California vs North Dakota
California
Property Tax Comparison: California vs. North Dakota
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ markedly in property‑tax burden, home values, and household income. The following sections present the key metrics side‑by‑side, identify which state has the lower effective tax rate, and outline the groups for whom the comparison is most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | California | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.99 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $241,100 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $2,392 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $2,480 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $4,961 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $75,949 |
| Data source | California property tax | North Dakota property tax |
All figures are derived from the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Rate?
- Winner (lower rate): California
- Rate difference: 0.28 percentage points, which is a 28.6 % lower effective rate than North Dakota’s 0.99 %.
Impact on typical home values (based on the rates above):
| Home value | Annual tax in California | Annual tax in North Dakota | Difference (CA – ND) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,771 | $2,480 | ‑$709 |
| $500,000 | $3,542 | $4,961 | ‑$1,419 |
The lower rate in California translates into lower annual property‑tax payments for the same assessed value, even though California’s median home prices are substantially higher.
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Useful?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the tax burden relative to home price helps in budgeting and evaluating total cost of ownership. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Property‑tax rates directly affect fixed‑income budgets; a lower effective rate may be attractive despite higher home prices. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rate differences influence cash‑flow projections for rental or resale properties. |
| Policy analysts or researchers | The data illustrate how effective tax rates vary across states with different housing markets and income levels. |
The comparison is factual and based solely on the most recent ACS estimates; it does not incorporate local exemptions, assessment practices, or other state‑specific tax credits that could affect individual liabilities.
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, California’s effective property‑tax rate (0.71 %) is lower than North Dakota’s (0.99 %). Consequently, for identical home values, California homeowners would pay less in annual property taxes, though they typically face higher median home prices and higher household incomes. The information is pertinent to anyone assessing the cost of home ownership or relocation between these two states.
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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.