Property taxes by state: compare rates and costs
Key Takeaways:
- Property taxes help fund essential public services and are based on the assessed value of a property, not what you paid for it.
- New Jersey (1.88%), Illinois (1.88%), Connecticut (1.54%), Vermont (1.51%), and New Hampshire (1.50%) have the highest property tax rates in the country.
- Hawaii (0.29%), Alabama (0.37%), Utah (0.48%), Arizona (0.48%), and South Carolina (0.49%) have the lowest property tax rates.
When buying a house it is not just about the purchase price. You also need to consider ongoing costs, such as property taxes, which can vary widely depending on where you live. Two homes with similar values can come with very different tax bills based on state and local rates.
Below, we break down property taxes by state so you can compare where costs are highest and where you might pay less over time.
What are property taxes?
Property taxes are taxes that homeowners pay based on the assessed value of their property. This applies to all types of property, including primary residences, investment properties and commercial buildings.
Your local tax assessor calculates your property taxes based on methods established by state and local law. If you itemize deductions, property taxes may be deductible on your federal tax return.
What do property taxes pay for?
Property taxes are an important source of revenue for local governments. They help pay for things like schools, public transportation, fire departments, infrastructure and other necessary public services and government expenses.
Property taxes by state
Keep in mind that property tax rates can vary significantly within the same state. What you ultimately pay depends on your state or city’s specific rate and the appraised value of your home. The figures below show statewide averages based on most recent data available; your actual tax bill may differ. Effective property tax rates reflect 2024 data (the most recent available), while average sales prices are from February 2026 Redfin data.
Stands |
Effective property tax rate (2024) |
Median sales price (February 2026) |
Estimated annual property taxes |
| New Jersey | 1.88% | $539,800 | $10,148 |
| Illinois | 1.88% | $298,600 | $5,614 |
| Connecticut | 1.54% | $421,900 | $6,497 |
| Vermont | 1.51% | $412,200 | $6,224 |
| New Hampshire | 1.50% | $484,000 | $7,260 |
| Nebraska | 1.44% | $300,800 | $4,332 |
| Texas | 1.40% | $333,800 | $4,673 |
| Iowa | 1.33 | $239,100 | $3,180 |
| Wisconsin | 1.32 | $322,400 | $4,256 |
| Ohio | 1.31 | $253,000 | $3,314 |
| New York | 1.30 | $597,400 | $7,766 |
| Pennsylvania | 1.26 | $293,100 | $3,693 |
| Kansas | 1.21 | $286,900 | $3,471 |
| Michigan | 1.19 | $259,900 | $3,093 |
| Rhode Island | 1.12 | $500,300 | $5,603 |
| Massachusetts | 1.00 | $597,700 | $5,977 |
| Minnesota | 1.00 | $348,100 | $3,481 |
| South Dakota | 1.00 | $327,200 | $3,272 |
| Maine | 0.98 | $372,400 | $3,650 |
| Alaska | 0.94 | $397,700 | $3,738 |
| Maryland | 0.92 | $427,000 | $3,928 |
| North Dakota | 0.92 | $319,200 | $2,937 |
| Missouri | 0.89 | $270,900 | $2,409 |
| Oregon | 0.81 | $499,500 | $4,046 |
| Georgia | 0.79 | $368,900 | $2,914 |
| Oklahoma | 0.79 | $250,000 | $1,975 |
| Florida | 0.78 | $413,200 | $3,223 |
| Virginia | 0.78 | $449,200 | $3,504 |
| Indiana | 0.76 | $261,600 | $1,988 |
| Washington | 0.75 | $625,000 | $4,688 |
| Kentucky | 0.74 | $270,200 | $1,999 |
| California | 0.70 | $820,500 | $5,744 |
| North Carolina | 0.66 | $388,400 | $2,563 |
| New Mexico | 0.63 | $373,200 | $2,351 |
| Montana | 0.61 | $538,200 | $3,283 |
| District of Columbia | 0.60 | $590,000 | $3,540 |
| Mississippi | 0.58 | $260,400 | $1,500 |
| Arkansas | 0.56 | $263,600 | $1,476 |
| Louisiana | 0.55 | $260,400 | $1,432 |
| Delaware | 0.54 | $352,000 | $1,901 |
| Wyoming | 0.53 | $414,300 | $2,196 |
| West Virginia | 0.51 | $241,000 | $1,229 |
| Colorado | 0.50 | $593,000 | $2,965 |
| Idaho | 0.50 | $478,200 | $2,391 |
| Nevada | 0.50 | $461,200 | $2,306 |
| South Carolina | 0.49 | $376,000 | $1,842 |
| Tennessee | 0.49 | $386,400 | $1,893 |
| Arizona | 0.48 | $447,100 | $2,146 |
| Utah | 0.48 | $557,700 | $2,677 |
| Alabama | 0.37 | $289,600 | $1,072 |
| Hawaii | 0.29 | $755,900 | $2,192 |
Property Taxes by State Frequently Asked Questions
Which states have the lowest property tax payments?
The following states have the lowest estimated property tax payments:
- Alabama ($1,072)
- West Virginia ($1,229)
- Louisiana ($1,432)
- Arkansas ($1,476)
- Mississippi ($1,500)
Which states have the highest property tax payments?
Here are the states where you can expect to pay the most in property taxes:
- New Jersey ($10,148)
- New York ($7,766)
- New Hampshire ($7,260)
- Connecticut ($6,497)
- Vermont ($6,224)
How are property taxes calculated?
Your annual property tax payments are determined by those of your home estimated valuewhich may differ from the purchase price. Local appraisers determine this value using market data and state-specific formulas, then apply the local tax rate to calculate your total.
Real Estate Tax vs. Property Tax: What’s the Difference?
Property taxes and property taxes generally refer to the same thing. The IRS uses the term “property tax,” while local governments and counties more commonly use “property tax.”
There may be some confusion on the subject personal property taxes. These apply to movable property, such as cars and boats, business equipment and livestock, but do not include real estate.
Is there a property tax exemption?
Certain homeowners may qualify for property tax exemptions or reductions, depending on state and local programs. Common groups that may be eligible include:
- Veterans
- Older homeowners
- Homeowners with disabilities
- Low-income homeowners
