Georgia vs Pennsylvania
Property‑Tax Comparison: Georgia vs. Pennsylvania
Introduction
Both Georgia and Pennsylvania levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, police, and road maintenance. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), Georgia’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Pennsylvania’s, resulting in smaller annual tax bills for comparable home values.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison (2023 ACS)
| Metric | Georgia | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.81 % | 1.35 % |
| Median home value | $272,900 | $240,500 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,214 | $3,241 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $2,028 | $3,369 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $4,057 | $6,738 |
| Median household income | $74,664 | $76,081 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Who Wins on Property Tax?
Georgia has the lower effective property‑tax rate (0.81 % vs. 1.35 %).
- Rate difference: 0.54 percentage points, which is a 39.80 % lower rate than Pennsylvania’s.
- Annual tax difference on a $250k home: $1,341 less in Georgia.
- Annual tax difference on a $500k home: $2,681 less in Georgia.
Because the tax burden is directly tied to the effective rate, Georgia is the “winner” in this comparison. The lower rate translates into lower yearly payments for homeowners with identical property values in the two states.
Which Audiences May Find This Comparison Useful?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how much of their housing cost is attributable to property tax can affect budgeting and decisions about refinancing or relocating. |
| Prospective homebuyers | When evaluating affordability across states, the tax component is a measurable factor alongside home prices and income levels. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower property taxes can reduce the overall cost of living, especially when income does not keep pace with inflation. |
| Real‑estate investors | Property‑tax rates influence cash‑flow projections and the net return on investment for rental properties. |
| Policy analysts | The data illustrate how state‑level tax policies differ and can be used in broader fiscal‑impact studies. |
The comparison is most directly applicable to individuals or entities that own or intend to own residential real property in either state. It does not address other taxes (e.g., income or sales taxes) or non‑tax cost factors such as insurance, utilities, or local fee structures.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Georgia’s property‑tax system: Georgia property tax
- Detailed information on Pennsylvania’s property‑tax system: Pennsylvania property tax
Summary
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, Georgia’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.81 % is substantially lower than Pennsylvania’s 1.35 %. For comparable home values, this results in annual tax savings of roughly $1,300–$2,700 for homeowners in Georgia. Stakeholders whose financial planning hinges on property‑tax expenses—such as current homeowners, prospective buyers, retirees, and investors—can use these figures to assess relative affordability between 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.