Florida vs Utah
Property‑Tax Comparison: Florida vs. Utah
Short introduction
Both Florida and Utah levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Utah’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Florida’s, which translates into smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑side key metrics
| Metric | Florida | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.79 % | 0.53 % |
| Median home value | $325,000 | $455,000 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,555 | $2,412 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,966 | $1,325 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,931 | $2,651 |
| Median household income | $71,711 | $91,750 |
| Internal link | Florida property tax | Utah property tax |
All figures are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Who wins on property‑tax burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Utah
- Rate difference: 0.26 percentage points, which is a 32.57 % lower effective rate than Florida’s (0.53 % vs. 0.79 %).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $641 less in Utah ($1,966 – $1,325).
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $1,280 less in Utah ($3,931 – $2,651).
Because the effective tax rate directly determines the amount of tax owed per dollar of assessed value, Utah’s lower rate results in smaller property‑tax bills across the price spectrum, even though the median home value in Utah is higher.
Which audiences benefit most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the tax component of total housing costs helps in budgeting and choosing a location. |
| Retirees | Property taxes often affect fixed‑income budgets; a lower rate can reduce annual expenses. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rates influence cash‑flow projections and net‑operating income calculations. |
| Policymakers and analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax policies differ when controlling for home values and incomes. |
The comparison is factual and does not prescribe a “best” state; it simply shows that, based on the most recent ACS estimates, Utah imposes a lower effective property‑tax rate than Florida. Decision‑makers should weigh this information alongside other factors such as climate, employment opportunities, and overall cost of living.
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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.