Connecticut vs Puerto Rico
Property‑Tax Comparison: Connecticut vs. Puerto Rico
Intro
Both Connecticut and Puerto Rico levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, police, and infrastructure. The two jurisdictions differ markedly in tax rates, home values, and household incomes. The following tables and analysis use the latest available figures from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates) to present a side‑by‑side comparison.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Connecticut | Puerto Rico |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 1.92 % | 0.50 % |
| Median home value | $343,200 | $124,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $6,575 | $627 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $4,789 | $1,258 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $9,579 | $2,516 |
| Median household income | $93,760 | $25,096 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property Tax?
Puerto Rico has the lower effective property‑tax rate (0.50 % vs. 1.92 %). The rate difference of 1.41 percentage points represents a 73.73 % lower tax burden relative to Connecticut.
- For a $250,000 home, the annual tax gap is $3,531 (Puerto Rico $1,258 vs. Connecticut $4,789).
- For a $500,000 home, the gap widens to $7,063 (Puerto Rico $2,516 vs. Connecticut $9,579).
Based on the lower rate and the resulting smaller dollar amounts, Puerto Rico “wins” the comparison when the sole criterion is property‑tax cost.
Audience Considerations
| Potential audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | May use the data to assess the relative cost of owning a home in each jurisdiction, especially if considering relocation. |
| Retirees | Lower property taxes in Puerto Rico can reduce fixed‑income expenses, but the substantially lower median household income suggests broader cost‑of‑living differences. |
| Real‑estate investors | The tax differential affects cash‑flow calculations; however, investors must also weigh home‑value disparities and market dynamics. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Understanding the tax burden alongside median home values helps evaluate affordability. |
| Policy analysts | The figures illustrate how tax policy interacts with income levels and housing markets across U.S. jurisdictions. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals or professionals evaluating property‑tax costs in relation to home value and income levels. It does not address other fiscal considerations such as sales taxes, income taxes, or public‑service quality.
Key Takeaways
- Effective tax rate: Puerto Rico (0.50 %) < Connecticut (1.92 %).
- Median annual tax: Puerto Rico’s median property tax ($627) is roughly 1/10 of Connecticut’s ($6,575).
- Income context: Connecticut’s median household income is nearly four times that of Puerto Rico, indicating differing purchasing power and overall cost structures.
For readers seeking detailed information on each jurisdiction’s property‑tax system, see the dedicated pages:
All numbers are drawn from the most recent ACS estimates; any subsequent changes in tax rates or home values are not reflected here.
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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.