Georgia vs Iowa
Georgia vs. Iowa – Property‑Tax Comparison
Intro
Both Georgia and Iowa 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), the two states differ notably in effective tax rates, median home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. This article presents the key metrics side by side, identifies which state has the lower property‑tax burden, and outlines the groups for whom the comparison is most relevant.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Georgia | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.81 % | 1.43 % |
| Median home value | $272,900 | $195,900 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,214 | $2,795 |
| Tax on a $250k home | $2,028 | $3,567 |
| Tax on a $500k home | $4,057 | $7,134 |
| Median household income | $74,664 | $73,147 |
| Relevant internal pages | Georgia property tax | Iowa property tax |
All figures are drawn from the 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates.
Which State Wins on Property‑Tax Burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): Georgia
- Effective tax‑rate difference: 0.62 percentage points (Georgia 0.81 % vs. Iowa 1.43 %). This represents a 43.13 % lower rate in Georgia.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $3,567 – $2,028 = $1,539 less in Georgia.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $7,134 – $4,057 = $3,077 less in Georgia.
Based on the lower effective property‑tax rate, Georgia imposes a smaller yearly tax bill for comparable home values.
Who Is This Comparison Most Useful For?
| Audience | Why the data matters |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how much of their mortgage payment will go to property tax in each state helps with budgeting and long‑term planning. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The tax figures allow buyers to compare total housing costs (price + tax) when evaluating locations. |
| Retirees | Property‑tax levels affect disposable income in retirement; a lower rate may make a state more financially sustainable. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax burden influences cash‑flow projections for rental properties or resale scenarios. |
| Policy analysts | The contrast illustrates how state‑level tax structures impact households with similar incomes (median household income is comparable: $74,664 in GA vs. $73,147 in IA). |
Summary
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Georgia’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.81 % is substantially lower than Iowa’s 1.43 %. For homes valued at $250 k or $500 k, the annual tax liability in Georgia is $1,539 and $3,077 lower, respectively. The lower tax burden makes Georgia the “winner” in this direct property‑tax comparison. Stakeholders such as homeowners, prospective buyers, retirees, and investors can use these figures to assess the relative cost of owning property in the two states.
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.