California vs Utah
California vs. Utah Property Taxes: A Data‑Driven Comparison
Intro
Both California and Utah levy property taxes on real‑estate owners, but the rates and resulting payments differ. Using the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), this article presents a side‑by‑side view of the two states’ effective property tax rates, median home values, typical tax bills, and household incomes. The goal is to provide a factual basis for homeowners, prospective buyers, retirees, and other stakeholders to assess how property‑tax burdens compare between the two jurisdictions.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric (2023 ACS) | California | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $455,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $2,412 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $1,325 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $2,651 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $91,750 |
All numbers are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Tax Burden?
Winner (lower effective tax rate): Utah
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.18 % (Utah’s rate is 25.17 % lower than California’s).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $446 less in Utah.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $891 less in Utah.
The lower effective rate in Utah translates into smaller annual property‑tax payments across comparable home price points. Consequently, for individuals whose primary concern is the amount paid each year on property taxes, Utah offers a less expensive tax environment than California.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners in either state | Can gauge whether their property‑tax bill aligns with state‑wide medians and assess potential savings if they relocate. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Provides a baseline for estimating ongoing housing costs in each market, beyond purchase price. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower annual taxes can reduce the overall cost of living, making Utah potentially more attractive for budget‑constrained retirees. |
| Real‑estate investors | Understanding tax differentials helps in evaluating net‑operating income and return on investment across state lines. |
| Policy analysts | Offers a concise snapshot of how property‑tax structures differ in two large, economically diverse states. |
The comparison is purely quantitative; it does not address other fiscal considerations such as state income taxes, sales taxes, or public‑service quality, which may also influence decision‑making.
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on California’s property‑tax system: California property tax
- Detailed information on Utah’s property‑tax system: Utah property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures presented here reflect median values and effective rates. Individual property‑tax bills can vary depending on local assessment practices, exemptions, and specific property characteristics.
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.