Florida vs North Carolina
North Carolina
Property‑Tax Comparison: Florida vs. North Carolina
Intro
Both Florida and North Carolina levy property taxes that are used to 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), the two states differ slightly in effective tax rates, median home values, and the amount of tax paid on typical residential properties. The data below provides a side‑by‑side view of the key metrics that affect homeowners and other property owners.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Metric | Florida | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.79 % | 0.70 % |
| Median home value | $325,000 | $259,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,555 | $1,815 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,966 | $1,749 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,931 | $3,499 |
| Median household income | $71,711 | $69,904 |
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 effective tax rate): North Carolina (0.70 % vs. 0.79 % in Florida)
- Rate difference: 0.09 percentage points, which represents an 11 % lower rate in North Carolina relative to Florida.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $217 (Florida $1,966 – North Carolina $1,749)
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $432 (Florida $3,931 – North Carolina $3,499)
The lower effective rate in North Carolina translates into modestly lower yearly property‑tax payments across common home price points. This is the primary reason North Carolina is identified as the “winner” in this comparison.
Who Benefits Most From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the ongoing cost of property ownership in each state helps in budgeting and evaluating relocation options. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The data can be used to estimate future tax liabilities when comparing homes priced around $250 k or $500 k. |
| Retirees | Since many retirees rely on fixed incomes, a lower effective tax rate (as in North Carolina) may reduce overall living expenses. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates affect cash‑flow projections and return‑on‑investment calculations. |
| Policy analysts | The side‑by‑side metrics provide a concise snapshot for comparative tax‑policy research. |
The comparison is factual and does not prescribe a specific state as the “best” choice; it simply outlines the quantitative differences in property‑tax structures.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Florida’s property‑tax system: Florida property tax
- Detailed information on North Carolina’s property‑tax system: North Carolina property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures presented here reflect statewide averages and may vary by county or municipality within each state.
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.