California vs Mississippi
California
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. Mississippi
Intro
Both California and Mississippi levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, police, and infrastructure. Using the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, this article presents a side‑by‑side view of each state’s effective property‑tax rate, median home values, typical tax bills, and household incomes. The comparison highlights which state has the lower rate and which types of residents might find the information most relevant.
Key Metrics (2023 ACS 5‑year estimates)
| Metric | California | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.74 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $161,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $1,189 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $1,842 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $3,684 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $54,915 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Wins on Property‑Tax Rate?
- Winner (lower rate): California
- Rate difference: 0.03 percentage points (California’s rate is 3.84 % lower than Mississippi’s).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $71 lower in California.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $142 lower in California.
The advantage is based solely on the effective property‑tax rate. While California’s median home value and median household income are considerably higher, the per‑dollar tax burden on property is slightly lighter than in Mississippi.
Audience Considerations
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the relative tax burden helps in budgeting for home ownership costs. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Property‑tax rates affect fixed‑income budgeting; the lower rate in California may be offset by higher home values. |
| Real‑estate investors | Rate differentials influence after‑tax cash flow calculations for properties of similar value in each state. |
| Policy analysts | The data provide a baseline for evaluating state‑level tax policy and its interaction with income levels. |
The comparison is factual and does not account for other tax categories (e.g., income or sales tax) or cost‑of‑living differences.
Further Reading
- Detailed overview of California’s property‑tax system: California property tax
- Detailed overview of Mississippi’s property‑tax system: Mississippi property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures above reflect median values and may not represent individual circumstances.
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.