Florida vs Montana
Property‑Tax Comparison: Florida vs. Montana
Introduction
Both Florida and Montana levy property taxes that are calculated as a percentage of assessed home value. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states have similar median home values and median household incomes, but their effective property‑tax rates differ slightly. This article presents the key metrics side‑by‑side, identifies which state has the lower rate, and outlines the types of taxpayers for whom the comparison may be most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | Florida | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.79 % | 0.75 % |
| Median home value | $325,000 | $338,100 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,555 | $2,535 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,966 | $1,875 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,931 | $3,749 |
| Median household income | $71,711 | $69,922 |
All figures are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Wins on Property Tax?
Winner (lower effective rate): Montana
- Rate advantage: Montana’s effective property‑tax rate is 0.04 percentage points lower than Florida’s (0.75 % vs. 0.79 %). This represents a relative difference of about 4.63 %.
- Dollar impact:
- On a $250,000 home, the annual tax is $91 lower in Montana ($1,875 vs. $1,966).
- On a $500,000 home, the annual tax is $182 lower in Montana ($3,749 vs. $3,931).
The lower rate in Montana results from a combination of state‑level tax policies and local assessment practices, while Florida’s slightly higher rate reflects its own statutory framework and local levy structures.
Who Might Find This Comparison Most Useful?
| Audience | Why the comparison matters |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change in residence could affect annual property‑tax bills. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating the long‑term cost of owning a home in each state, especially for properties around the $250k–$500k price range. |
| Retirees | Many retirees consider property taxes when budgeting fixed incomes; a lower rate can reduce ongoing expenses. |
| Real‑estate investors | Property‑tax rates influence cash‑flow projections for rental or investment properties. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how modest differences in effective rates translate into tangible cost variations for residents. |
The comparison is neutral and data‑driven; it does not account for other tax categories (e.g., income tax, sales tax) or non‑tax factors such as climate, cost of living, or services.
References
- Data source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
- Further reading:
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Montana’s effective property‑tax rate is marginally lower than Florida’s, resulting in modest annual savings for comparable home values.
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.