Average Property Tax By State: Compare Your Area To Rates Across The U.S.

As we all learn when we set out to buy our first home, property taxes are a big expense of homeownership, no matter where you decide to live. They’re a key factor in your housing budget, so educating yourself about property tax rates by state and city is a great thing to add to the beginning of your home search. Don’t wait until you’ve already decided where to live, unless you're that rare person that doesn’t care how much they pay for their home each month.

What’s The Average Property Tax Rate In The US?

Property tax by state varies between 0.27% and 2.26%, which is quite a range when you start calculating the percentages on many hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more. The factors that people use to decide which state to live in are endless – from weather to entertainment, to walkability, work and so much more. Average property tax by state won’t be the biggest reason you move somewhere, but don’t leave it out of the equation completely.

It’s also important to keep in mind that tax fees also take into account your property’s value. So moving to a more expensive state with costly homes but a lower tax rate isn’t always the cost-saving measure it appears to be.

To help you understand property taxes and determine which city or state to buy in, we’ve gathered the per-capita cost and property tax rate for each U.S. state.

Washington D.C. is not considered a state but a district. Below are the per-capita cost and property tax for the capital city.

Located on the Potomac River, Washington D.C. shares a border with the states of Virginia and Maryland. With a thriving economy, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking views of nature all around, the District of Columbia is a great place to call home.

5 States With The Lowest Property Taxes

Now that you have the complete picture when it comes to the per-capita cost and property tax rate for each U.S. state, let’s zoom in a little more. As previously mentioned, these ranges vary pretty widely, so a cost-conscious home buyer might want to hone in on the states that will take the least when tax time rolls around. To that end, let’s look at the five states in the U.S. with the lowest property taxes.

Hawaii and Colorado offer breathtaking nature, plenty of sunshine and incredible recreational activities of all kinds. Everyone knows that. Now you know you won't overpay on your property taxes as well. Looking for more of a great plains setting? Alabama, Nevada or Idaho provide costs-effective options when it comes to state property taxes.

5 States With The Highest Property Taxes

On the flip side, some states in our union dip their hands a little deeper into your pockets when it comes to property taxes. That doesn't mean you shouldn't live in these places, but going in with your eyes wide open on what it’s going to cost you is probably a good idea. To that end, let’s look at the five states in the U.S. with the highest property taxes.

Considering a ski chalet in Vermont? Get ready to pay a premium for those property taxes while you’re hitting the slopes. Looking to enjoy the bustling nightlife of the Windy City? Don’t spend all your dough shopping on the Magnificent Mile because you’ll need a little extra when that tax bill rears its head. 

Types Of State Property Tax Exemptions

No one loves paying property tax, so if there's a way to reduce it, it’s worth considering. Here are a few common property tax exemptions to see if you qualify for. 

State Property Taxes: FAQs

Hopefully by now you have a good overview of how property taxes differ by state and what exceptions you might qualify for. Still looking for more answers? Check out these frequently asked questions when it comes to property taxes:

How are property taxes calculated?

Property taxes are determined by your state and local tax rates, called a mill levy, and your property’s assessed value. Typically, the property value includes your land and existing structures, but your state will use an assessment ratio to determine what portions of your property are taxable.

Can you lower your property taxes?

The short answer is no. Property tax rates are set by your local government and you can't lower them. However, you can affect your property’s value assessment to reduce the amount of property taxes you owe each year. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Review your property tax card at your local tax assessor’s office and correct any mistakes.
• Reconsider home additions that may increase your property value, like a deck or pool.
• Give your assessor a home tour and walk them through the positives and negatives, which they may otherwise miss.
• Apply for exemptions that can reduce or eliminate your property taxes.

Which US cities have the highest property taxes?

Property taxes don’t just vary by state, they vary by city as well. So, as you narrow your home search, understanding where these taxes might be cost prohibitive is a good idea. These are the five cities in the U.S. with the highest property taxes.

Which US cities have the lowest property taxes?

Now, on the flip side, let’s look at the five cities in the U.S. with the lowest property taxes.

Do all US states have property taxes?

Yes, all U.S. states have property taxes. As you have learned though, some are very low and others … not so much.

The Bottom Line

Property taxes are a necessary part of any state or local government’s ability to provide services like roads, education, public transportation, parks and so much more. That said, they can be a pesky punch to your pocket when you pay them each month. Educate yourself on the property taxes in the specific areas you are looking to move to so you don’t get surprised when the tax bill comes around. Considering buying a house in a state with the highest or lowest property taxes or somewhere in between? You can get approved with Rocket Mortgage^® today!

Methodology

Rocket Homes used data from the U.S. Census Bureau 2021 American Community Survey. Median yearly real estate taxes are an average of owner-occupied units with and without a mortgage. Effective property tax rate was calculated by dividing median yearly real estate taxes by median home value. States are sorted from lowest real estate tax rate to highest.