California vs Ohio
California
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. Ohio
Brief overview
Both California and Ohio levy property taxes that are used to 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), California’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Ohio’s, but the higher median home values in California result in larger median tax bills. The following tables and analysis present the key figures side‑by‑side.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric (2023 ACS) | California | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 1.36 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $199,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $2,712 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $3,404 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $6,807 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $69,680 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which state “wins” on property‑tax rates?
- Winner (lower rate): California
- Rate difference: 0.65 % (California’s 0.71 % vs. Ohio’s 1.36 %) – a 47.97 % lower rate relative to Ohio.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $1,633 less in California.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $3,265 less in California.
The lower effective tax rate makes California the “winner” in this comparison. The calculation is straightforward:
[ \text{Rate difference} = 1.36% - 0.71% = 0.65% ]
[ \text{Percent difference} = \frac{0.65%}{1.36%} \times 100 \approx 47.97% ]
Who might find this comparison most useful?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding how the tax rate interacts with local home values helps estimate annual property‑tax costs in each state. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | A lower tax rate can reduce the growth of tax bills over time, though absolute tax amounts still depend on home value. |
| Real‑estate investors | The rate differential influences cash‑flow projections, especially when comparing properties of similar price points across the two states. |
| Policy analysts or planners | The contrast between rate and median tax burden highlights how state‑level assessment practices affect local revenue structures. |
Note: While California’s rate is lower, its higher median home price means the median property‑tax bill ($4,926) exceeds Ohio’s median bill ($2,712). Therefore, the advantage of a lower rate is most pronounced for owners of lower‑valued homes or for those evaluating tax impact on a per‑dollar‑value basis.
Further reading
- Detailed information on California’s property‑tax system: California property tax
- Detailed information on Ohio’s property‑tax system: Ohio property tax
All figures reflect the most recent ACS estimates available as of 2023 and are presented without interpretation beyond the data.
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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.