Connecticut vs Kentucky
Property‑Tax Comparison: Connecticut vs. Kentucky
Intro
Both Connecticut and Kentucky 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), Connecticut’s effective property‑tax rate is more than double that of Kentucky. The differences in rates translate into substantially different annual tax bills for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Connecticut | Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.92 % | 0.77 % |
| Median home value | $343,200 | $192,300 |
| Median annual property tax | $6,575 | $1,472 |
| Property tax on a $250 k home | $4,789 | $1,914 |
| Property tax on a $500 k home | $9,579 | $3,827 |
| Median household income | $93,760 | $62,417 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which state has the lower tax burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Kentucky
- Rate difference: 1.15 percentage points (Connecticut’s 1.92 % vs. Kentucky’s 0.77 %). This represents a 60.04 % lower effective rate in Kentucky.
- Annual tax difference on a $250 k home: $2,875 less in Kentucky.
- Annual tax difference on a $500 k home: $5,752 less in Kentucky.
Because Kentucky’s effective property‑tax rate is lower, the state generates a smaller tax bill for any given property value. The lower rate is the primary factor in the overall tax‑burden comparison, regardless of the differing median home values and household incomes.
Who might find this comparison most relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change in residence could affect yearly tax expenses. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating the total cost of ownership, especially when comparing homes of similar price in the two states. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower property taxes can reduce overall living costs, making Kentucky potentially more attractive for budget‑constrained retirees. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rates influence cash‑flow projections; Kentucky’s lower rates may improve net yields on rental properties. |
| Policy analysts | Provides a data‑driven snapshot of how state‑level tax structures differ. |
The data are purely fiscal; other factors such as state income tax, sales tax, cost of living, and public‑service quality are not addressed here.
Further reading
- Detailed information on Connecticut’s property‑tax system: Connecticut property tax
- Detailed information on Kentucky’s property‑tax system: Kentucky property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures above reflect statewide averages and medians; individual tax bills may vary depending on local assessment practices and exemptions.
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.