side‑by‑side, identifies which state has the lower effective property‑tax rate, and indicates the primary audiences for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | California | Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.77 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $192,300 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $1,472 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $1,914 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $3,827 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $62,417 |
| Source | U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS (5‑year) | U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS (5-year) |
For more detailed state‑specific information, see the pages on California property tax and Kentucky property tax.
Which State “Wins” on Property‑Tax Rate?
Based on the effective property‑tax rate, California has the lower rate at 0.71 % compared with Kentucky’s 0.77 %.
- Rate difference: 0.06 % (approximately a 7.46 % relative difference).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $143 (California $1,771 vs. Kentucky $1,914).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $285 (California $3,542 vs. Kentucky $3,827).
Thus, for the same property value, a homeowner would pay a modestly lower amount of property tax in California than in Kentucky.
Who Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding how the tax burden varies with home value helps assess total housing costs in each state. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Property‑tax rates affect fixed‑income budgeting; the lower rate in California may be offset by higher home prices and income levels. |
| Real‑estate investors | The effective tax rate influences cash‑flow calculations, especially when comparing properties of similar value across states. |
| Policy analysts or researchers | The data illustrate how differing assessment practices translate into tax amounts relative to median incomes. |
The comparison is factual and does not incorporate subjective preferences such as climate, lifestyle, or other tax categories.
Summary
- Effective tax rate: California (0.71 %) < Kentucky (0.77 %).
- Median home values and incomes are substantially higher in California, which results in higher median tax payments despite the lower rate.
- The absolute tax difference for typical home values ($250k–$500k) is modest—$143 to $285 per year.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, California’s lower effective property‑tax rate makes it the “winner” in this narrow metric, while Kentucky’s lower median home values lead to lower overall tax bills for most residents. Stakeholders should weigh both the rate and the underlying property values when evaluating overall tax burden.
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.