California vs Wisconsin
California
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. Wisconsin
Intro
Both California and Wisconsin levy property taxes that 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 Wisconsin’s, even though California’s median home values are considerably higher. The following tables and analysis present the key metrics side by side and identify which state has the lower tax burden based on rate.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | California | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 1.51 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $247,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $3,746 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $3,785 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $7,571 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $75,670 |
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property‑Tax Rate
Winner (lower tax rate): California
- Rate difference: 0.81 percentage points (California 0.71 % vs. Wisconsin 1.51 %).
- Relative difference: California’s rate is about 53.21 % lower than Wisconsin’s.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $2,014 less in California.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $4,029 less in California.
The lower effective rate in California results in a smaller tax bill per dollar of assessed value, even though the median tax amount is higher because home values are higher in the state.
Who Might Benefit From This Comparison
| Audience | Relevance of California’s Lower Rate | Relevance of Wisconsin’s Higher Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Current homeowners | May face a lower percentage of their home value in taxes, which can reduce ongoing costs relative to property value. | Pay a higher percentage of home value, which can increase yearly expenses, especially for higher‑valued properties. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The lower rate could be attractive when evaluating total cost of ownership, particularly for higher‑priced homes. | May be offset by lower home prices; the absolute tax amount can still be comparable or lower for modest‑priced homes. |
| Retirees on fixed incomes | A lower tax rate can ease budget pressures, though higher home values may still lead to larger absolute tax bills. | Despite a higher rate, lower home values often produce lower absolute tax amounts, which may be more manageable for fixed incomes. |
| Real‑estate investors | Lower rates can improve cash‑flow projections on higher‑priced assets. | Higher rates increase operating costs, but lower purchase prices may balance overall investment returns. |
The comparison is factual and does not prescribe a single “best” state; it highlights how the tax rate, home values, and household incomes interact to produce different tax burdens.
References
- Data source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
- For more detail on state‑specific rules, see the internal pages: California property tax and Wisconsin property tax.
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.