Florida vs Wisconsin
Property‑Tax Comparison: Florida vs. Wisconsin
Intro
Both Florida and Wisconsin levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, roads, and public safety. The two states differ markedly in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. The data below come from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Florida | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.79 % | 1.51 % |
| Median home value | $325,000 | $247,400 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,555 | $3,746 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,966 | $3,785 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $3,931 | $7,571 |
| Median household income | $71,711 | $75,670 |
Sources: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State “Wins” on Property Taxes?
Winner (lower tax burden): Florida
- Effective tax‑rate advantage: 0.73 percentage points, representing a 48.07 % lower rate than Wisconsin.
- Annual tax difference for a $250 k home: $1,819 less in Florida.
- Annual tax difference for a $500 k home: $3,640 less in Florida.
Because Florida’s effective property‑tax rate is less than half of Wisconsin’s, homeowners pay substantially lower annual taxes on comparable property values.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Directly see the expected annual property‑tax cost for typical home prices in each state. |
| Retirees | Property‑tax expense is a key component of fixed‑income budgeting; the lower rate in Florida may reduce overall cost of living. |
| Real‑estate investors | Understanding tax differentials helps evaluate after‑tax returns on comparable properties. |
| Policy analysts | The contrast illustrates how state‑level tax structures affect household expenses relative to median incomes. |
The comparison is factual and does not incorporate state‑level exemptions, homestead credits, or other local variations that could further affect individual tax liabilities.
Additional Resources
- Detailed information on Florida’s property‑tax system: Florida property tax
- Detailed information on Wisconsin’s property‑tax system: Wisconsin property tax
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Florida’s effective property‑tax rate (0.79 %) is considerably lower than Wisconsin’s (1.51 %). Consequently, the median homeowner and those with typical $250 k–$500 k properties face lower annual tax bills in Florida. This information is most useful for homeowners, retirees, and investors who need to compare the tax component of housing costs across the two states.
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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.