California vs Wyoming
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. Wyoming
Summary
Both California and Wyoming levy property taxes on residential real estate, but the effective rates and resulting dollar amounts differ. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Wyoming’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than California’s, which translates into lower annual tax bills for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | California | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.58 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $285,100 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $1,659 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $1,455 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $2,909 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $74,815 |
Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Tax?
- Winner (lower rate): Wyoming
- Rate difference: 0.13 % points, which is a 17.86 % lower effective rate than California’s.
- Dollar impact:
- On a $250,000 home, Wyoming taxes are $316 less per year.
- On a $500,000 home, Wyoming taxes are $633 less per year.
Because the effective tax rate is the primary determinant of the annual levy, Wyoming’s lower rate results in consistently lower property‑tax payments across the price spectrum.
Who Is This Comparison Most Relevant For?
| Audience | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the ongoing cost of owning a home in each state helps assess affordability beyond purchase price. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower property taxes can reduce the overall cost of living, especially when combined with median household income figures. |
| Real‑estate investors | The tax differential influences cash‑flow projections for rental or investment properties. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax structures affect household expenditures. |
The comparison is factual and does not imply that lower taxes alone make one state preferable; other factors such as services, climate, and employment opportunities also affect decision‑making.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on California’s property‑tax system: California property tax
- Detailed information on Wyoming’s property‑tax system: Wyoming property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures presented here reflect statewide averages and median values. Individual tax bills may vary due to local assessments, exemptions, and assessment cycles.
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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.