Georgia vs Tennessee
Property‑Tax Comparison: Georgia vs. Tennessee
Intro
Both Georgia and Tennessee 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), Tennessee’s effective property‑tax rate is lower than Georgia’s, resulting in lower annual payments for comparable home values. The tables and calculations below present the key metrics side by side.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | Georgia | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.81 % | 0.55 % |
| Median home value (2023 ACS) | $272,900 | $256,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,214 | $1,400 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $2,028 | $1,363 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $4,057 | $2,726 |
| Median household income | $74,664 | $67,097 |
Sources: Data are from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Who Wins on Property Tax?
Winner: Tennessee
Reason: Tennessee’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.55 % is 0.27 percentage points lower than Georgia’s 0.81 %. This represents a 32.80 % lower rate (0.27 % ÷ 0.81 % × 100). Consequently, annual property‑tax payments are lower for identical home values:
| Home value | Tax difference (Georgia – Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| $250,000 | $665 per year |
| $500,000 | $1,331 per year |
These differences are derived directly from the tax amounts listed in the table above.
Which Audiences May Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Lower annual taxes affect cash flow and overall housing affordability. |
| Retirees | Fixed‑income retirees often prioritize states with lower property‑tax burdens to stretch retirement savings. |
| Real‑estate investors | Property‑tax expense is a key component of total ownership cost calculations and can influence investment decisions. |
| Relocating families | Combining property‑tax data with median household income helps assess relative cost of living. |
The comparison is factual and does not provide recommendations; readers should consider additional factors such as income tax, sales tax, and local services when evaluating overall tax burden.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on Georgia’s property‑tax structure: Georgia property tax
- Detailed information on Tennessee’s property‑tax structure: Tennessee property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures above reflect the average conditions for each state as of 2023.
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.