Idaho vs West Virginia
Property‑tax comparison: Idaho vs. West Virginia
Both Idaho and West Virginia levy property taxes at rates that are close to the national average. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), the two states differ in median home values, household incomes, and the amount of tax paid on typical homes. The data below summarizes the key figures used for the comparison.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | Idaho | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.53 % | 0.54 % |
| Median home value | $376,000 | $155,600 |
| Median annual property tax | $2,006 | $835 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,334 | $1,341 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $2,667 | $2,683 |
| Median household income | $74,636 | $57,917 |
Source: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which state has the lower tax burden?
- Winner (lower effective tax rate): Idaho – 0.53 % vs. 0.54 % in West Virginia.
- Difference in effective rate: 0.01 percentage points (approximately a 0.58 % relative difference).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $7 lower in Idaho.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $16 lower in Idaho.
The lower effective rate in Idaho translates into modestly smaller yearly tax bills for homeowners at the $250k and $500k price points, even though Idaho’s median home values are considerably higher than those in West Virginia.
Who benefits most from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the data |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Knowing the effective rate helps estimate future tax obligations, especially if they plan to purchase a higher‑valued home. |
| Prospective homebuyers | The table shows how the tax bill scales with home price in each state, aiding budget calculations. |
| Retirees and low‑income buyers | Median household‑income figures provide context for affordability; West Virginia’s lower median home value may offset its slightly higher tax rate for budget‑constrained buyers. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates combined with home‑value trends can inform investment‑return analyses. |
Overall, Idaho offers a marginally lower property‑tax rate, while West Virginia’s lower median home values result in a substantially lower median annual tax amount. The choice between the two states will therefore depend on the relative importance of tax rate versus home‑price level for the individual or household.
For more detailed information on each state’s tax structure, see the dedicated pages:
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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.